Tobacco Products International magazine – Quarter 1, 2018

THE AUTHORITY ON TOBACCO DISTRIBUTION AND RETAILING

Quarter 1, 2018

FESTIVAL DEL HABANO AT 20

Excitement at Cuba’s Habanos Festival 20 Años was boosted by strong Habanos S.A. financials for 2017, thanks to the surging Chinese market.

PLUS: • Arnold André is Once Again 100% Family Owned • Cohiba Atmosphere Opens in Sofia, Bulgaria

www.ocb.net

{Contents} 4

TOBACCO PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL » Q1 2018

FEATURES

{ EDITORIAL }

{ TRENDWATCH }

6 Chewing Tobacco Bags have emerged as a viable smokeless tobacco alternative under EEC regulations, offering consumers in EU markets a product with similar characteristics and benefits as snus. STAFF REPORT

E. EDWARD “TED” HOYT III Editor ROBERT M. LOCKWOOD Publisher & President

{ A R T & P R O D UC TI O N }

14

Industry News .......................................4 Brand News .......................................... 12 Showcase............................................. 14

12

8

DEPARTMENTS

LILY LEE Art Director MELINDA AYALA Production Coordinator ROXANNE CORDOVA MELENDEZ Accountant

{ ADV E R TI S I NG R E P R E S E N TATIV E S } ALL REGIONS

Robert M. Lockwood

{Editor’s Letter}

TEL:

+ 1-212-391-2060, x109

FAX:

+ 1-212-827-0945

EMAIL:

robert@lockwoodpublications.com

SPECIAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE

George E. Lockwood

Backed by Strong 2017 Growth, Habanos S.A. is Confident on 2018

TEL:

+ 1-413-775-0005

FAX:

+ 1-413-775-9010

EMAIL:

lockwood.george@gmail.com

At the recent 20th Anniversary Habanos Festival, Habanos S.A. officials divulged the company’s financial performance for 2017, and for many the news came as a shock.

Overall, revenues grew by 12 per cent to reach nearly $500 million, and the principal driving force was attributed to the Chinese market, were sales surged a whopping 33 percent in 2017. This is the second year in a row that the sale Cuban cigars around the world outpaced luxury personal goods in general, and by a growing margin. Global

{ C O NTAC T } Tobacco Products International Lockwood Trade Journal Co. Inc., 3743 Crescent Street, Second Floor

management consulting firm Bain & Co. of New York says that sales of luxury personal

Long Island City, New York 11101 U.S.A.

goods rose by 5 percent in 2017, and were essentially flat in 2016. For its part, Habanos

Tel: +1 (212) 391-2060

S.A. had reported a 5 percent rise in revenues in 2016 compared to the prior year.

Fax: +1 (212) 827-0945

For Habanos S.A. partners in Asia, the financial results were probably a lot less surprising, given their participation in the growing sales and distribution of Cuban cigars

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES:

there, and the region’s demand for luxury goods in general. But all eyes are on China,

info@lockwoodpublications.com

which is the number three market for Habanos S.A.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS/INQUIRIES:

Cuba sells 7 of every 10 premium cigars worldwide, blocked from only one mar-

editor@tobaccoproductsmag.com

ket—the United States, where shifting political winds have once again doused concerns that the U.S. trade embargo will be lifted anytime soon. That keeps at bay worries that the U.S., the largest premium cigar market, will suddenly upend global supplies.

» Ted Hoyt, Editor

Tobacco Products INTERNATIONAL

Tobacco Products International

TPI 3

{Industry News} Arnold Andre GmbH is Family-Owned Once Again, Sets Sights on Exports KG, announced that Axel-Georg André, a partner in the seventh generation firm, has

Patock Joins Boveda; Set to Lead Firm’s Global Expansion

repurchased all of the shares formerly held by Swedish Match—at 40 percent stake—

Boveda Inc., a global leader in 2-way

returning Arnold André to 100 percent ownership by the André family.

humidity control and maker of Boveda

The largest German cigar manufacturer, Bünde-based Arnold André GmbH & Co.

In 1988, Arnold André had teamed up with Dutch company Elisabeth Bas (EBAS);

cigar humidification packs, has signed

the strategic partnership provided André access to export markets worldwide while

Benjamin Patock as their new Head of

EBAS was able to open up the German market. EBAS later became part of the interna-

International Relationships to lead the

tional Swedish Match group, and in recent years André was building greater Indepen-

company’s international expansion.

dence in various aspects of its operations such production and sales, with less reliance

Patock is the founder of European

on Swedish Match resources. In 2012, it established Arnold André Dominicana S.R.L.

online cigar retail powerhouse Noblego

in Santiago, Dominican Republic, managed by José Leocadio Vasquez. The sleek

(noblego.de) that

facility prepares natural leaf wrappers for its bobbinizing system, supplying its cigar fac-

he built from

tories around the world. The facility also supports a small, hand rolled cigar operation

scratch over the

that may become increasingly important as André seeks to expand its presence in the

last seven years

premium cigar segment.

into a leading outlet for cigar

Cohiba Atmosphere Opens in Sofia, Bulgaria

enthusiasts, including best-

Patock

The newest Cohiba Atmosphere opened on 20 Dec., 2017 in Sofia, Bulgaria, in the

selling private label cigar brands. He

heart of the nation’s capital, representing the third such club in Europe and 13th glob-

is also the author of one of Germany’s

ally. Operating under license from the Habanos, S.A., Cohiba Atmosphere is a unique

best selling cigar books and acts as an

concept that offers an exclusive experience in an elite atmosphere and the finest

event speaker as well as active mem-

Habanos products. The clubs offer the highest international standards in the con-

ber of the smoker’s rights community,

cierge service, with Habanos sommeliers and selective, curating pairing of drinks and

and brings great knowledge of cigars

Habanos. At the new Sophia location, there is a cozy open-air terrace with 20 seats,

and established networks to his new

a bar, and walk-in humidor offering a wealth of exclusive selections with special and

position. Previously, he had worked as

ultra-special Habanos editions. The private lounge area has 30 seats, with controlled

an entrepreneur and consultant in the

access only for registered customers and guests with invitations to special events.

European startup ecosystem.

Among the guests present for the event were the Ambassador of Cuba in Bulgaria,

“I use the products every day, ever

the Ambassador of Armenia, and José María López, Vice President Business Devel-

since I have seen how superior their

opment from Habanos, S.A.

performance is,” said Patock of his decision to join Boveda. “At Noblego we were the first online retailer to ship our premium cigars protected by Boveda, thus creating a new benchmark for customer experience.”

Patock will oversee Boveda’s international relationships in premium cigars, cannabis, and the music industry and will be based in Berlin, Germany. He can be reached at benjamin.patock@bovedainc.com.

TPI 4

Q1 2018

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16 20 Y R CTO IRE D L OBA & GL E D GUI rs & orte RS’ E Exp porters Y Im BU

BUYERS’ GUIDE & GLOBAL DIRECTORY Product Manufacturers

Equipment & Machinery

Exporters & Importers

Supplies & Services

Associations

BUY ERS ’ GU IDE

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Leaf Dealers, Growers & Processors Ass

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3/30/1

Tobacco International

Buyers’Guide

& Global Directory

Enhance your listing by advertising in the 2018 Edition Tobacco International Buyers’ Guide and Global Directory is an essential reference tool for the tobacco industry and supplier companies all over the world. As an advertiser, you are guaranteed • Year-Long Exposure • Worldwide Distribution

Albania

Section 1 ALBANIA

Philip Morris Nobleza Piccardo SAIC y F

Cigarette Manufacturers British American Tobacco Albania Cigarette Manufacturers Tobacco and Cigarette Factory “Stamles” Product Manufacturers Tobacco and Cigarette Factory “Stamles”

ALGERIA Cigarette Manufacturers British American Tobacco Algeria

ANDORRA Cigarette Manufacturers Franc Port, SA TABANDOR SA JT International Product Manufacturers Franc Port, SA Indst Montanya SA TABANDOR SA JT International Smoking Tobacco Indst Montanya SA

ARMENIA Cigarette Manufacturers British American Tobacco Armenia Grand Tobacco Co Ltd SPS Cigaronne Co Ltd Virginia Ltd Distribution/Product, Importers & Exporters Armenian Greek JV Masis Tobacco MV Co Ltd Masis Tobacco Ltd Growing & Fermentation Masis Tobacco Ltd Leaf Dealers Armenian Greek JV Masis Tobacco MV Co Ltd Masis Tobacco Ltd Product Manufacturers Armtabak d S C Grand Tobacco Co Ltd SPS Cigaronne Co Ltd Virginia Ltd

ANGOLA Cigarette Manufacturers British American Tobacco Angola Cigar Manufacturers ETA (Empresa dos Tabacos de Angola), SARL Cigarette Manufacturers ETA (Empresa dos Tabacos de Angola), SARL Product Manufacturers ETA (Empresa dos Tabacos de Angola), SARL

Associations Camera de Tabaco Cigarette Manufacturers British American Tobacco Argentina Goloteca Manufactura Argentina de Tabacos Massalin Particulares SA Philip Morris Nobleza Piccardo SAIC y F

Logistic Equipment Industrial Conveying (Aust) Pty Ltd Product Manufacturers British American Tobacco Australia Philip Morris International (Australia) Ltd

AZERBAIJAN

Suppliers Anzpac Services (Australia) Pty Ltd FlexLink Systems Pt Ltd Industrial Conveying (Aust) Pty Ltd Innovia Films (Asia-Pacific) Pty Ltd Kamra International Pty Ltd RothTech Pty Ltd Treofan Australia Pty Ltd

Cigarette Manufacturers British American Tobacco Azerbaijan

Ltd

Leaf Dealers Alliance One Argentina SA Bonpland Leaf SA (BLASA) Coop de Salta Cooperativa de Tabacalera de Tucuman Ltda Cooperativa de Tabacaleros de Corrientes Ltda Cooperativa de Tabacaleros de Jujuy Ltda Cooperativa Tabacalera de Misiones Ltda J Felipe Ottaviano y Cia SA Premium Tabacos Argentina SA Universal Leaf Tabacos SA Leaf Processer Cooperativa de Tabacaleros de Jujuy Ltda

AUSTRIA

BAHAMAS

Cigarette Manufacturers British American Tobacco Austria Consulting KNAPP AG

Cigar Manufacturers Graycliff Cigar Co

Pipe Smoking Tobacco Nobleza Piccardo SAIC y F

Product Manufacturers Massalin Particulares SA Philip Morris Nobleza Piccardo SAIC y F

Distribution/Product, Importers & Exporters Top Brands Weswaldi International Leaf Dealers Aucana Marketing GmbH

Product Manufacturers Graycliff Cigar Co

Smoking Tobacco Massalin Particulares SA

Advertisers appear in bold

d

orters

see Filter Tow

Adhesive Applicators C.B. Kaymich & Co. Ltd. (U.K.) PAK-TEC, Inc. (South Carolina) SPI Developments Ltd. (U.K.)

Adhesives Baumer hhs GmbH (Germany) BTS SRL (Italy) Edelstein Industries Inc. (Canada) FORBO-Swift Adhesives Ltd. (England) Forbo Swift Adhesives Ltd. (U.K.) Haynes Rubber & Supply Co., Lewis-Goetz (North Carolina) H.B. Fuller Co. (Minnesota) H.B. Fuller GmbH (Germany) Henkel & Cie AG (Switzerland) Henkel KG (Germany) Hitkari Trading Corporation (India) KneX Worldwide (North Carolina) National Starch & Chemical Co. (New Jersey) National Starch & Chemical GmbH (Germany) National Starch & Chemical Co. (North Carolina) National Starch & Chemical Ltd. (U.K.) Pafra Systems Ltd. (U.K.) PAK-TEC, Inc. (South Carolina) PJM Pujadas SA (Spain) Siag Chemicals Co. SAE (Egypt) STI Petofi Nyomda Kft. (Hungary) Titan Adhesives Co., Inc. (New Jersey) Tuermerleim GmbH (Germany) Tutunski Kombinat A.D. Prilep - TKP (Macedonia) Upaco Adhesives Inc. (Virginia)

Product Manufacturers Graycliff Cigar Co

BANGLADESH Cigarette Manufacturers Abul Khair Leaf Tobacco Co Ltd British American Tobacco Bangladesh BAT Co Ltd Husna Tobacco Pvt Ltd Distribution/Product, Importers & Exporters Abul Khair Leaf Tobacco Co Ltd

Acetate Tow

Leaf Dealers Abul Khair Leaf Tobacco Co Ltd Bangladesh Leaf Tobacco Co Ltd British American Tobacco Bangladesh BAT Co Ltd Global Leaf Tobacco Co Ltd Azizuddin Industries Ltd TTS (Tobacco Trading and Services) Bangladesh

see Filter Tow

AG Sales & Service (Virginia) Barrettine Environmental Health (U.K.) Casa Bernardo Ltda. (Brazil) Chemprene (U.S.) Chemtura AgroSolutions () Cochran Corp. (Tennessee) Fair Products, Inc. (North Carolina) Fersol (Brazil) Lurgi GmbH (Germany) Sunzon International (North Carolina) Unichema International (Germany) Yara North America, Inc. (U.S.)

Cigar Manufacturers Caribbean Cigar Co, Inc

BELARUS Cigarette Manufacturers JSC “Grodno Tobacco Factory “NEMAN” Leaf Dealers JV “BelProto” LLC

Product Manufacturers KNAPP AG

Product Manufacturers JSC “Grodno Tobacco Factory “NEMAN”

Tobacco International Buyers’ Guide & Global Directory 2013

Cigarette Manufacturers Abul Khair Leaf Tobacco Co Ltd British American Tobacco Bangladesh BAT Co Ltd Husna Tobacco Pvt Ltd Distribution/Product, Importers & Exporters Abul Khair Leaf Tobacco Co Ltd

Agricultural Equipment & Machinery AG Sales & Service (Virginia) Beltwide Inc. (Florida) Carolina Soil do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil) de Cloet Ltd. (Canada) Farmquip (Pvt.) Ltd. (Zimbabwe)

Aluminum Foil BMJ (Indonesia) ColourPackaging Ltd. (Kenya) Edelstein Industries Inc. (Canada) KneX Worldwide (North Carolina) Novelis Deutschland GmbH (Germany)

Aluminum Foil Paper/ Board Rotogravure Printing AL INVEST Bridlicna, AS (Czech Republic) ALUPRINT S. DE R. L. DE C. V. (Mexico) Big Beard Co., Ltd. (China) Big Beard Co. Ltd. (China) IBI Corp. (South Korea) Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. (China) New Toyo Aluminum Paper Product Co. (Singapore) Novelis UK Ltd. (U.K.) Parkside Flexibles (Normanton) Ltd. (U.K.) PT Tunas Alfin (Indonesia) Symetal SA (Greece) Vaassen Flexible Packaging BV (Netherlands)

Apron Machinery

Diamond Metal Screens Pvt. Ltd. (India) Evans-MacTavish-Agricraft, Inc. (Virginia) Godioli & Bellanti SpA (Italy) Sargent’s Sons Division (North Carolina)

Diamond Metal Screens Pvt. Ltd. (India)

Tervakosi Oy (Finland)

Bale Slicers Comas SpA (Italy) Garbuio Dickinson (U.K.) Godioli & Bellanti SpA (Italy) Griffin Cardwell Ltd. (England) Griffin & Co. Inc. (Kentucky) Hauni Maschinenbau AG (Germany) Heinen-Koehl Tobacco GmbH (Germany)

Vintero Corporation (Georgia)

9

Adhesives

Advertisers appear in bold

Balers

Abal Hermanos SA, Paraguay 1780, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay. Tel: +598 2 924 0915. Fax: +598 2 924 1732.

Web: www.pmintl.com. Business Type: Cigarette Manufacturers, Product Manufacturers.

International Baler Corp. (Florida)

see Presses (Balers)

C.B. Kaymich & Co. Ltd. (U.K.) Apron Pins PAK-TEC, Inc. (South Carolina) Art Paper & Board(U.K.) SPI Developments Ltd.

BARBADOS

AAF International (American Air Filter), P.O. Box 35690, Louisville, Kentucky 40232-5690, United States. Tel: +1 502 637 0011, Toll free +1 888 223 2003. Fax: +1 502 637 0321, Toll free +1 888 223 6500. Email: info@aafintl.com.

Web: www.aafintl.com. Business Type: Suppliers. Products: Air Filters, Dust Collectors.

International Tobacco Machinery BV (Netherlands) Kunming Shipbuilding Equipment Co. Ltd. (China) The LTL Group (U.K.) Muzer Makina San. ve Tic. Ltd. Sti. (Turkey)

Baling Press

AAF International (American Air Filter) (Kentucky) Hauni Maschinenbau AG (Germany) Renold, Inc. (New York) Tholander Ablufttechnik GmbH (Germany) Tornex Inc. (Japan) United Air Specialists, Inc. (Ohio) Up-To-Date Environmental Engineering AG (Switzerland)

Adhesive Applicators

Agricultural Chemicals

Product Manufacturers British American Tobacco Bangladesh BAT Co Ltd Global Leaf Tobacco Co Ltd Azizuddin Industries Ltd

Logistic Equipment KNAPP AG

Kali Und Salz GmbH (Germany) Long Agribusiness (North Carolina) Maquinas Binz Industria e Comercio Ltda. (Brazil) Mechanical Transplanter (Michigan) Muller Vinosafe SAS (France) Opico (Alabama) Powell Manufacturing Co., Inc. (South Carolina) Taylor Manufacturing, Inc. (North Carolina)

Air Filters Vintero Corporation (Georgia)

BAHAMAS

BANGLADESH

Leaf Dealers

Acetate Tow

Cigar Manufacturers Graycliff Cigar Co

Distribution/Product, Importers & Exporters Swedish Match Australia

Section 3: Contact Information 1,2,3...

5th Ave. Products Trading GmbH, Postfach 20 11 66, Waldshut-Tiengen D-79751, Germany. Tel: +49 7741 60 72 61. Fax: +49 7741 607 246. Email: info@5thavenue.de.

Web: www.5thavenue.de. Business Type: Cigar Manufacturers, Product Manufacturers, Suppliers, Wholesaler/Distribution. Products: Cigarette Filter Rods.

A

Cigarette Manufacturers British American Tobacco Azerbaijan

AUSTRALIA

Wholesaler/Distribution KNAPP AG

ARGENTINA

The following is a listing of supplies and services and the companies that provide them. To contact any of these companies, please refer to Section 2. Those companies listed in bold are advertisers. Please refer to the Advertisers Index for ad placement.

AZERBAIJAN

Cigarette Manufacturers British American Tobacco Australia Philip Morris International (Australia) Ltd Imperial Tobacco Australia Ltd Scandinavian Tobacco Group Australia

XXXXXXX — XXXXXXX

Section 2

Suppliers Altesse Berndorf Band GmbH Delfort Group AG Dr Franz Fuerstein GmbH Folial GmbH KNAPP AG Kukla Waagenfabrik GmbH & Co KG Mayr-Melnhof Karton Mayr-Melnhof Packaging International International Tobacco Packaging MWV A MeadWestvaco Resource Osterreichische Zigarettenfilter GmbH Poettinger Entsorgungstechnik GmbH & Co KG Poettinger Water Disposal Technology S & S Vertriebs - GmbH Schiff + Stern KG Trierenberg Holding AG Wholesaler/Distribution KNAPP AG

Associations Tobacco Cooperative of Victoria

XXXXXXX Acetate Tow —— XXXXXXX Blended Cut Tobacco

Research & Development KNAPP AG Trierenberg Holding AG

Smoking Tobacco Armtabak d S C Suppliers Armenian Greek JV Masis Tobacco MV Co Ltd

• Multi-Platform Distribution • Digital Advertising

ABC Tobacco, Higienopolis 1601, Eurocenter sala 1203, Londrina 86015 010, Brazil. Tel: +55 43 3336 3300. Fax: +55 43 3339 5001. Email: contact@abctobacco.com.

Web: www.abctobacco.com. Personnel: Camila Silva; Maroun Khouri.

Band Tobacco see Homogenized Tobacco

Band Tobacco Machinery see Homogenized Tobacco Making Machinery

Abdullah Khan Tobacco Corp., 3-28-15/1 Brundavin Gardens, Guntur, A. P. 522007, India. Tel: +91 863 2354 576.

Fax: +91 863 2354 576. Email: abdulla_tobacco@yahoo.com. Personnel: Abdullah Khan, managing partner; Saamir Khan, export division. Business Type: Leaf Dealers.

Bandaroling Machines emkon (Germany) Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG) (Germany) Hauni Maschinenbau AG (Germany)

Banding Machines C.A.T. d. Corsini G&C SpA (Italy)

Base Paper Dr. Franz Fuerstein GmbH (Austria) Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. (China) Tervakosi Oy (Finland)

Belt Fasteners Ammeraal Beltech Holding BV (Netherlands) Ammeraal Beltech Inc. (Illinois) Flexco (Illinois) Forbo Siegling, LLC (North Carolina) Haynes Rubber & Supply Co., Lewis-Goetz (North Carolina) Jerry Brothers Industries, Inc. (Virginia) Mcleod Belting Co., Inc. (North Carolina) Piedmont Belting Co. (North Carolina) Sparks Belting Co. (Michigan) Ton-Tex Corp. (Michigan)

Belts & Belting Agency for Dematic Corp. (U.S.) Ammeraal Beltech GmbH (Germany) Ammeraal Beltech Holding BV (Netherlands) Esbelt SA (Spain) Malcam (Israel) Max Schlatterer GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) Sampla Belting S.P.A. (Italy) Verseidag Beltech Group (Germany)

Blended Cut Tobacco

Kali Und Long Ag Maquina Mechan Muller V Opico (A Powell M Taylor M

Air Filt AAF Inte Hauni M Renold, 43 Tholand Tornex I United A Up-To-D

A. Asbjornsens Tobaksfabrik AS (Norway) Fumarole (Pvt.) Ltd. (Zimbabwe) Independent Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc. (North Carolina)

Tobacco International Buyers’ Guide & Global Directory 2013

Baumer hhs GmbH (Germany) BTS SRL (Italy) Edelstein Industries Inc. (Canada) FORBO-Swift Adhesives Ltd. (England) Forbo Swift Adhesives Ltd. (U.K.) Haynes Rubber & Supply Co., Lewis-Goetz (North Carolina) H.B. Fuller Co. (Minnesota) H.B. Fuller GmbH (Germany) Henkel & Cie AG (Switzerland) Henkel KG (Germany)

Alumin BMJ (In ColourP Edelstein KneX W Novelis

nel: Matthew Smith, Sales. Business Type: Suppliers.

Products: Drying Machinery, Feeders, Rotary Dryers, Spare Parts.

Adamantine Precision Tools Ltd., 501 Research Rd., Richmond 23236-3090, United States. Tel: +1 804 794 9615. Fax: +1 804 794 9514. Email: sales@Fi-Tech.com.

Business Type: Suppliers. Products: Grinders, Grinding Wheels, Knife Grinders & Sharpeners, Spare Parts.

Adams International Ltd., 5/26-29 Saladang Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand. Tel: +66 2 233 9818.

Fax: +66 2 237 6111. Email: info@adamsint.com. Web: www.adamsint.com. Personnel: Allen Tucker, director; Wing F Chung, managing director; Arjaree Yatirukpien, director; Sunchal Chongsuknlrandr, director; Rao Somesh, Director; Prem Thoonkapbalin, director; Karl Kunz; Henrik Baark, Director; Altemir Wollmann, Director. Business Type: Leaf Dealers. Offices: 174 Jangsanit Rd., Ban Phai, Khon Kaen 40110, Thailand. Tel: +66 43 272 372/073. Fax: +66 43 272 370.

AD DIMON Gorica, Industriska Bb, Vinica, Macedonia. Tel: +389 33 360 832. Fax: +389 33 360 832. Personnel: Arie Maan, Jr., country manager; Simon Green, regional director Europe (based in UK). Business Type: Leaf Dealers.

Offices: DIMON MD AD, 11 Nov Belgrad, Kavardarci, Macedonia. Tel: +389 43 414 603. Fax: +389 43 414 605.

Adolfo Pfeiffer SA, cl. Velazquez 136, 28006, Madrid 28006, Spain. Tel: +34 91 562 98 04. Fax: +34 91 561 21 88. Email: adolfo.pfeiffer.sa@auna.com. Personnel: Adolfo Pfeiffer Seghers, managing director. Business Type: Leaf Dealers.

Agio Cigars, Wolverstraat 3, 5525 AR Duizel, Netherlands.

Tel: +31 497 58 25 00. Fax: +31 497 51 64 06. Email: info@agiocigars.nl. Web: www.agiocigars.com. Business Type: Cigar Manufacturers, Product Manufacturers.

Agio Sigarenfabrieken N.V., P.O. Box 1, Duizel 5520 AA, Netherlands. Tel: +31 497 582500. Fax: +31 497 516406. Business Type: Cigar Manufacturers, Product Manufacturers.

Agricultural Development & Marketing Corp., P.O. Box 3052, Limbe, Malawi. Tel: +265 64 00 44. Fax: +265 64 04 86. Personnel: F.A. Jumbe, g.m.; B.D. Kandeya, tobacco marketing manager; A.M.B. Kythemba Mwale, asst. g.m.

Business Type: Associations, Leaf Dealers.

Agrimmcor Ltd., Registered Office: Post Box 15, Mangalagiri Rd., Guntur, A. P. 522001, India. Tel: +91 863 222 261. Fax: +91 863 356701. Personnel: B.V.S. Raju, executive. Business Type: Leaf Dealers.

Agrisense BCS Ltd., Unit 1, Taff Mead Rd., Treforest Industrial Estate, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan CF375SU, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1443 841 155. Fax: +44 1443 841 152. Business Type: Suppliers. Products: Fumigation Equipment & Systems, Pesticides, Product Security.

Agritab SRL, 11 Berzei, Sector 1, Bucharest 70759, Romania. Tel: +40 1 3121 074. Fax: +40 1 3121 074. Personnel: D. Ionescu, chairman & c.e.o. Business Type: Leaf Dealers.

Agrotab, Monte da Barca, P.O. Box 53, 2104-909 Coruche, Portugal. Tel: +351 243 610 700. Fax: +351 243 610 798.

Email: agrotab@pmintl.com. Personnel: Carlos Santiago, president; Jose` Lourinho, director. Business Type: Leaf Dealers.

Busine Fax: +1 502 637 rector; Sunchal Chongsuknlrandr, director; Rao Somesh, ABN Amro Bank, Herengracht 595, Amsterdam 1000 AB, fo@aafintl.com.

A. Habeebur Rahman Sons, # 4/5 (New #28), Jamalia NaNetherlands. Tel: +31 20 628 6365. Fax: +31 20 628 7697.

Agrim Director; Prem Thoonkapbalin, director; gar, Karl Kunz; Henrik Perambur High Road, Chennai, T.N. 600 012, India.

Business Type: Suppliers. ppliers.

ProdTel: +91 44 2662 3676/2662 2636. Fax: +91 44 2662 Abul Khair Leaf Tobacco Co. Ltd.,Baark, D.T. Road, Pahartali, info@sbidis.com. Web: www.sbidis.com.

5045. Email: galagi Business Director; Altemir Wollmann, Director.

Chittagong 4000, Bangladesh. Tel: +880 31 714561 4. Fax: AET Films, 15 Read’s Way, New Castle, DE 19720, United Personnel: A. Uvais Ahmed, director; A. Mohamed Ashraf, +880 31 710051/720239. Email: tobacco@abulkhairStates. Tel: +1 302 326 5500. Fax: +1 302 326 5501.

Business Type: Cigarette Manufacturers, Product director.

Offices: 174 Jangsanit Rd., Ban Phai, Type: Leaf Dealers.

261. F group.com. Web: www.abulkhairtobacco.com. Business Email: info@aetinc.com. Web: www.aetfilms.com. PersonManufacturers, Smoking Tobacco.

Type: Cigarette Manufacturers, Distribution/Product, Imnel: Denis Alexander; Bill Swain; James R. Rich; Ronald N. Tel: Film +66 43 Ahlstrom/Labelpack 272 372/073.

Thailand. tive. B & Exporters, Leaf Dealers. Khon Kaen 40110, Division, 6,Fax: Rue de Rome, RosnyType: Suppliers. Products: Rodeck. Business evideoporters 11800, sous-Bois Cedex F 93561, France. Tel: +33 1 4935 40 40.

(Polypropylene).

Accumen Technology, Watermeadow House, WatermeadEmail: labelpack@ahlstrom.com. Web: +66 43 272 370.

2 924ow, 1732.

Chesham, Bucks HP51LF, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1 AET Sales, 4601 Olde Forest Drive, Greenboro, North Carwww.ahlstrom.com/lp.

494 79 4633. Fax: +44 1 494 794 644. Personnel: Colin olina 27406, United States. Tel: +1 336 674 0100. BusiAgrise marketing director; Frank Daugherty, sales direcAiger Engineering Ltd., P.O. Box 77, 246 Vasillevski St., ness Type: Suppliers. garetteBunting, ManuBusiness Type: Sup- Gorica, Industriska Bb, Vinica, tor; John Evason, technical director.

Plovdiv BG-4003, Bulgaria. Tel: +359 32 905001. Fax: AD DIMON Macedonia.

Tel: dustria Africaleaf (Malawi) Ltd., Plot 29/173B Alimaunde, P.O. pliers. Products: Weight Control Equipment. +359 32 947001. Email: sales@aiger.com. Web: 40012, Kanengo, Lilongwe 4, Malawi. Tel: +265 1 710 Personnel: Michael Houldsworth, Director +389Ltd.,33 360Box 832.

Fax: +389 33 360 832.www.aiger.com.

Personnel: Arie AccuPac - Industrial Automation Systems Unit 1&2 United 914.

Fax: +265 1 712 417.

Email: leaf@africaleaf.com.

Aiger UK. Ltd.; Dimitar Yanchev, general manager; Simon Springwater Park, Crews Hole Rd., St. George, Bristol BS5 Web: www.tribac.com. Personnel: R.I. Glenn, director (alStrothers, group sales and marketing director. Business 954 1212. Fax:Jr., +44 country 8AN, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 117Maan, ternate); C.D. Le Patourel, managing Simon director; S.A. Marmanager; Green, regional 841 15 Type: Suppliers.

Products:direcCarton Boxing/Forming Mater sala 1203, 117 954 1321. Email: Sales@accupac.co.uk. Web: shall, finance director; A.C. Masi, shipping director; M. chinery, Cigarette Filter Tip Machines, Cigarette Making www.accupac.co.uk. Personnel: Nigel Mawditt, director; Gange Harris,in leaf director.

Type: Leaf Dealers. tor Europe (based UK).Business Business Type:Machinery, LeafCigarette Dealers.

Tax Stamping Machines, Cutters & Equipm 336 3300.

Fax: Lynn Mawditt, director. Business Type: Suppliers. ProdCutting Machines, Packaging Machinery, Rebuilt MachinAfubra, C.P. 1021, Rua Julio de Castilhos 1021/31, Santa ucts: Film (Polypropylene), Overwrapping Machinery, Tear eryKavardarci, Materials-Non Tobacco, Spare Parts, Wrapping MaOffices: DIMON AD,Brazil.11Tel: Nov Belgrad, +55 51 371 13244.

Cruz do MD Sul, RS 96800, Tapes, Wrapping Machines. bacco.com. chines. Offices: Aiger Group AG. Tel: +41 41 7267873.

Business Type: Associations.

Email: office@hqgroup.aiger.com. Aiger UK Ltd.. Tel: +44 Agrita Ace Interactive Ltd., Unit 3, 94 Charlton Road, Andover, Macedonia.

Tel: +389 43 414 603.

Fax: +389 43 414 605. amila Hants Silva; (0) 121 230 1768. Email: sales@aiger.com. Aiger USA AG Sales & Service, 1185 Pineridge Rd., Norfolk, VA SP10 3JZ, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1264 350 424.

LLC. Tel: +1 412 616 2833. Fax: +1 412 251 0466. Email: 23502, United States. Tel: +1 757 855 0191. Fax: +1 757 Fax: +44 1264 356 281. Email: sales@ace-interactive.com. mania sales@usa.aiger.com. Aiger Far East Ltd.. Tel: +65 9272 855 4155. Business Type: Suppliers. Products: AgriculturWeb: www.ace-interactive.com. Personnel: Michael Cole, kevin.ang@aiger.com.

2203. Email: Madrid managing director; Keith Tarrant, quality manager; Barry al Chemicals, Equipment & Machinery, Fertil- 28006, Adolfo Pfeiffer SA,Agricultural cl. Velazquez 136, nel: D austin, operations director. Business Type: Suppliers. izers, Tear Tapes.

Airco DIET, 110 Allen Rd., Liberty Corner 07938, United Products: Classifying Equipment, Grinding Wheels, 28006, Spain.

Tel: +34Corp., 91507562 04. +34 91626561 21 States.

Tel: +1 908 2700. Fax: +1 908 626 9650.Dealer Agency for Dematic Plymouth98 Avenue, N.E., Fax: Brundavin GarKnives, Metal Detectors, Spare Parts.

Email: aircodiet@aircodiet.com. Personnel: K. Laigaard, Grand Rapids 49505-6029, United States. Tel: +1 616 913 projects director; M. Auerbach, president. Business Type: Ackerman and Baynes LLC., 4211-15 Erdman Ave., Balti- adolfo.pfeiffer.sa@auna.com.

7700. Fax: +1 616 913 7701. Email: usinfo@dematic.com.

88.

Email: Personnel: Adolfo 863 2354 576.

Suppliers. Products: Expanded Tobacco, Tobacco Expanmore MD 21213-2698 United States Tel: +1 410 342 Web: www dematic com Business Type: Suppliers ProdAgrota Pfeiffer Seghers, managing director. Business Type: Leaf Portug Dealers.

Abdullah Khan, Email: vision. Business Aegean Tobacco Exporters Association, Ataturk Cad. No: presid 382, Alsancak, Izmir 35220, Turkey. Tel: +90 232 463 69 Dealer 50. Fax: +90 232 463 39 41. Email: eib1@egebirlik.org.tr. rdam 1000 AB, A. Hab Web: www.egebirlik.org.tr. Personnel: Tahir Kanlikuyu, de31 20 628 7697. gar, Pe partment manager; Sezmen Alper, sec. General. Business Tel: +9 Type: Associations. ad, Pahartali, 5045.

1 714561 4. Fax: AET Films, 15 Read’s Way, New Castle, DE 19720, United Perso @abulkhair States Tel: +1 302 326 5500 Fax: +1 302 326 5501 Aegean Tobacco Exporters Association, Ataturk Cad. No: 382, Alsancak, Izmir 35220, Turkey. Tel: +90 232 463 69 50. Fax: +90 232 463 39 41. Email: eib1@egebirlik.org.tr.

Web: www.egebirlik.org.tr. Personnel: Tahir Kanlikuyu, department manager; Sezmen Alper, sec. General. Business Type: Associations.

www.tobaccointernational.com • sales@tobaccointernational.com

{ Habanos Festival 2018}

Surges Chinese Demand for Habanos

The Asian market for personal luxury products, anchored squarely by China, broke wide open in 2017 and hand rolled Cuban cigars were swept along for the ride, lifting Habanos S.A. revenues. » BY E. EDWARD HOYT III

cord $500 million, up from $445 million the previous year.

The revenue and sales surge—announced at a press conference held by Habanos S.A. executives Leopoldo Cintra González,

Commercial Vice-President,

and Jose María López Inchaurbe, Vice President of Development—was fueled largely by soaring sales in China, a market for which grew by 33 percent in 2017. Asia has now become the most important emerging market for Habanos S.A. López noted that the global sales growth of Cuban cigars last year far out-

T

he 2018 edition of the Habanos

news was announced at the start of the

paced the personal luxury goods market

Festival, which was held February

festival that Habanos S.A.—the 50-50

at large, which were up by 5 percent, ac-

26th through March 2nd in Hava-

joint venture between the Cuban gov-

cording to research firm Bain & Company.

na, Cuba, celebrated a special milestone:

ernment and U.K.-based Imperial Brands

López said that several favorable tobacco

the 20th anniversary of the ever-evolving

Plc that sells and markets 27 different

harvests and a range of new products

event that continues to grow in size and

brands of handmade Cuban cigars glob-

were responsible for the sales growth.

stature. A celebratory atmosphere was

ally—posted significant revenue growth

The surprise results far outpaced last

already firmly in place when striking

in 2017 of over 12 percent, reaching a re-

year’s modest but welcome growth of 5

TPI 6

Q1 2018

percent over 2016’s figures in an overall

Maduro, Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo Río

del Habanos 20 Años) kicked off with a

market for personal luxury goods that had

Seco, and Vegueros Centrofinos, as well

welcome night at the Salón de Protocolo

been essentially flat.

as commemorative festival edition cigars.

El Laguito in Havana’s Playa municipality,

Europe remains the principal market

which was dedicated to the new Cohiba

for Habanos, accounting for 54 percent

New Cigar Launches for 2018

Robustos Reserva Cosecha 2014. The

of sales, followed by Latin America and

As is customary at Habanos Festivals, up-

robustos format (50 x 124 mm) is one of

Canada with 17 percent; Asia with 15

coming new Habanos S.A. cigar launches

the most popular vitolas among Habanos

percent; and Africa and the Middle East

are often unveiled and sampled during the

enthusiasts and the Cohiba brand is once

with 14 percent. By nation, Spain and

various night time social events.

again offering this size its new Reserva,

France are the leading Habanos markets,

The 20th Habanos Festival (Festival

the first since the launch of the Reserva

while China is in third place and is not only the fastest growing market, but the biggest emerging one, too. López told festival attendees that Habanos S.A. is counting on “double-digit growth for years to come” in China.

The year of the first Habanos Festival, 1999, Cuban cigar exports were 148 million sticks on $250 million in sales, but dropped to 118 million the following year, attributed at the time primarily to earlier drought-related crop issues that caused shortages of aged tobacco leaf.

Exports have rebounded over time, but not without considerable volatility over the past two decades.

The Habanos Festival is by far the largest international gathering of premium cigar enthusiasts and trade members in the world, with this year’s week-long festival bringing upwards of 2,000 participants to the island for tours of tobacco plantations in Cuba’s prime growing region of Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río; tours of cigar factories; a commercial trade fair; international

seminars;

competitions;

and several nights of social events that are capped by a formal gala cigar dinner and charity auction.

Throughout the week, visitors celebrated the culture surrounding Cuban tobacco with the island’s finest cuisine, the most exclusive beverages, and a variety of different forms of artistic expressions. Participants were also able to sample the newest Habanos launches, which this year included the Cohiba Robustos Reserva Cosecha 2014, Partagás Línea

The Cohiba Robustos Reserva Cosecha 2014 was the featured cigar at the 20th Habanos Festival Welcome Night which was held at Salón de Protocolo, El Laguito on the 26th of February, 2018.

Tobacco Products International

TPI 7

{Habanos 2018}

Above: The Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition, one of two very limited edition collaborative timepieces between Habanos S.A. and Zenith that were unveiled. Left: Vegureros Centrofinos, a large ring gauge addition to the brand. Below: The Le Hoyo Río Seco (56 x 140 mm long), the latest addition to the Hoyo de Monterrey brand.

Cosecha 2003. The release is unique be-

rose gold and the 150-piece Pilot Type

sented in this brand until now. Habanos

cause all of the filler and binder tobaccos

20 Chronograph Cohiba Maduro 5

says the new entry is “set to become

leaves used in its production have been

Edition in bronze. Both timepieces were

the benchmark for heavy ring gauge and

aged for five years rather than the stan-

also on display throughout the week at

medium length formats for those looking

dard three. The Serie has been produced

the festival’s trade fair, which featured

for an elegant flavor that is also robust

in very limited quantities, only 5,000 num-

180 exhibitors at the Palacio de Conven-

and balanced at the same time.”

bered boxes, each containing 20 cigars.

ciones de La Habana.

Vegueros—a value-priced brand that

Also during the welcome night, two

The Le Hoyo Río Seco vitola (56 ring

was relaunched in 2014—also has a new

watches created through a collaboration

by 140 mm) joins the Hoyo de Monter-

vitola, Centrofinos (50 ring gauge by

between Habanos, S.A and Zenith were

rey brand. This new shape completes

130 mm long), that is joining the brand’s

unveiled: Pilot Type 20 Extra Special

the Serie Le Hoyo line by adding a large

three existing sizes. This vitola is “an at-

Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition in 18-carat

ring gauge format, which was not repre-

tractive cigar for those who are looking

TPI 8

Q1 2018

for a medium to full-strength flavor blend

and now joins the regular Partagás port-

ing 100 double-banded cigars wrapped in

that is accessible and modern,” explains

folio creating this new line.

patterned, gold-hued foil.

Habanos. The cigars are presented up-

Since the Habano Festival celebrated

The tribute evening was designed to

right in 16-count metal tins as well as in

its 20th anniversary this year, Habanos de-

pay homage to the festival with enter-

4-count packs.

cided that the evening social event mark-

tainment that brought together music,

The Partagás Línea Maduro has

ing the mid-point of the festival would

dance, and other forms of artistic expres-

added two new vitolas with maduro

be a tribute to the history and success

sion, among which performances by Ede-

wrappers, which are the result of an ex-

of Festival del Habano over the past two

sio Alejandro, Carlos Acosta, Litz Alfonso,

tra period of fermentation that empha-

decades. The Teatro Martí and the Gran

and Alain Pérez stood out, among others.

sizes the cigar’s strongly flavored blend.

Teatro de la Habana event hall hosted the

The evening then continued at the Gran

Maduro No 2 (55 ring by 120 mm) and

evening, where guests sampled the festi-

Teatro de la Habana’s event room, with a

Maduro No 3 (50 ring by 145 mm) join

val’s 20th anniversary tribute product: Ro-

grand cocktail dinner that concluded with

the Maduro No 1 (52 ring gauge by 130

meo y Julieta Grand Churchills (56 ring by

a performance by Cuban singer, song-

mm long) vitola, which was launched

190 mm), a unique and exclusive vitola for

writer, and producer Descemer Bueno.

in 2015 for La Casa del Habano and

a limited series of 450 humidors crafted

Other festival activities included a

Habanos Specialists network of stores,

by Elie Bleu of France, and each contain-

paring and tasting of four different Torres

Above and right: Romeo y Julieta Grand Churchills, a unique and exclusive vitola, were launched by Habanos, S.A. as the festival’s 20th anniversary tribute product. Only 450 humidors, each containing 100 cigars, will be released.

Below: Performances included Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba.

Tobacco Products International

TPI 9

{Habanos 2018}

The Partagás Serie D No 4 and Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills were selected to pair with a selection of four different brandies from Spanish vintners Miguel Torres S.A.

2nd of March, dedicated to the Partagás

February, the preliminary phase took

brand and its new Línea Maduro and fea-

place to choose the finalists—Darius

tured performances by such renowned

Namdar from United Kingdom and Ma-

artists as Elaín Morales, Yasser Manzano,

bel Duran from Cuba—who then com-

Carlos Varela and Edesio Alejandro. They

peted at the grand finale held on 2nd

shared the stage with emerging names

of March. The finalists were faced with

in Cuban music as well as major interna-

a practical Habano cutting and lighting

tionally renowned artists such as Laritza

test and a descriptive tasting and pair-

Bacallao, Waldo Mendoza and Irene Ro-

ing session with different beverages,

dríguez and Habana Compas. Among the

including the most well-known interna-

main guests at this year’s gala was the

tional cocktails. Ultimately, it was the

internationally renowned actor Demián

British representative, Darius Namdar,

Bichir, with an Oscar nomination for Best

who earned the top honors.

Actor for his performance in the film A Better Life in 2012

One of the seven humidors auctioned at the gala closing dinner of the 2018 Festival.

Also, this year, the first edition of the Habanos World Challenge was held,

The 2017 Habanos Awards prizes

evaluating the knowledge and skills of

were given during the course of the

Habano aficionados from around the

evening. Franchesco Minetti received

world. The contest narrowed down chal-

the award in the Communication Cate-

lengers to two pairs of finalists: Raffi Der

brandies from fifth generation Spanish

gory. Ercan Hazar was awarded in the

Gara Betian and Alexis Tselepis from Cy-

vintners Miguel Torres S.A.: Torres 10,

category of Business, in recognition for

prus, against Mayli Mostaza and Daylin

the company’s flagship brandy, as well

his work developing the Habano cigar

López from Cuba, with the Cyprus team

as Torres 15, Torres 20, and its rich, mul-

market in Austria, and Viginio Morales,

ultimately winning the challenge.

tiple award-wining Jaime I. The brandies

with a long track record dedicated to

Traditionally, the Habanos Festival

were matched with two of the most ap-

the tobacco industry in Cuba, was the

concludes with the humidors auction. This

preciated Habanos: Partagás Serie D No

winner in the Production category.

year, seven humidors were auctioned,

4 and Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills.

The 17th Edition of the highly com-

raising a total of 1.485 million euros with

The festival came to an end with the

petitive International Habanosommelier

all proceeds benefiting, as is customary,

celebration of the Gala Evening on the

Contest was held this year. On 26th of

the Cuban Public Health System.

TPI

After several years trending toward larger ring gauge formats for its Edición Limitada releases, Habanos S.A. has listened to customer feedback and slimmed down a bit for its 2018 offerings, consisting of the Romeo y Julieta Taco, (49 ring x 168 mm); Bolivar Soberano, (54 ring x 140 mm), and H. Upmann Propios (46 ring x 120 mm).

TPI 10

Q1 2018

Above and right: Internationally regarded Cuban group Orishas provided the music backdrop to an evening that ushered the final celebration of the 20th Anniversary Habanos Festival. Below, left: Alexis Tselepis from Cyprus was the winner of the 1st Habanos World Challenge; Darius Namdar from the United Kingdom was the winner of the 17th Edition of the International Habanosmmelier Contest; A range of special double-banded 20th Anniversary cigars distributed to festival participants to enjoy.

Above: Oscar nominated actor Demiรกn Bichir (left) was among the main guests at the closing evening gala (right.).

Tobacco Products International

TPI 11

{Brand News} OCB Rolling Papers Marks 100th Anniversary The OCB brand from Republic Technologies celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2018, and continues to work to produce the best rolling papers and accessories. With this Natural Experience concept, OCB shows its concern for the environment and biodiversity, and shares consumers’ concerns across the planet offering a complete and perfect range of products to “natural experience” lovers.

For several years now, OCB has offered its “100% Natural Experience” concept in rolling papers and RYO-MYO accessories. This OCB range is the smoker’s choice for anyone who prefers a natural line of unbleached organic hemp rolling papers, virgin unbleached papers, and Eco-biodegradable filters and tubes. unbleached, with no whitening. They are so natural that users can see natural varia-

Izambar Cigars Debuts Blue Ribbon

tions in the shade of the leaves, depending on the hemp used to make it. The hemps

Izambar Cigars is pleased to present

is grown in France, with no pesticide, no fertilizer, and are GMO free. The Organic

details of its latest cigar, Blue Ribbon,

Hemp booklets are printed on recycled cardboard with vegetable inks. And to offer

which follows its previous two releases,

the best RYO smoking experience possible for all its papers, OCB uses natural plant-

Kingdom and Sovereign.

The ultra-thin OCB organic hemp rolling papers are

based, GMO-free and pesticide-free arabic gum. With its 100% organic hemp paper,

Co-founded in 2016 by passionate

biodegradable filters, and its new Bamboo rollers range, OCB promotes a really

Swiss cigar enthusiast, designer, and

strong ecological commitment and rides the health-conscious trend.

cigar blogger “Edmond” along with

Republic Technologies International, Perpignan, France, Tel: +33 4 68 85 12 27,

Swiss financier Antonio Urecht, Izam-

Web: republic-technologies.com, ocb-net.

bar Cigars was inspired by 19th century London engineer and prolific cigar smoker Isambard Kingdom Brunel,

NyB Cigars Launches Furia Cigars NyB Cigars (Nadir y Bohue Pte. Ltd.), the exclusive international distributor of A.J. Fernandez and dh Boutique Cigars, has announced the international launch

and emphasizes elegant, thoughtful blends and timeless smoking experiences.

Blue Ribbon is offered in a single

of Furia Cigars, a new brand from dh Boutique Cigars envisioned by Sandro Stroili

vitola, a 59 ring by 190 mm double coro-

and produced by AJ Fernandez Cigars in Nicaragua. The brand stands as

na that’s “a little more muscular” than

a tribute to the myth of the furies of the underworld, symbolically

other Izambar offerings, with a larger

echoing their power, according to a

ring gauge that’s “more consistent with

company statement.

the uses of the amateurs of our time,”

Furia is rolled with a medium- to

says Edmond.

full-body blend of Nicaraguan fillers

Described as a “strong” cigar,

and binders from Estelí, Condega,

like all Izambar blends Blue Ribbon

and Ometepe with an “enigmatic viso leaf grown outside Nicaragua [that] brings

is crafted in Nicaragua by a small, a distinctive personality to the

undisclosed factory. It features Nica-

tastes and aroma,” according to NyB Cigars’ International Sales Director Steven

raguan filler and binder paired with an

Kron. The wrapper is a Habano Oscuro from the Jalapa Valley, and all tobaccos

Ecuadorian wrapper and is presented

have been aged from three to six years. Furia Cigars are available in three sizes,

in boxes of 24 cigars. The cigar retails

presented in hinge-lid boxes of 10 cigars and adorned with color-coded wool yarn

at 15,9 Swiss civette per cigar

bows rather than traditional bands: Alecto (56 x 4 1/2), twilight blue bow; Megaera

Izambar Cigars, Cervens, France, Tel:

(54 x 5 1/2), Pompeii red bow; and Tisiphone (58 x 6 1/2), saffron orange bow.

+33 6 69 18 24 49, Email: edmond@

NyB Cigars, Singapore, Email: info@nybcigars.com, Web: nybcigars.com.

izambar.com, Web: izambar.com.

TPI 12

Q1 2018

Nicopure Labs Names Replace Smoke as a Greek Market Distributor Nicopure Labs, LLC, the leading manufacturer of American-made e-liquids, has appointed Replace Smoke a distributor for Greece effective immediately.

“In the last several years, we’ve focused on building said Jeff Stamler, CEO and co-founder of Nicopure Labs.

Davidoff Cigars Celebrates 50 Years

“We’ve seen success in the U.S., France, and China, and

Davidoff Cigars is celebrating its 50th

are delighted to partner with Replace Smoke to further

anniversary in 2018 with a series of

expand our brand presence in the Greek market.”

events, as well as specially commis-

an international presence for our brands Halo and eVo,”

The global market for vape products has exploded over the past five years, with

sioned cigars and accessories that

estimated sales of over $6 billion in 2016 alone. While the U.S. and the U.K. remain

reflect the continued philosophy of

the two largest vape markets in the world, sales are growing rapidly in countries

enabling its customers to “taste the

with large domestic cigarette consumption, such as Greece.

wider world.” The anniversary efforts

Operating since 2009, Nicopure Labs, LLC operates a recently upgraded

will appeal to cigar lovers that are

110,000-sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Gainesville, Florida with

eager to enlarge their repertoires with

a 10,000-sq. ft. ISO 7 cleanroom. Distributing to over 90 countries worldwide,

different types of aromas and experi-

Nicopure Labs has expanded its presence with the recent addition of a European

ences, the company explains.

headquarters in the Netherlands and offices in England. Replace Smoke started in

As part of the celebrations and

2012 and currently serves 350 vape shops around throughout Greece, representing

for a limited time only, a selection

about 70 percent of the nation’s vape shop market.

of five iconic Davidoff cigars will

Nicopure Labs, LLC, Tampa, Fla., U.S.A., Web: nicopure.com, Replace Smoke,

carry a commemorative 50th anni-

Attica, Greece, Email: info@replacesmoke.com, Web: replacesmoke.com.

versary white ring inspired by the original white ring which first graced

Villiger Adds La Meridiana Torpedo Limitada

memorable creations such as the Ambassadrice, the No. 1 and No. 2

After the success of the limited special edition Villiger La Meridiana in 2016, Villiger

back in 1968. The blends of these

Söhne has launched another special edition from Nicaragua: the Villiger La Meridiana

exceptional and highly acclaimed

Torpedo Limitada in a special box-pressed torpedo format.

cigars will remain unchanged.

These cigars were entirely hand-

The five iconic cigars (Davidoff

made in Nicaragua and due to their

Signature No. 2, Davidoff Signature

composition of Nicaraguan tobaccos,

2000, Davidoff Aniversario Special

offer a strong flavor with a mild but

R, Davidoff Aniversario No. 3, and

also noticeable spice. The balanced

Davidoff Aniversario Entreacto) will

pleasure is refined additionally by a mild,

carry the commemorative Davidoff

silky matt wrapper, which gives these Puros the typical

50th anniversary main ring. They will

flavor of the Villiger La Meridiana.

be available to Davidoff Depositaries

Inspired by traditional adventurers, these all-Nicaraguan puros are presented in

and Davidoff Flagship Stores in the

a specially made wooden box holding 10 cigars, reminiscent of the rustic design of

first quarter of 2018. After Davidoff’s

the standard La Meridiana line but differentiated from all of the previous Limitadas

50th anniversary year, the cigars will

by its striking gold decorations and carefully designed details.

go back to their original white ring.

Limited to 500 boxes, these cigars priced at 9.80 € each.

Oettinger Davidoff AG, Basel, Switz-

Villiger Söhne AG, Pfeffikon, Switzerland, Tel: +41 62 765 55 55,

erland, Tel: +41 58 219 36 24, Web:

Email: cigar@villiger.ch, Web: villiger.ch.

oettingerdavidoff.com, davidoff.com.

Tobacco Products International

TPI 13

{Showcase} Adorini Creates Cigar Cabinet Trolley The Cigar Cabinet Trolley from Adorini Humidors is an original, high-quality aviation trolley, converted in Germany to a fully functioning humidor, with several added twists. Each unit is elaborately veneered using the genuine cedar wood from original habanos boxes, so the combined artwork of premium Cuban cigar brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagás, Bolivar, and Hoyo de Monterrey, just to name a few, adorn the inside and outside of each humidor. This means that no two cabinets are the same, each piece is absolutely unique. To guarantee the perfect micro-climate inside, each 800 cigar capacity humidor Cigar Heaven, a capacitive sensor

Le Grand S.T. Dupont Dual Flame Lighter

electronic humidification system

S.T. Dupont has released the industry’s

that can regulate moisture levels

first true luxury lighter featuring both a

indefinitely, ensuring perfectly

soft double flame and torch flame in a

conditioned cigars. The humidor is

single case with the release of Le Grand

also equipped with LED lighting, to

S.T. Dupont lighter range. Cigar smokers

put cigars in their very best light,

no longer have to choose which type of

while an integrated tray allows

fire to take with them thanks Dupont’s

cigar to be to be served alongside

dual flame lighter technology.

is equipped with the Adorini

Le Grand S.T. Dupont is only slightly

accessories such as cutters and lighters. Two drawers offer plenty

larger than the company’s Line 2 lighter,

of storage space for accessories.

so it still fits comfortably in one’s pock-

Adorini Humidors, Cologne,

ets, while its flip-top lid features the

Germany, Tel: +(49) 221 8000

same iconic “cling” sound that users

94-26, Email: info@adorini.com.

have come to expect.

The soft double flame gently heats

Web: adorini.com.

a cigar, ignited as usual by spinning the roller bar, while the wind-resistant torch

Elegant New Pearl Pipes from Vauen

flame—which is activated in a simple and easy gesture by pushing the roller up-

Answering the style-conscious pipe smoker’s desire for very elegant models, Vauen

wards—helps to light a cigar in a perfect

Pipes, which is celebrating its 170th anniversary in 2018, has created a brilliant series

circle or when environment conditions

of new Pearl pipe designs that feature a glossy black surface that contrast in sleek

are too challenging for a soft flame.

aesthetic balance with the bright maple rings found both on the rim of the bowl and on the end of stem. In all, six different shapes are offered, and each features a white dot that Vauen traditionally uses to distinguish very exclusive pipes that feature

The new series is entirely hand crafted in France with precious materials and specific know-how of natural lacquering and guilloche techniques.

The lighter is available in a choice of

elaborate workmanship, down to the smallest

three separately-priced finishes: palladi-

details. For the perfect pairing, suggest a tin of Vauen’s

um with black natural lacquer; patterned

anniversary tobacco, 170 Jahre Vauen, a unique mixture featuring a

palladium; and yellow gold with sun-

high proportion of golden Virginia tobaccos seasoned with Cube Cuts, nutty Burley,

burst brown lacquer.

and wholehearted Black Cavendish with the addition of spicy fresh rosemary and

S.T. Dupont, Paris, France, Tel: +(33) 1

lemon aroma delivering a discreet, masculine and herbal room fragrance.

53 91 30 00, Email: info@st-dupont.com,

Vauen Pfeifen & Filter, Nuremberg, Germany, Email: info@vauen.de, Web: vauen.de.

Web: st-dupont.com.

TPI 14

Q1 2018