British American Tobacco International Ltd celebrated the European launch of Dunhill’s Heritage cigar at the company’s prestigious London showcase, 1a St James’s Street, in September.
The invitation only event was hosted by Steven Kron, head of Dunhill Cigars and Pipe Tobacco, who flew in from Switzerland. He was accompanied by Michael Huwyler, Dunhill Cigars business development manager, and Scott Vines, managing director, Tor Imports Ltd – Dunhill’s UK distributor. They were joined by some of the UK’s most discerning aficionados for an evening of fine food, Champagne and, not least, sampling Heritage cigars.
Kron had just taken over from Yves Politi and presented his colleague – who has moved on to another role in BAT – with a key to his own personal humidor at 1a St James’s Street.
‘Ten years ago the UK market for premium cigars was split, roughly 85-90 per cent Cuban, and the rest non-Havanas,’ said Kron. ‘Today, there are so many good products available that the split is nearer 50/50. It’s like eating out – you don’t necessarily want to go to the same restaurant and eat the same meal every day. And smokers have realised there are different cigars for different tastes and occasions.’
