A Legacy of Tobacco Meets Modern Technology
Tabacos El Guajiro, a family-run Canarian company founded in 1935, has partnered with Telefónica Tech, Telefónica’s digital business unit, on a groundbreaking project. The initiative focuses on implementing a complete traceability system for its production chain, designed to boost operational efficiency and ensure compliance with strict European tobacco product regulations.
Implementing a Comprehensive Traceability Solution
Through its company Geprom, Telefónica Tech has deployed a full traceability solution at the Tabacos El Guajiro plant in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The project involved installing specialized labelling machines, laser markers, and the sophisticated Osapiens software. This integrated system allows the Canarian company to monitor and track every single unit of product from start to finish.
How the Technology Works
The cloud-based Osapiens software leverages cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence. It collects real-time data from the labellers and laser markers used to individually mark each tobacco product during the packaging phase. This creates a complete, verifiable record of the entire manufacturing process and provides a unique serial number for every packet, ensuring full traceability.
Driving Transparency and Authenticity
This technological leap brings unprecedented transparency to the Tabacos El Guajiro supply chain. More than just meeting legal requirements, it empowers the company to guarantee the authenticity of its products and uphold its renowned quality standards. The project is a direct response to the European Tobacco Products Directive, which mandates that all packaging must bear a unique, secure identifier and have its movements recorded. This facilitates traceability and security across the European Union, tracking the product from the manufacturer all the way to the last economic operator before it reaches a retail store.
Executive Perspectives
Christian A.W. Linden, General Manager of Tabacos El Guajiro, commented, “This project is a commitment to innovation that will allow us to evolve our business and, in doing so, guarantee the authenticity and quality of our tobacco. With Telefónica Tech’s traceability solution, we comply with European regulations on tobacco products and achieve comprehensive control and monitoring.”
Dario Cesena, CEO of Geprom, part of Telefónica Tech, added, “The traceability technology solution deployed at Tabacos El Guajiro allows the company to guarantee both the transparency of the production process and the authenticity of the product. These are key aspects for ensuring product quality, boosting operational efficiency and customer loyalty, as well as for strengthening its positioning in international markets.”
A Family Tradition Since 1935
Founded in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1935 by Don Braulio Pérez Méndez and now managed by his grandson, Tabacos El Guajiro offers a wide range of tobacco products to suit all tastes. The company cares for every detail in each process of elaboration and packaging to achieve the highest level of quality, maintaining the same meticulous care that has been passed down through generations.
