THE AUTHORITY ON TOBACCO DISTRIBUTION AND RETAILING
Quarter 2, 2018
“THIS IS US”
CELEBRATING DOMINICAN CIGARS The Dominican Republic’s association of leading cigar makers, Procigar, hosted the 11th Annual Procigar Festival where it welcomed Royal Agio Cigars as its newest member.
PLUS: • Italy’s Toscano Cigar Turns 200 • Habanos Terrace Opens in Lugares, Italy
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VISIT US AT:
InterTabac booth # 4.B18
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22-08-17 11:35 8/29/18 12:43 8:02 PM 8/22/17
{Contents}
TOBACCO PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL » Q2 2018
6
FEATURES
ROBERT M. LOCKWOOD Publisher & President
{ SPOTLIGHT }
6 Celebrating 200 Years of the Toscano Said to have been created by chance in 1815, Italy’s Toscano today is a global export success. » E. EDWARD HOYT
E. EDWARD “TED” HOYT III Editor
{ PRODUCING REGIONS }
ROXANNE CORDOVA MELENDEZ Accountant
10
10 Exploring Cigar Country Procigar, the Dominican Republic’s association of premium cigar makers, welcomed Royal Agio as its newest member during the 2018 Procigar Festival. » STAFF REPORT
DEPARTMENTS
20
18
Industry News ........................................4 Brand News........................................... 18 Showcase............................................. 20
MELINDA AYALA Production Coordinator
{ A D V E R TI S I NG R E PR E S E N TATIV E S } all regions
Robert M. Lockwood tel: + 1-212-391-2060, x109 fax: + 1-212-827-0945 email: robert@lockwoodpublications.com special sales representative
George E. Lockwood tel: + 1-413-775-0005 fax: + 1-413-775-9010 email: lockwood.george@gmail.com TOBACCO PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL Lockwood Trade Journal Co., Inc. 3743 Crescent Street, Second Floor Long Island City, New York 11101 U.S.A. Tel: +1 (212) 391-2060 Fax: +1 (212) 827-0945
{Editor’s Letter}
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES:
info@lockwoodpublications.com
InterTabac Trade Fair’s Growing International Focus
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS/INQUIRIES:
editor@tobaccoproductsmag.com
With the 2018 InterTabac trade fair set for 21 to 23 September in Dortmund, Germany, show organizers have sought to expand its international appeal by creating, for the very
AD INDEX
first time, a Spanish language version of the trade fair’s website, www.intertabac.es.
22nd Century................................ 9
The world’s largest trade fair for tobacco products and smoking accessories,
InterTabac reported that 41 per cent of its guests came from outside Germany last year, from a total of 62 countries in all, with 12,500 trade visitors and 560 exhibiting
Agio.......................................... C2 Horizon Cigars............................... 9
companies participating.
Republic Technologies.................... 5
Just like InterTabac’s existing English and French websites, the new Spanish web-
Roll4You....................................... 7
site allows trade visitors to view exhibitor lists, hall allocation, travel information, and to
Rips............................................. 8
buy tickets. All international visitors can take advantage of online help for applying for a visa to attend the trade fair, while information desks will be present at certain international airports in North Rhine Westphalia during the trade fair days to assist guests.
» Ted Hoyt, Editor
Viking Cigars............................... 15
Tobacco Products INTERNATIONAL
Tobacco Products International
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{Industry News} Habanos Terrace Opens in Lugares, Italy Restaurante Exceslsior in Portofino Square in Lugares, Italy, celebrated its grand open-
Escalating Trade War Snags US Tobacco
ing on May 13th. Around 30 guests attended the event, including Slovenian profession-
Cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, and all
al basketball player Sasa Vujacic, a huge cigar enthusiast who plays for Auxilium Torino
other types of tobacco products are
of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A. Habano enthusiasts can now enjoy a Habano in one
among the US-made goods that the
of the most beautiful and prestigious places in the world along with the favorite drink,
European Union slapped with revenge
and an exquisite meal from chef Giorgio Bardi. During the inaugural event, guests were
tariffs on June 22. It was the commis-
able to enjoy an H. Upmann Magnum 54 and received a lighter and cigar cutter set
sion’s first response to an escalating
from S.T. Dupont, a partner and collaborator of the event. Meanwhile, Bardi prepared
trade war initiated by US President
refined appetizers for the event, made with foie gras, black eel, and garlic; Gravelax
Donald Trump. Brussels imposed
salmon; Fraiche e Yuzu creme; Pata Negra ham with marinated melon, paired with two
the series of duties on a range of
Tanqueray N. Ten gin-based cocktails.
iconic US products worth 2.8 billion
The new Habanos Terrace, located in the exclusive historic Italian restaurant Cafe
euros (US$4.4 billion) in retaliation to Trump’s stiff tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports. EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told The Straight Times that the 28-nation bloc, representing a massive market of 500 million people, was “left with no other choice” but to impose tariffs of its own after the “unilateral and unjus-
Organic Tobacco Market Projected to be worth US$ 277.7 Million by 2026
tified decision of the US.” European
Global consumption of organic tobacco—cultivated
impose tariffs “goes against all logic
without the use of additional chemicals, fertilizers, and
and history”, adding, “Our response
pesticides—is expected to grow by a compound annual
must be clear but measured. We will
growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% over the next eight years,
do what we have to do to rebalance
according to a report by Research Report Insights.
and safeguard.” European consumers
Global consumption of organic tobacco was estimated
would be able to find “alternatives,”
at 11,675 tonnes in 2015 and valued at US$ 134.8 Mn in
said European Commission vice-presi-
2016, and is expected to reach US$ 277.7 Mn by the end
dent for trade Jyrki Katainen.
Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said that the US decision to
of 2026. In terms of volume, the global organic tobacco market reached 12,320 tonnes by 2016 end and is anticipated to increase to 22,463
» J. Cortès has named Emmanuel
tonnes by 2026. The demand for organic tobacco products is gaining traction in
Claerbout, who joined the company
developed countries, including Spain, Italy, and Germany, as well as Japan, Brazil,
in 2017, as Export Manager for the
Canada, and the U.S. High disposable income and increasing awareness of organic
Asia Pacific region. Tissa Dissanayaka,
tobacco-based products are expected to boost demand for organic tobacco. The
Export Manager Asia and Middle East,
Western Europe organic tobacco market is expected to represent significantly high
is leaving the company to pursue
incremental opportunity between 2016 and 2026.
other interests. Thomas Gryson will
continue to coordinate travel retail
In the smokeless segment, there has also been an increasing demand for
organic e-liquids for vapor and e-cigarettes. Some of the leading players in the
globally. The changes follow the full
global organic tobacco market are Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Hi Brasil
integration of Oliva Cigar Co. into the
Tobacco, Vape Organics, Mother Earth Tobacco, Bigarette and Co.
global J. Cortès cigar group.
TPI 4
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{ Cigarmaker Spotlight}
Toscano
Celebrating 200 Years of Italy’s
To meet popular demand for a strong, new fermented cigar said to have been created by chance, Ferdinand III—the Grand Duke of Tuscany—established a factory in Florence in 1818 commercially producing the Toscano. » E. EDWARD HOYT
I
left to dry in the sun, but the tobacco fermented instead. Rather than discarding the lot, the factory sorted it for usable filler and wrapper, figuring it could be used to roll low-cost cigars. Their unique, strong flavor—an accident of nature—proved to be unexpectedly popular among the local population’s “rough palate” and enjoyed unexpected demand. Three years later, Ferdinand III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, created a new factory in Florence specifically to produce the fer-
t’s been 200 years since Italy’s former
While there are no definitive records
mented cigars and commercially market
tobacco monopoly, Monopoli de Stato,
detailing the creation of the Toscano ci-
them through all of Italy’s state-owned
began “full production” of the Toscano
gars, according to legend, one swelter-
salt and tobacco shops. The cigar later
cigar at a new factory in Florence, the
ing 1815 August day in Florence, a large
became known as the Toscano.
Manifattura Granducale di Sant’Orsola, but
batch of imported Kentucky tobacco was
in truth its origin began three years earlier.
said to have been piled in the courtyard
scanos until 2004, when the country’s
Legend holds that the first cigars were ex-
of the cigar factory at the former convent
tobacco industry was privatized and Brit-
perimentally rolled using tobacco that was
of Santa Caterina when a sudden down-
ish American Tobacco Italia purchased all
fermented by accident and considered ru-
pour completely soaked the tobacco. In
of the country’s tobacco product man-
ined by most involved in the mishap.
an effort to save the leaf, the piles were
ufacturing, marketing, and distribution
TPI 6
Monopoli di Stato manufactured To-
Q2 2018
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operations. Then, in July 2006, the privately-held Maccaferri Industrial Group, a holding company founded and managed by the Bologna-based Maccaferri family, purchased all of the cigar-related business segments from B.A.T. and created Manifatture Sigaro Toscano S.p.A. (MST), returning production of Toscanos to Italian ownership. Included in the purchase were the factories in Lucca and Cava dè Tirreni, the tobacco buying station at Foiano della Chiana, and the sales organization located in Rome.
Already a star at home for 188 years,
Toscano-branded cigars were poised for significant growth under MST, which diligently expanded exports to over 50 countries within the first decade, while turnover grew from 60 million euro in 2006 to 98 million euro in 2016, and just topped 103 million euro last year.
While the discovery and subsequent
mastery of wet fermented Kentucky tobacco may have been serendipitous, the unique and meticulous process that was honed and refined over time is quite unique in the tobacco world, and specific to the flavor profile of Toscano cigars. Dark fire-cured tobacco is sorted multiple times, aged from six months to two years, rehumidified, and finally blended for each different Toscano cigar profile utilizing different grades and origin. It is at this point that the final blends are then fermented according to the traditional technology at the Lucca and Cava de’ Tirreni factories. A small amount of previously fermented tobacco is added to the highly humidified leaf and fermented in tanks up to 18 days, depending on the blend, expelling impurities and developing the flavor profile unique to the Toscano brand.
For decades, the state monopoly re-
lied entirely on Kentucky tobacco imported from America, where the fire-curing process originated. In the 1850s, Italy’s first experiments in acclimating the seed and cultivating Kentucky leaf began, a process that lasted 40 years before the first TPI 8
The work of Toscano cigar rollers has remained virtually unchanged for more than 200 years. Their manual skills, patience, and concentration are an integral factor in the smoker’s experience of a Toscano cigar, as is the distinctive fire-cured Kentucky tobacco and unique fermentation used to prepare the tobacco.
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{Cigarmaker Spotlight}
Above: The Toscanello formally introduced the ammezzati format into commerce in 1948, a full-size Toscano cigar cut in half. Flavored versions of the ammezzati (left)were added in 2000.
commercial cultivation of Kentucky tobacco began. By 1900, fur-
berina, Veneto, Lazi, and Campania.
ther advances in Italy’s production of Kentucky tobacco resulted
in a huge jump in quality for Toscano cigars, as other local Italian
production entirely in 1970 in favor of machine manufacturing,
tobacco varieties were phased out. Today, Italian tobacco used in
market demand resulted in the return of hand production in 1985
Toscano brand cigars is grown in five regions—Valdichiana, Valti-
for certain premium lines, and today MST continues to celebrate
While the State Monopoly discontinued hand made cigar
the Toscano’s long tradition of hand rolling with both regular and a growing base of special edition premium offerings.
Over the past 12 years, MST has invigorated the Toscano
lineup, anchored by the rugged Toscano Classico, a rugged blend first introduced in 1930 that showcased quality Kentucky tobacco grown-and-cured in Italy. It featured an American Kentucky wrapper well into the 1960s before advances in local farming and processing allowed the manufacturer to change to an Italian Kentucky wrapper.
The Toscano Toscanello dates back to the end of the sec-
ond World War, when in 1948 a substantial surplus of Toscano cigars compelled the Cava de’ Tirreni factory to cut them in half (ammezzati), reducing their price to promote sales. The shorter format became quite popular and earned the nickname the “friendship cigar,” often shared with a friend. Enjoyed in half the time of a full-length Toscano, the size is even more important in the modern marketplace. The cigars contain a blend of Italian and American Kentucky tobaccos with an Italian Kentucky wrapper, aged four months. Flavored versions of the natural ammezzati were added in 2000 with the introduction of the anise seed-flavored Toscanello Blu, while Toscanello Caffè (Rosso) has become the best selling flavored cigar in Italy. Also available currently are vanilla (Giallo), chocolate (Nero), and grappa (Costiera).
In 1973, the full-bodied Toscano Antico was released, cap-
turing the style of the original historic Toscano blend. Described by MST as a “pocket sized volcano,” it features a strong blend of Italian and American fire-cured tobaccos aged 10 months TPI 10
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Toscano Originale 1815, one of MST’s special limited edition releases.
that deliver an “intense“ smoking experience.
In recent years, MST has celebrated a number of hallmarks
and generated marketplace excitement by releasing special limited edition cigars.
A series of three limited edition cigar marked the 200th
anniversary of the 1815 rainstorm said to have serendipitously resulted in the discovery of the rapid, wet fermentation of firecured tobacco at the heart of the Toscano. First came Garibaldi The Great, followed by the Toscanello Grand Duchy, and finally the Original Toscano 1815 completing the trilogy in 2016. Produced at MTS’s Lucca factory from premium Kentucky tobaccos aged in oak barrels for four years, this blend delivers a strong but mellower than typical profile. Like other limited edition releases, Original Toscano 1815 is presented in threepacks, but this one was made of wood.
Also in 2016, Stilnovo was released to mark the 10th an-
niversary of Maccaferri Industrial Group’s acquisition of the Toscano from B.A.T. and the founding of Manifatture Sigaro Toscano S.p.A. Crafted for “hand-made lovers,” the cigar was hand rolled by the company’s best rollers at its Lucca factory using Kentucky fillers grown in Italy’s Val di Chiana area and aged four years. Notably, it included for the first time ever a binder leaf (fermented Italian Kentucky), finished with a typically dark fired-cured American Kentucky wrapper fermented for four weeks.
Most recently, MST released Toscano Originale Millesimato
in 2017 featuring a unique filler blend incorporating Kentucky leaf from Valtiberina, Italy and Tennessee, USA. After the first fermentation in water, the tobaccos underwent a second fermentation in barrels of Montalcino’s red wine. This innovative process of microfermentations imparts a strong and decisive taste and intense notes to the cigar.
Also of note is the latest installment of the annual Il Moro
series, which began in 1999 and continues with Il Moro 2017. These super-premium collectable cigars are sold individually, the latest rolled entirely from US-grown Kentucky tobaccos.
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{ Producing Regions} operated cigar company, with global headquarters located in Duizel, Holland. Agio made the decision in 1990 to invest directly in the Dominican Republic by building a factory dedicated to the production of boutique premium handmade cigars. Located in San Pedro de Macoris, Agio’s factory produces high-quality, handcrafted premium cigars including Balmoral Anejo XO, Balmoral Royal Selection, and its newest release, San Pedro de Macoris.
“We work with a very small, dedicat-
ed team to create our unique premium cigars,” says Francisco Batista, Master Blender and General Manager of Agio Caribbean Tobacco Company. “The carefully-selected pairs working for us in San Pedro de Macoris take great pride in handcrafting our cigars and are true artisans in the craft. “With Agio becoming an official member of Procigar, I feel an even deeper
Dominican Republic:
connection to the local cigar community
Exploring Cigar Country Procigar, the Dominican Republic’s association of top cigar makers, welcomed Royal Agio Cigars as its newest member at its 2018 Procigar Festival. » STAFF REPORT
O
and I look forward to sharing knowledge and working more closely together with other manufacturers to help elevate what is already world-leading cigar quality.’’
Procigar was founded in 1992 by a
small group of dedicated, world-class premium cigar manufacturers. The association has primarily focused on protecting and promoting the Dominican Republic, a country devoted to the cultivation of tobacco and the leading exporter of premium cigars worldwide. “For Agio, it has always been very
ne of Europe’s most prominent
stone for the cigar maker on its quest to
important to be actively involved in the
cigar manufacturers, Royal Agio
more significantly contribute to helping
communities where our company con-
Cigars, was officially introduced
further advance key global cigar indus-
ducts business,” said Boris Wintermans,
as the newest member of Procigar, the
try efforts by working more closely with
the fourth generation CEO of Royal Agio
Association of Dominican Cigar Man-
local manufacturers in the Dominican
Cigars, from the company’s Dominican
ufacturers, during the annual Procigar
Republic. Agio also participated as a
factory. “We have had a presence here
Festival held from February 18–23, 2018
gold-level sponsor in this year’s festival.
for nearly three decades now and feel
in the Dominican Republic.
very much like the Dominican Republic
The company expressed in a state-
and successful history of crafting and
ment that becoming an official member
manufacturing premium blend cigars
of Procigar marks an important mile-
and continues to be a family owned and
TPI 12
Established in 1904, Agio has a long
Top: Tobacco leaves hang in a curing barn at a farm of De Los Reyes Cigars in Navarrete, Dominican Republic. Photos courtesy of Procigar unless otherwise noted.
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PHOTO: AGIO CIGARS
is our second home. As a member of ProCigar, we plan to actively engage our world-class Dominican cigar manufacturer neighbors and local industry suppliers to more directly contribute to helping advance the organization’s efforts. Given Agio’s strong worldwide footprint, we believe we can also offer significant contributions on a global level.”
PROCIGAR FESTIVAL 2018
Procigar member manufacturers hosted the 11th annual Procigar Festival this year, where over 400 attendees—including suppliers, retailers, and consumers from more than 20 countries—gathered to celebrate the country’s premium cigars traditions its leading manufacturers. Hundreds of additional guests and local dignitaries attended the evening social dinners, the gala closing dinner and charity auction in particular. While the United States is the principal market for Dominican-made cigars, top producers and bou-
Above (clockwise from top left): The premium cigar factory of Royal Agio Cigars, Procigar’s newest member; tobacco seedlings at Davidoff’s farms; Augusto Reyes and daughter Nirka Reyes, president of De Los Reyes Cigars; Siegfried Maruschke of Tabacalera García tobacco supplier José Mendéz Cia. Below (clockwise from top left): Litto Gomez, founder of La Flor Dominicana, La Canela; preparing harvested tobacco leaves for curing at the General Cigar Dominicana’s farm in Mao; Abe Flores, founder of PDR Cigars at his factory in Tamboril.
tique brands alike continue make inroads in European markets.
The festival started leisurely at the
Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana, where attendees enjoyed beach time, a cigar seminar, and a tour of Tabacalera de García, the biggest cigar factory of the world. The main festivities continued for three more days in Santiago, the heart STAFF PHOTO
the Dominican Republic’s premium cigar industry. There, attendees could select from guided field and factory tours of La Flor Dominicana (La Canela), De Los Reyes Cigars (Navarrete), General Cigar Company (Mao), Tabacalera Palma (Tamboril), Davidoff Cigars (Jicomé), as well as the factories of La Aurora and PDR Cigars. Also offered were tours of José Méndez & Co. (La Canela), a principal tobacco grower and processor supplying Tabacalera de García, and the Chateau de la Fuente tobacco plantation and the adjacent House of Dreams and Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. Tobacco Products International
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{Producing Regions} Attendees also had the option to par-
Juncalito. An official qualification tourna-
cigar experts jointly guided the audience
ticipate in number of other leisure ac-
ment for the Cigar Smoking World Cham-
through two pairings: a Marqués de Ri-
tivities while in Santiago, including the
pionship (CSWC) 2018 took place during
scal Reserva with the La Galera Gavillero
8th annual Procigar Poker Tournament
the festival. Also new this year, Procigar
Perfecto from Tabacalera Palma, and the
with proceeds benefiting local charita-
partnered with El Catador, a Dominican
Finca Torrea by Marqués de Riscal with
ble institutions; a beach day at the Gan-
importer and distributor of fine wines, to
the Saga Short Tales VI Sixth Element
sevoort Hotel in Puerto Plata; or a visit
host a wine and cigar pairing and tasting
from De Los Reyes Cigars.
to the Monte Alegre Coffee plantation in
experience. Professional sommeliers and
At each evening’s social event dinner,
guests received a carefully curated sampler box of cigars in which each Procigar member presented a cigar that was either new, a limited release, or specially allocated strictly for the festival. Often a new release represents one of the first times that a cigar is sampled publicly. At the traditional welcome dinner held at the gardens of Teatro del Cibao, the sampler contained: Partagas X from General Cigar Co., Davidoff Year of the Snake, Double Chateau Fuente Rosado, La Galera Gavillero Perfecto from Tabacalera Palma, Gurkha Ghost Blade from PDR Cigars, La Flor Dominicana Factory Press, Quesada Limited Edition 2018, La Aurora Hors D’Age, VegaFina Gran Reserva 20 Aniversario from Tabacalera García, Saga Short Tales Tomo VI The Sixth Element El Tabaco from De Los Reyes Cigars, and E.P. Carrillo Core Plus Natural Encantos from Tabacalera La Alianza.
At the welcome white attire dinner
held at Santiago’s Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauració, attendees enjoyed a birds-eye view of the city of Santiago and received an 11-cigar sampler containing E.P. Carrillo New Wave Reserva Robusto, Quesada Reserva Privada Barber Pole, Macanudo Gold Label from General Cigar Dominicana, Montecristo Artisan Series Batch 1 from Tabacalera de García, La Aurora Preferido Double Barrel Aged, El Trovador Diadama from PDR Cigars, La Galera 1936 Box Pressed from Tabacalera Palma, Reserva Especial Toro from La Flor Dominicana, Davidoff Master Blender Selection No. 1, Don Carlos Eye of the Shark, and Saga Short Clockwise from top: Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, founder of Tabacalera La Alianza; cigars aging at Tabacalera La Palma, maker of La Galera cigars among numerous others; curing barns at Chateau de la Fuente; at La Aurora Cigars, President Guillermo León, Tour Guide Eugenio Polanco, and Master Blender Manuel Inoa. TPI 14
Tales III LIV from De Los Reyes Cigars.
At the final gala dinner held at the
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Centro Español private Spanish Club in
Cameroon; La Galera Habano Cabeza
all proceeds benefiting the Voluntariado
Santiago, the evening’s sampler featured
Caracol, Davidoff Limited Edition 2018
de Jesús con los Niños and the Hospicio
New Wave Connecticut El Decano by
Year of the Dog Churchill, La Flor Domini-
San Vicente de Paúl, a pair of non-prof-
E.P. Carrillo; Montecristo Artisan Series
cana La Volcado, Flores y Rodriguez Con-
it organizations dedicated to helping ill
Batch II; Nat Sherman 1930 Corona; Saga
necticut Valley Reserve Azul Figurado.
children and impoverished elders. This
Vault Edition II; Macanudo Inspirado Black
year’s auction raised US $135,000.
Toro; Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of
nual auction of one-of-kind humidors
the Shark; La Aurora Preferidos Platinum
and cigar lots, among other items, with
February 17–22, 2019 (procigar.org). TPI
The festival culminated with an an-
The 2019 Procigar festival with be held
away. Not wait for the first inch or first half. We wanted something that started with a bang.” Rankin noted the cigar also had complexity, “you could pick out the Sichuan pepper, the cocoa notes, the essence of coffee and the spices as well we sat around talked about the ginger and the aroma.”
It is a fantastic cigar, it is a rare ci-
gar,” added Leung. “Use it for special
Davidoff Debuts New Chefs Edition
occasions, use it to celebrate, use it to
Davidoff is marking its 50th anniversary
cause when you talked about pepper,
things complicated.”
this year and to help mark the occasion,
they would be more precise, citing “Si-
the company has decided to unveil a
chuan pepper.”
Edition would pair well with an 18 year
second Chefs Edition cigar. On the day
In the end, the Michelin rated chefs
old Macallan, with Keller also suggest-
after the 2018 Procigar festival ended,
who are all cigar smokers—Thomas
ing rum or tequila. “I discovered tequila,
Davidoff took a small group of journalists
Keller from New York, Alvin Leung from
or rediscovered, it after a bad bout with
to the company’s farm in Jicome. There,
Hong Kong, and Shaun Rankin from
it about 40 years ago. I rediscovered it
in the middle of the tobacco field, the
the United Kingdom—finally settled
about 10 years ago and have been enjoy-
company presented a tasting brunch and
on a size and blend. Those cigars were
ing some of the Extra Añejos.“
the chance to meet and talk with three
passed out to the media at the brunch
of the chefs involved in this latest edition.
while the chefs explained what they
cially unveiled at the IPCPR trade show
Davidoff released its first Chefs Edi-
were looking for. Leung said, “We want-
in Las Vegas in July and will ship to
tion in 2016 and the limited run quick-
ed something that you can enjoy right
stores in September. » FRANK SELTZER
mourn, pair it with yourself. Don’t make The chefs all agreed the new Chefs
The Davidoff Chefs Edition was offi-
ly sold out. The second edition was planned as part of the 50th celebration and was different from the first one because it included chefs from the United States, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. The work on this edition took many months because of the diversity of the chef’s palates.
Sam Reuter, Davidoff’s Senior man-
ager of Product Innovation, was tasked with getting the chef’s opinions and then translating them to Eladio Diaz, Davidoff’s master blender. Reuter says it was different with these chefs be-
TPI 16
Top: Davidoff Chef’s Edition. Above (l. to r.): Alvin Leung, Thomas Keller, and Shaun Rankin.
Q2 2018
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{Brand News} Villiger Celebrates Milestone with 130th Anniversary Limited Edition Cigar
OCB Rolling Papers Celebrates 100 Years
Switzerland’s Villiger cigar company, founded in 1888, is celebrating its 130th anniver-
OCB rolling papers (Odet-Casca-
sary this year and to mark the occasion it has released a special one-time cigar offer-
dec-Bolloré) were trademarked in 1918,
ing, the Villiger 130th Anniversary Limited Edition. Made from 100 percent Brazilian
96 years after the Bolloré brothers
tobacco, a particular favorite of company owner Heinrich Villiger’s, these cigars bear a
established their first paper mill along
strong, rich flavor incorporating a “touch of musk and leather,” while at the same time
the Odet River in southern France, and
retaining a “light yet distinctive sweetness.”
later purchased the Moulin Cascadec
The blend to appeal to connoisseurs.
mill. This year, the brand celebrates its
Each box of 13 cigars—one for each
100th anniversary.
decade of Villiger’s history—bears a special
anniversary design that includes Heinrich’s
had a very clear
“We at OCB
portrait. While there have been many
goal from the
changes for the cigar manufacturer founded
beginning and it
by Jean and Louise Villiger, who first hand
hasn’t changed in
crafted cigars from their home in the small
our first 100 years,”
Swiss town of Pfeffikon, Villiger remains committed to producing the finest cigars
said the company
for its customers worldwide.
in a statement,
Villiger Söhne AG, Pfeffikon, Switzerland, Tel: +41 62 765 55 55,
namely “becoming
Email: cigar@villiger.ch, Web: villiger.ch.
the leading rolling paper brand on the
Montecristo Línea 1935 Now Shipping
market. And we’ve achieved it. But we
Habanos, S.A. began shipping the Montecristo Línea 1935
wouldn’t have been
in April, over a year after the series was first announced at
able to do it without
the 2017 Festival del Habanos, taking its place as the most
all those who stand
premium regular production Habanos offered under the
with us every day.
Montecristo brand. It is offered in three vitolas each refer-
That’s why, today, we want to thank you
encing the novel The Count of Montecristo, which inspired
all: distributors, retailers, tobacco shops,
the brands creation in 1935 at the H. Upmann factory.
consumers, suppliers, sub-contractors.”
Two of the three vitolas offered are unprecedented
To celebrate 100 years, OCB has
in the Habanos portfolio: Maltés (53 ring gauge by 153
created some very special commu-
mm) and Dumas (49 ring by 130 mm), while Leyenda
nication campaigns—one century as
(55 ring by 165 mm) takes the same form of the special
illustrated by models on its more recent
limited edition Montecristo 80 Aniversario, launched in 2015 to commemorate the
communication creations—as well as
brand’s 80th Anniversary.
additional surprises throughout the year.
Línea 1935 features a full strength flavor blend for the very first time by the
“There’s still a lot ahead of us.
Montecristo brand, complementing the medium- to full-strength flavor of the of
100 more? That wouldn’t be bad,” the
the Línea Clásica and Línea Edmundo, and the medium-strength flavor of the Línea
company states, “and we are sure we
Open blend. All of the tobaccos are sourced from Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region in
can achieve this together and maintain
Pinar del Rio, including the natural “carmelite” wrapper. In addition to the classic
our position as the leading brand for the
fleur-de-lis band, these cigars feature a secondary band with the name of the line
next 100 years”
and vitola, as well as an innovative base or foot ban. The cigars are presented in
Republic Technologies Intl., Perpi-
20-count beveled edge boxes with an elegant Carmelite lacquer finish.
gnan, France, Tel: +33 4 68 85 12 27,
Habanos S.A., Havana, Cuba, Web: habanos.com.
Web: ocb.net.
TPI 18
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Scandinavian Tobacco Group Buys Peterson Pipe Tobacco Lines from Kapp & Peterson Ltd Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S of Søborg, Denmark closed a deal in July to acquire the entire premium pipe tobacco brand portfolio of Peterson Pipe Tobacco from Kapp & Peterson Limited, an Irish pipe and pipe tobacco manufacturer. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Peterson Pipe Tobacco has more than 150
portfolio are signature blends such as Sherlock
Royal Agio Adds San Pedro de Macoris
Holmes, Old Dublin and Connoisseur’s Choice,
Royal Agio Cigars announced it will
each recognized for their complexity and pre-
be introducing San Pedro de Macorís
mium positioning. Against the backdrop of global-
handmade cigars, a brand specifically
ly-shrinking volumes for the category as a whole, the
crafted to deliver “extraordinary qual-
Peterson range has delivered consistent volume and
ity at an accessible, everyday price.”
revenue growth since 2014.
town of San Pedro de Macorís,
years of storied heritage and is sold in 52 countries around the world. Within the Peterson brand
Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Dominican Republic, the location of
in Scandinavian Tobacco Group, Christian Hother
Royal Agio’s handmade cigar factory,
Sørensen says: “M&A is part of the Scandinavian Tobacco Group DNA and we have a proven track record of achieving synergies when acquiring brands and businesses. We are excited about this small and interesting bolt-on acquisition in our pipe tobacco category. In Peterson Pipe Tobacco we are acquiring a sound port-
Named after the hard-working
The Peterson pipe tobacco range includes over two dozen regular production blends, as well as limited edition releases such as Peterson Summertime 2018, a blend of Brazilian Virginias and noble Black Cavendish, and the 2018 Special Reserve, mild roll-cut blend of Virginia and Kentucky tobaccos.
these boutique handmade cigars reflect a vibrant, local culture actively seeking to elevate all aspects of everyday life. Each cigar is blended with a high-grade wrapper and binder,
folio of premium brands that will increase our offering to our consumers and which we
and incorporates original Cuban seed
can further develop whilst leveraging our sales and marketing competencies.”
Piloto Ligero tobacco filler, to ensure
a complex and distinct premium cigar
The acquisition strengthens Scandinavian Tobacco Group’s position in the pre-
mium pipe tobacco segment, which has been growing in recent years. Additionally,
experience.
the brand portfolio of Peterson Pipe Tobacco will further increase the group’s pres-
ence in important pipe tobacco markets like Germany, the UK, the US and Asia.
offered. The San Pedro de Macorís
Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, Søborg, Denmark, Web: st-group.com.
Ecuador blend is finished with a
Two distinct blend lines will be
shade-grown Ecuador Connecticut
Mac Baren Tobacco Extends HH Series with Balkan Blend and Burley Flake Pressed
wrapper and provides a creamy and
Mac Baren has added two new blends to its HH Series, inspired by the company’s
with a sun-grown Brazilian Arapiraca
fourth generation master blender and owner, Henrik Halberg. HH Balken Blend is
wrapper and offers a complex medi-
a spicy yet smooth and well-balanced “all day” English blend of Virginias, Turkish
um-bodied smoke. Each blend will
Oriental, Cyprian Latakia, and Burley, while HH Burley Flake is a blend of quality Burley
be offered in 20-count boxes in three
with some Virginias and dark fired Kentucky
vitolas: Perla (4 1/8 x 40), Corona
and pressed it into a beautiful flake. Both are
(5 7/8 x 42), and Robusto (5 1/8 x 52).
offered in 50gm and 100gm tins.
Agio Cigars GmbH, Moers,
Mac Baren Tobacco Co. A/S, Svendorg,
Germany, Tel: +(49) 2841 1803-0,
Denmark, Web: mac-baren.com,
Email: info@agiocigars.de,
Email: headoffice@mac-baren.com.
Web: agiocigars.com.
medium-bodied experience. San Pedro de Macorís Brazil is finished
Tobacco Products International
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{Showcase} Rattray’s Bog Oak Returns in Limited Batch Scottish tobacconist Charles Rattray has produced a new batch of Bog Oak pipes, crafted from Ukrainian sourced “morta,” partially petrified oak obtained from trees that have fallen into wetlands and have been submerged for thousands of years under water,
and start the fossilization process.
Davidoff 50th Anniversary Edition Pipe and Tobacco
Due to the very black colour of the
This year, Davidoff Cigars celebrates
wood, Rattray’s supplier says it‘s
50 years of heritage, pioneering, and
at minimum 2,000 years old. The
innovative cigar making in the spirit
company has produced pipes in
of Zino Davidoff, the tobacconist who
shapes No. 4, 5, 19, 20, 22, and 23
gave the company its name. As part of
in smooth and sandblast finishes,
the celebration, Davidoff is releasing
paired with four different ebonite-colored acrylic mouthpieces.
a limited edition ashtray, pipe, and
Kopp GmbH & Co. KG, Offenbach, Germany, Tel: +(49) 69 88 51 09,
tobacco. Made in Italy, the ashtrays are
Email: contact@rattrays-pipes.com
crafted out of alumi-
protected by the acidity and anaerobic conditions of the wetlands allowing tannins to be leached out
num with a brushed
Colibri Debuts Quasar Cut Cigar Cutter
bronze finish. Each
This year, Colibri Group celebrates 90 years since its founding in 1928, and it
with beige structured
continues to build upon its legacy of innovation and thoughtful design. Among
leather, embossed with
the many new items it is launching this year, the company has announced
the 50 Years logo. The pipes, limited
the release of the Colibri Quasar Cut pocket cigar cutter, an extension of the
to 50 pieces worldwide, are made of
piece is encircled
popular Quasar cigar acces-
briar wood from Calabria and feature
sory series which includes
an embossed 50 Years sterling silver
a humidor, ashtray, and
ring are being launched along with a
desktop two-in-one cutter.
special 50th Anniversa-
Based on the best-selling
ry Limited Edition pipe
Colibri Cut double-guillotine
tobacco, an exquisite
cigar cutter, the Quasar Cut
blend flavored with Kir
is adorned with the Quasar
Royal in a numbered
series signature three-di-
tin featuring the 50
mensional pyramidal facets
Years logo. The prod-
that also help give a secure grip on the instrument when in use. Quasar Cut
ucts will be available
also features an innovative open-surface blade, allowing only the cutting edge
to select Davidoff appointed merchants
to slice through the cigar. Eight finishes will be available: matte black, matte
and flagship stores worldwide.
silver, matte charcoal, matte red, blue, neon green, black + polished chrome,
Oettinger Davidoff AG, Basel, Swit-
and black + polished rose.
zerland, Tel: +(41) 58 219 36 24, Web:
Colibri, New York, N.Y., U.S.A., Web: colibri.com.
oettingerdavidoff.com, davidoff.com.
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