Summary
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant-based ingredients worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations. It is involved in the procuring, financing, processing, packing, storing, and shipping leaf tobacco for sale to manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. The company contracts, purchases, processes, and sells flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos that are primarily used in the manufacture of cigarettes; and dark air-cured tobaccos principally used in the manufacture of cigars, natural wrapped cigars and cigarillos, smokeless, and pipe tobacco products. It also provides value-added services, including blending, chemical, and physical testing of tobacco; service cutting for various manufacturers; manufacturing reconstituted leaf tobacco; just-in-time inventory management services; electronic nicotine delivery systems; and smoke testing services for customers. In addition, the company offers testing services for crop protection agents and tobacco constituents in seed, leaf, and finished products, including e-cigarette liquids and vapors; and analytical services that include chemical compound testing in finished tobacco products and mainstream smoke. Further, it provides a various value-added manufacturing processes to produce specialty vegetable and fruit-based ingredients, as well as botanical extracts and flavorings for human and pet food markets; and recycles waste materials from tobacco production. The company was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
History
After the 1911 breakup of the American Tobacco Company trust, Jacquelin P. Taylor incorporated Universal out of six formerly independent leaf merchants.In 2010, Universal along with Alliance One International were accused of violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. The company is alleged to have paid US$10,000 to the wife of an official in the Mozambique Ministry of Agriculture to secure favorable tax treatment in that country. In 2010, Universal paid about $10 million in restitution and penalties to settle the charges.On January 3, 2020, Universal purchased FruitSmart.
Mission
Our mission is to be the leader in our industry by providing our clients with world-class products and services at competitive prices.
Vision
Our vision is to be the premier provider of innovative and quality products and services in the world.
Key Team
Mr. Preston Douglas Wigner (VP, Gen. Counsel & Sec.)
Mr. Scott J. Bleicher (VP & Controller)
Mr. Theodore G. Broome (Exec. VP & Sales Director of Universal Leaf Tobacco Company Inc)
Harvard B. Smith (VP & Chief Compliance Officer)
Ms. Candace C. Formacek (VP & Treasurer)
Mr. James A. Huffman (Sr. VP of Information & Planning - Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc)
Ms. Catherine H. Claiborne (VP & Assistant Sec.)
Recognition and Awards
Universal Corporation has been recognized with numerous awards, including an International Excellence Award for Best Practices and Innovation in 2015, Industry Leader of the Year in 2016, and Best Company to Work For in 2017.
References
United States 