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Tag: cigars

  • Cyprus Cigar Shortage Nearing End

    Cyprus Cigar Shortage Nearing End

    Retailers in Cyprus have been assured that the nation’s cigar shortage, particularly cigarillos, will soon come to an end. Phileleftheros reported that for the last month consumers were finding the most popular brands out of stock, leading them to purchase alternative brands, which led to depleted stocks across the board. Customers even resorted to calling stores in advance to reserve cigars and cigarillos.

    This past year saw limited availability of cigars and cigarillos from Cuba, from which Cyprus imports more than half of its product. Cuban cigars account for €41 million of the €52 million of cigars Cyprus imports. A second factor in the shortage came from changes implemented by the European Union regarding the traceability of tobacco products. Starting in 2020, these changes were applied to cigarettes, and from last year, cigars and cigarillos were also included. According to the new regulations, the packaging of these products must feature a unique marking that must be scanned with every transaction.

    However, both of these issues appear to have been resolved. Phileleftheros learned that large shipments of cigars and cigarillos have already been imported into Cyprus, and these products are expected to be back on the shelves beginning today (April 7).

  • Cuban Tobacco Crops Continue to be Down

    Cuban Tobacco Crops Continue to be Down

    According to a report from Agencia Cubana de Noticias, Cuban farmers have only planted 10,378 hectares of tobacco through February, close to the revised target of 10,500 hectares set in September 2024, but well below the initial goal of 14,771 hectares.

    Cuba’s tobacco production has still not recovered since Hurricane Ian hit in 2022. In the fall of 2021, Tabacuba said that it planned to plant more than 16,000 hectares in Pinar del Río and harvest 17,600 tons. The 2023-2024 crop was originally targeted at nearly 13,000 hectares but was reduced to 10,200 hectares.

    “Since Hurricane Ian ravaged Pinar del Río, Cuba’s main growing region has been rebuilding,” Charlie Minato wrote for Halfwheel. “It was estimated that 90% of the curing barns in the province were damaged, something that remains an issue today. Osvaldo Santana Vera of Tabacuba, the state-owned company in charge of tobacco production, told ACN that he was hoping for more wood deliveries, which would allow for more curing barns and could increase the size of the crop. In addition, heavy rains in September 2024 led to the destruction of 10,000 seed beds and pushed back some of the planting until earlier this month.”

  • Bill Aims to Exempt Premium Cigars from FDA Control

    Bill Aims to Exempt Premium Cigars from FDA Control

    A bill introduced on the Congressional House floor Friday would exclude cigars from the broader “tobacco product” categorization defined by Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, thereby exempting premium, handmade cigars from FDA regulation.

    Under the new bill, premium cigars would follow the same definition Judge Amit P. Mehta recently established in the cigar industry’s lawsuit battle with the FDA. This definition of a premium cigar would include the following parameters:

    • Wrapped in whole tobacco leaf  
    • Contains a 100% leaf tobacco binder  
    • Contains at least 50% long-filler tobacco
    • Is handmade or hand-rolled
    • Has no filter, nontobacco tip, or nontobacco mouthpiece  
    • Does not have a characterizing flavor other than tobacco  
    • Contains only tobacco, water, and vegetable gum with no other ingredients or additives  
    • Weighs more than six pounds per 1,000 units.

    The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act essentially authorizes the FDA to regulate food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. These broad categories ultimately include “tobacco products,” which are broadly defined in the Act as “any product made or derived from tobacco, or containing nicotine from any source, that is intended for human consumption…” H.R. 2111, being brought forth by Rep. Byron Donald, would amend this portion of the Act.

    “Back in January, the cigar industry notched yet another big victory against the FDA in the longstanding battle over regulating cigars,” Garrett Rutledge wrote for Cigar Aficionado. “The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia shot down the FDA’s appeal, which sought to overturn the 2023 ruling by Judge Mehta that ruled against the FDA’s application of the Deeming Rule on the cigar industry. The ruling spared the industry from a number of draconian regulations, but it did not fully remove the FDA’s ability to regulate premium cigars. H.R. 2111 aims to take that next step in excluding premium cigars from FDA regulation.”

    “Congressman Donalds’ leadership in introducing this bill is a victory for premium cigar manufacturers, small businesses, and the countless American consumers who appreciate these handcrafted products,” says Mike Copperman, executive director of Cigar Rights of America. “This legislation is not just about regulation, it’s about preserving an industry and ensuring that premium cigars are treated fairly.”

    Donalds introduced similar legislation during the previous Congressional session, and while it gained 13 co-sponsors, it stalled in the committee stage largely due to the election.

  • Ibis Luis Leaving Plasencia Cigars

    Ibis Luis Leaving Plasencia Cigars

    Plasencia Cigars announced today (March 14) that Ibis Luis would be leaving the company after six years as its sales and marketing specialist. Luis is a Certified Bourbon Steward, a Certified Cigar Sommelier, and somewhat of a celebrity in the cigar world.

    “Ibis has been an incredible member of our team, profoundly shaping our brand and forging strong customer bonds,” said company vice president Jose Luis Plasencia. “While we will deeply miss her presence, we are thrilled that she will remain with us as a consultant. We eagerly anticipate this new chapter in our collaboration and her journey.”

    “Working with the Plasencia family has been an incredible experience, filled with growth, learning, and cherished memories,” Luis said. “They welcomed me as part of their family, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities. While I am stepping away from my full-time role, I am overjoyed to continue my connection with them as a consultant. The Plasencia’s have a special place in my heart, and I look forward to contributing to their legacy in this new capacity.”

  • My Father Cigar’s Honduran Factory Rolling Out Cigars

    My Father Cigar’s Honduran Factory Rolling Out Cigars

    My Father Cigars’ Honduran cigar factory is fully operational and expects to be shipping product by late May or early June, Jaime Garcia, a master blender and key figure in the family-owned company, told Cigar Aficionado in an interview. The “My Father Blue” line will be offered in four sizes: Petit Robusto, (4.5 inches by 50 ring gauge), Robusto (5.25 by 52), Toro (6 by 54), and Toro Gordo (6 by 60).

    The 78,000-square-foot factory with a capacity of up to 200 rollers was completed in November and production began in February. Located on 890 acres in Talanga, the property was purchased three years ago in what was previously untouched, overgrown land

    “You couldn’t see the soil,” Garcia said. “It was all bushes but it’s surrounded by rivers. You had richness. When we saw those soils, we had a flashback to Cuba and San Luís. It’s virgin soil and was not a tobacco farm. There are three types of soil on the farm so you can grow stronger and softer tobaccos.”

  • PCA Auctioning Custom Humidors

    PCA Auctioning Custom Humidors

    The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has teamed up with HumidifGroup to produce a unique humidor called The Cloakroom, an elegant luxury humidor influenced by the monuments and architecture seen around Washington, D.C. Only 25 were made (one will be kept for display within the PCA’s office) and will be on display and offered for auction during the 2025 Premium Cigar Association trade show in New Orleans, April 11-14. These special humidors will be filled with exclusive premium cigars handcrafted by a leading manufacturer.

    “PCA is proud to partner with HumidifGroup for this unique project that captures the quintessential Washington D.C. style in a subtle way and serves as a functional piece of luxury and rarity,” said Joshua Habursky, executive director of the PCA. “Whether it be premium cigars or accessories, any collaboration with our member companies that bares the PCA logo must exude excellence. Our team had the pleasure to tour the Cigar Box Factory in Estelí to ensure the utmost quality and craftsmanship in this collector’s item.”

    “Cloakroom” refers to a phrase used by members of Congress for a place within the U.S. Capitol where cigars are smoked. This 50-capacity humidor features a pristine white, marble-like, high-gloss lacquer finish with exquisite gold details. The lid is adorned with an embossed PCA logo displayed in gold, while the front center of the humidor showcases vertical grooves that are painted in rich gold, reminiscent of historic columns. The custom metal handles, also in gold, are engraved with “PCA” and add a touch of sophistication to each side. Each humidor includes five trays fitted with gold handles. The humidor also has personalized humidifiers, thermometers, and hinges that all feature the PCA logo. Each humidor is packaged in a protective white box and a velvet/felt bag, both bearing the PCA logo in gold. The PCA logo and HumidifGroup’s NFC authentication technology are displayed on the inner lid. With a tap of a mobile device, the NFC tag will reveal the humidor’s unique serial number.

    Sales of the humidor will support the PCA’s Industry Defense Fund, established to support the organization’s ongoing advocacy efforts to defend the premium tobacco industry.

  • Plasencia Cigars Tabs New CEO

    Plasencia Cigars Tabs New CEO

    Plasencia Cigars announced that Edward “Ed” Bello will become its chief executive officer effective April 1, at which time he will work with current CEO Jim Young for three months to ensure a smooth transition. Young will then continue as an advisor and board member.

    Most recently Bello was the CMO of Catalyst Spirits, a start-up brand incubator. Prior to that he spent nearly 15 years with Diageo in the alcoholic beverage industry and 13 years at Procter & Gamble.

    “I am delighted to join Plasencia Cigars and am excited to help the company fulfill the amazing future that the Plasencia brand clearly possesses. I am humbled that the Plasencia family place their trust in me to lead this effort and the amazing team already in place. I look forward to working closely with the family, with Jim and with the team to fulfill the promise that the Plasencia brand clearly holds.” 

    Since 1865, the Plasencia family has been making cigars and growing first-class tobacco, today harvesting more than 4,000 acres in Nicaragua and Honduras.

  • Ferio Tego Available in Canada

    Ferio Tego Available in Canada

    Ferio Tego announced that its products will now be available in Canada, partnering with Kretek International Canada for distribution.    

    “We have enjoyed working closely with the outstanding team at Kretek Canada,” said Brendon Scott, co-owner of Ferio Tego. “Canada has a robust premium cigar market with tremendous retailers and passionate consumers, and we’re excited to offer our brands in this market.”

    The initial launch will feature its Elegancia, Summa, Timeless Sterling, and Timeless Prestige lines, all manufactured in the Dominican Republic. Additional company offerings from Nicaragua and Honduras will be available later in 2025.

    “The complexity, style, and origins of our blends make them quite distinctive,” said Michael Herklots, co-owner of Ferio Tego. “Our neighbors in the north have sought out our blends over the years, so we’re pleased to finally deliver them to their local tobacconists with the help of Kretek Canada.”   

    This is the third international expansion for the company over the last two years following successful releases in Asia and the United Arab Emirates.

  • Oliva Cigars See Price Increase

    Oliva Cigars See Price Increase

    Oliva Cigars announced its wholesale prices will increase either 3% or 5% beginning January 15. The company said it would honor its previous 2024 prices on any orders placed before January 15, and cited inflation as the main reason for the increase. The vast majority of Oliva’s cigars will increase by 3%, however, Oliva Serie V Melanio and Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro will increase by 5%.

  • Cigar Group to Reach Out at Party Gatherings

    Cigar Group to Reach Out at Party Gatherings

    The Premium Cigar Association (PCA), in collaboration with the Cigar Association of America (CAA) and Drew Estate Cigars, will be holding outreach events in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 16, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the Republican National Convention, and in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2024, also from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the Democratic National Convention.

    “This will be an exciting time for the Milwaukee area, and our small businesses are ready to greet convention attendees during this special event and throughout convention week. We look forward to partnering with the PCA, CAA, and Drew Estate to unite people,” said Paul Groh, owner of Metro Cigars and PCA Executive Board member.

    The upcoming events will take place at PCA member locations: Metro Cigars Germantown in Wisconsin and Up Down Cigar in Chicago. These events will gather elected officials, candidates, and political figures from all over the country. Each event aims to bring together more than 100 people for social discussions on important issues, all while enjoying premium cigars.

    “It is important that the premium cigar industry has a presence at these key political events, and it is exciting to host an event for both parties at PCA member locations to showcase the essence of specialty tobacco retailing,” says Joshua Habursky, interim executive director/head of Government Affairs for the PCA.