HBI Innovations

HBI International (often doing business as HBI Innovations) is a global manufacturer and wholesale distributor in the smoking accessories industry, best known for creating and producing the popular RAW® Natural Rolling Papers brand. Founded by Josh Kesselman, the company is recognized for its focus on plant-based, unrefined, and sustainable smoking products but also is producing and distributing pre-rolled cones, rolling machines, trays, scales and all kind of paraphernalia.

Founder Josh Kesselman started as a small direct-to-store distributor of tobacco items after opening his first small smoke shop in Gainesville, Florida, in 1993.Following a vision to create a cleaner, non-bleached, additive-free paper, Kesselman invested in natural hemp fiber, leading to the launch of RAW Natural Rolling Papers in 2005. The success of RAW and other brands like Elements (rice paper) transformed HBI from a small distributor into global manufacturer. In 2007, HBI spun off its direct-to-store manufacturing and distribution division into a new company called Allied Tobacco to better serve large chain-store accounts while keeping its core brand management.