The Cigar Association of America (CAA) President Scott Pearce testified yesterday before the Section 301 Committee, an interagency group including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Labor, and other agencies that assess the impact of trade policy. This was the final public hearing on the proposed tariff schedule, which would set a 12.5% rate for most cigar-producing countries.
34,000 Counterfeit Habanos Seized in Spain
The Spanish Guardia Civil has seized 33,840 counterfeit Cuban cigars at a residence in Mislata, Valencia, eastern Spain, where the cigars were being fitted with counterfeit bands and packaged for distribution throughout Europe.
PCA Explores Exclusive Member Insurance Program
PCA has partnered with Higginbotham, one of the nation’s leading independent insurance firms, to explore whether an insurance program designed specifically for PCA members can be built. The goal is straightforward: better coverage, better pricing, and a carrier relationship that actually understands the premium cigar industry.
INFOTEP/PROCIGAR Certify Graduates of the Tamboril Tobacco School
The National Institute for Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP) and the Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers (PROCIGAR) certified the first 127 participants who completed the programs of the Tamboril Tobacco School, an initiative created to strengthen human talent and meet the growing demand for qualified personnel in the Dominican tobacco industry.
CULT Lounge & Boutique: A New Vision for Cigars in Kazakhstan
When Cigar Journal first featured Cigar Clan, it introduced readers to one of Kazakhstan’s emerging cigar destinations. Today, that story continues under a new name: CULT Lounge & Boutique—a new identity built around a clear vision of introducing the world of boutique cigars to Kazakhstan.
EGM Cigars Enters Germany
EGM Cigars enters Germany through new partnership with CigarKings.
Oettinger Davidoff Finishes its 150-Year-Jubilee on a High Note
Oettinger Davidoff closes its 150-jubilee year with a strong result for the year 2025 despite challenging and unstable geopolitical complexities – ranging from US tariffs and the strong Swiss Franc to changing consumer sentiments.
Plasencia Cigars Appoints Eddy Guerra as SVP of Global Marketing
Plasencia Cigars proudly announces the appointment of Eddy Guerra as Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, effective June 29, 2026.
Drew Estate Announces the Passing of CEO Glenn Wolfson
It is with profound sadness that Drew Estate announces the passing of Chief Executive Officer Glenn Wolfson.
Slowest Race on the Planet
Bertie Hong Kong recently had the honour of welcoming the “Cigar Smoking World Championship”, aka “The Slow Smoking Competition”, for the second year; an evening filled with adrenaline and good sportsmanship.
CIGAR TROPHY 2026 – IT’S TIME TO VOTE!
From May 16 thru June 7, the global cigar family submitted nominations for the 2026 Cigar Trophies. Now it’s about every single vote.
Plasencia Appoints Tim Griek as VP Sales, EMEA & Global TR
Plasencia Cigars proudly announces the appointment of Tim Griek as Vice President of Sales, EMEA & Global Travel Retail.
