Tag: cigar

  • PCA Partners to Offer Cigar Retailers Financial Services

    PCA Partners to Offer Cigar Retailers Financial Services

    The Premium Cigar Association announced a new preferred vendor partnership with JeisonGermanGroup, in collaboration with NewtekBank, to offer specialized banking and lending solutions tailored for premium cigar retailers.

    Led by CEO Jeison German, the firm brings financial expertise and custom strategies to support PCA members, with access to services including business banking, loans from $5,000 to $15 million, POS and payment processing solutions, and support for insurance, payroll, HR, and IT.

    This initiative aims to strengthen financial stability and support business growth within the premium tobacco industry.

  • Louisiana Caps Cigar Taxes at 50 Cents Each

    Louisiana Caps Cigar Taxes at 50 Cents Each

    Louisiana joined Arkansas and North Carolina in implementing a cigar tax cap, putting a 50-cent ceiling on each cigar. Passed by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry, the measure will take effect January 1, 2026.

    Sponsored by Rep. Marcus Bryant, the law applies to cigars wholesale priced at $2.50 or more, which includes virtually all premium handmade cigars. Those under that threshold will continue to be taxed at 20% of the wholesale price.

    The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) praised the legislation, calling it a victory for small businesses and cigar consumers. PCA, which held its annual trade show in New Orleans in 2025 and returns for 2026, provided testimony and advocacy support alongside local Louisiana tobacconists and distributors.

    “This positive development in Louisiana is yet another indicator of how the state is supporting its small business community and their patrons,” said PCA executive director Joshua Habursky. “The economic impact of the New Orleans-based trade show was shared with the legislature, as was the positive impact of cigar tax caps throughout the nation. We appreciate the support of the legislature and Governor Landry with this positive step.”

  • Gran Habano’s Rico Named to PCA Board

    Gran Habano’s Rico Named to PCA Board

    Today (June 12), the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced the appointment of George Rico of Gran Habano as an associate member on the PCA Board of Directors. The board position opened last week when Max Bichler resigned from his position at Rocky Patel Premium Cigars and the PCA board.

    “Per the association by-laws, the current board of directors had the duty to appoint a good-standing member to fill the role,” the PCA said in a statement. “Based on his experience, service on PCA committees, and overall participation and support for the Premium Cigar Association, the board of directors selected George Rico of Gran Habano to serve the remainder of the three-year term from 2025 to 2028.”

    Originally from Medellín, Colombia, Rico has worked in the cigar industry for over 28 years and is the founder, along with his father, Guillermo Rico, of Gran Habano Cigars. “He is renowned for his craftsmanship and dedication to producing high-quality, artisanal cigars. In addition to his cigar blending and manufacturing expertise, Rico is a fourth-generation tobacco farmer with operations in countries like Colombia, Nicaragua, and Honduras,” the PCA said.

  • CAA Seeks New Definition of “Premium Cigar”

    CAA Seeks New Definition of “Premium Cigar”

    The Cigar Association of America (CAA) has submitted a revised definition of “premium cigar” in its ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Filed June 6 as part of Cigar Association of America et al. v. United States Food and Drug Administration et al., the brief marks a shift from the working definition previously agreed upon by Judge Amit P. Mehta, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), and Cigar Rights of America (CRA).

    Mehta, CRA, and PCA have been satisfied with an eight-point working definition, however earlier this year the CAA said it was opposed. Last week in its brief, the CAA said it “does not agree that the definition suggested by the agency and adopted in the Court’s previous rulings is the proper definition of a premium cigar, or that it was properly adopted. That organization’s proposed definition is reflected in the comments it submitted in response to the Proposed Rule.”

    The CAA proposed modifying the definition to a five-point standard: that is wrapped in whole tobacco leaf; contains a 100% leaf tobacco binder; made by manually combining the wrapper, filler, and binder; has no filter, tip, or non-tobacco mouthpiece, and is capped by hand; and weighs more than six pounds per 1,000 units.

    CAA’s proposed five-point standard omits language prohibiting characterizing flavors and allows for machine-assisted production. It also lowers technical requirements for filler content. The FDA, CRA, and PCA must respond to the proposed changes by July 7.

  • Cigar Associations Team to Commission Study on Tax Cap Policies

    Cigar Associations Team to Commission Study on Tax Cap Policies

    Today (June 10), the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and the Cigar Association of America (CAA) announced they are collaborating on a national study of cigar tax cap policies enacted and planned throughout the nation. The PCA and CAA have commissioned Goss & Associates, led by Dr. Ernie Goss, who serves as chair in regional economics at Creighton University, to undertake the study. Goss has published more than 100 studies on economic forecasting and on statistical analysis of business and economic trends.

    “This is a first-of-its-kind study that should produce a historic perspective on cigar tax policy, coupled with an analysis that charts a path forward in the states,” PCA executive director Joshua Habursky said. “Having a study produced by an economist of Dr. Goss’s acclaim is a testament to how serious PCA and CAA are on this pressing issue as we initiate this project.” 

    The study will evaluate the effectiveness of cigar tax caps as a matter of state policy and the direct and indirect economic impact of premium cigars for each state, including local, state, and federal taxes.

    “Since 1977, the CAA economic and statistics program has provided actionable insights to support industry advocacy,” CAA president Scott Pearce said. “Currently, we find ourselves having to defend existing tax caps, as well as working to advance new cap bills, in addition to addressing reform of statutes in some states.  And in this regard, research and substantiated data are the number one requests of state legislatures. CAA is excited to be partnering with PCA to further progress our advocacy with this new study.” 

    The study results are expected to be released in 2025.

  • CAA Reports U.S. Cigar Imports Down 8.7%

    CAA Reports U.S. Cigar Imports Down 8.7%

    The Cigar Association of America (CAA) reported the U.S. imported 48.4 million premium cigars in the first two months of 2025, an 8.7% decrease from the previous year. The decline was not due to tariffs, which were announced in April, but are believed to be part of the ever-adjusting post-pandemic market.

    The three major cigar exporters all saw declines, with the Dominican Republic down 4.1%, Nicaragua (which accounts for more than half of the market) down 9.3%, and Honduras down 19.3%. Those three producers account for 99% of handmade, premium cigar shipments to the United States.

    “January’s imports are typically anemic compared to the other 11 months of the year, oftentimes less than half of some of the peak import numbers that occur in the second half of the calendar,” Charlie Minato wrote for Halfwheel. “While imports have cooled off from their peak in 2020-2022, the U.S. imported 430 million premium cigars in 2024, up more than 90 million units compared to pre-pandemic levels.”

    According to the CAA, the market increased from 338 million handmade cigars in 2019 to 465 million in 2022.

  • U.S. Tops List for Importing Dominican Cigars

    U.S. Tops List for Importing Dominican Cigars

    Iván Hernández Guzmán, the director of the Tobacco Institute of the Dominican Republic, recently offered a breakdown of the nation’s cigar export market, which he said this year will top $1.3 billion with products going to 148 countries.

    Hernández Guzmán said the United States is by far the biggest importer of Dominican cigars, accounting for 74.3% of the market at $906 million. Purchasing power, culture, and relatively low tariffs on premium cigars make the U.S. an attractive market, he said.

    The next highest importers are China $74 million (5.53%) and Germany $60 million (4.45%), followed by Belgium $26 million (1.93%), Nicaragua $22 million (1.63%), Puerto Rico $18 million (1.31%), and Spain $15 million (1.21%).

     “The tobacco of the Dominican Republic is considered a country brand and is recognized for its premium cigars that are highly appreciated nationally and internationally,” Hernández Guzmán said. “So from the government and the private sector, we are working for its greater promotion, expansion, and support.”

  • PMI Halts U.S. Cigar Sale

    PMI Halts U.S. Cigar Sale

    Bloomberg reported that yesterday Philip Morris International Inc. called off the sale of its $1 billion US cigar business, citing the “current environment” in the latest deal to go awry amid market turmoil.

    PMI said following a thorough review and after taking into account the current environment, it will not shed the cigar unit it acquired as part of its $16 billion purchase of rival Swedish Match. It has previously said it wanted to dispose of US cigars as it continues to pin its future on a shift toward smoke-free alternatives to traditional tobacco products.

    The company said strong sales of Zyn nicotine pouches — also acquired from Swedish Match — were driving performance as it boosted adjusted earnings per share guidance this year to as much as $7.49, compared with a previous targeted high of $7.17.

    The smoke-free business includes Zyn and IQOS heated tobacco sticks and accounted for 42% of the first-quarter total net revenue. Philip Morris wants to generate more than two-thirds of its sales from alternative products by 2030.

  • PCA Announces Next Four Shows

    PCA Announces Next Four Shows

    After the 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show ended last weekend, the Premium Cigar Association announced the show dates and locations for the next four years:

    • PCA 2026 — New Orleans Morial Convention Center (April 17-20)
    • PCA 2027 — Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall (March 5-8)
    • PCA 2028 — Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall (March 3-6)
    • PCA 2029 — New Orleans Morial Convention Center (TBA)

    The PCA says nearly 6,000 people registered to attend this year’s event, making it the largest cigar-focused event in the world. The annual PCA Convention & Trade Show is an industry event where companies that sell cigars, cigar accessories, and other adjacent products exhibit.

  • Cigar Brand Wrap-Up

    Cigar Brand Wrap-Up

    Put on by The Premium Cigar Association, the PCA 2025 Trade Show is one of the biggest events of the year in the cigar industry, with more than 250 manufacturers of premium cigars, tobacco, and accessories showing their goods for thousands of attendees. The show opens today (April 11) in New Orleans and promises to be four days of action as manufacturers offer deals to retailers for the coming year, with many companies announcing new lines. Below is a (partial) list of the cigar brand updates that have been announced this week.

    AJ Fernandez to Release New World Decenio at PCA25 | PCA

    Byron 175th Anniversary to Debut at PCA 2025 | halfwheel

    Caldwell Releasing New The King is Dead Escape Plan at PCA 2025 | halfwheel

    Caldwell Bringing Long Live the King Mad Mofo Habano to PCA 2025 | halfwheel

    Camacho Limited Edition 2025 Slated for June | halfwheel

    New Cigars For PCA From E.P. Carrillo | Cigar Aficionado

    Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Collaborates With La Gloria Cubana | Cigar Aficionado

    Ceniza Fina Announces Connecticut Line | halfwheel

    Crowned Heads Launching Broadway Line | Cigar Aficionado

    Deadwood Dominicana Shipping Next Week | halfwheel

    Diesel Launching Limited Edition Backyard Barbecue Series Pullk | halfwheel

    Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Raceking Shipping in May | halfwheel

    Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Unveils 2025 Releases Ahead of 10-Year Milestone | PCA

    El Rey del Mundo Introduces Appointment Line | Cigar Aficionado

    Emilio Cigars Limited Edition Static Releasing at PCA25 | PCA

    Espinosa Re-Upping 601 La Bomba Warhead 1 and Warhead 6 Releases | halfwheel

    Espinosa Cigars Expands Knuckle Sandwich Line with All-Nicaraguan Puro | PCA

    Fratello Cigars Launches Puro Collection | Cigar Aficionado

    Foundation Cigar Company Expands The Wise Man with New Lanceros | PCA

    J.C. Newman Dives Into History Books for New Sarzedas Line | halfwheel

    La Flor Dominicana Making Changes To Original Blend | Cigar Aficionado

    Luciano Cigars Crafts Limited Edition Maria Lucia for PCA 2025 | halfwheel

    Gold & Bullet Cigars And Accessories From The OpusX Society | Cigar Aficionado

    Perdomo Cigars Announces Upcoming Perdomo Legacy Release | PCA

    A Romeo y Julieta Made Just For The Kentucky Derby | Cigar Aficionado

    Room101 Celebrates a Decade of Johnny Tobacconaut with Limited Edition Release | halfwheel