In this new role, Castaneda will oversee all aspects of US operations, including sales and marketing. Castaneda will work in tandem, with managing director, Michael Blumendeller who remained in the company after profound restructuring in December of 2015.
Julio & Justo Eiroa Founding Their Own Cigar Company JRE Tobacco
Christian Eiroa announced in a press statement that his father, Julio, and his brother, Justo, have entered the cigar business by founding the independent company JRE Tobacco. The new company’s portfolio will include the brands Aladino, Rancho Luna and Tatascan.
Drew Estate to Take Over U.S. Distribution of Debonaire House & Indian Motorcycle
Drew Estate announced their plans to become the Exclusive U.S. Distributor for Debonaire House and Indian Motorcycle Cigars. Both brands are produced in the Dominican Republic under the leadership of Philip S. Zanghi III, a long-time tobacco industry veteran.
Head of ANT Juan Martínez about the Cigar Boom in Nicaragua
The cigar industry in Nicaragua continues to grow and create jobs for the people of Estelí. The industry’s figures are now within reach of those of the Dominican Republic. Cigar Journal spoke to Juan Martínez, head of Asociación Nicaragüense de Tabacaleros (ANT) and executive president of Joya de Nicaragua.
Scandinavian Tobacco Group Announced Promotion of Stijn Elbersen
Elbersen will lead the International Hand-Made Cigars team and will be responsible for the complete hand-made cigar portfolio outside the US, which includes General Cigar and Cigars International brands.
Woermann Cigars: 125 Years of Corporate History
Woermann Cigars has an eventful corporate history behind it. This year, the german company is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and, with it, a success story in the German tobacco industry.
Enrique Somoza Promoted to U.S. Director of Operations at A.J. Fernandez Cigars
A.J. Fernandez Cigars announced yesterday that Enrique “Ricky” Somoza will now oversee operations in the USA. Somoza, born and raised in Miami, had worked as production manager for A.J. Fernandez in their Nicaragua factory since 2013 after meeting A.J. on a trip to Nicaragua.
Nick van Olden is New VP of Tobacco Procurement at Drew Estate
Swisher International has hired Nick van Olden as vice president of corporate tobacco procurement. In this newly established role, van Olden will coordinate tobacco procurement for Drew Estate’s premium cigar line.
Oettinger Davidoff AG acquires majority interest in Asia Distributor Bluebell
Following the acquisition of a 25% interest in its Asia Distributor Bluebell Cigars (Asia) Ltd a year ago, Oettinger Davidoff AG, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, announced today the acquisition of a majority interest effective January 1, 2016.
Macanudo Announced Logo Redesign for the US Market
General Cigar announced that the company modernized the design of its iconic Macanudo logo for the U.S. market. Beginning on January 15, 2016, Macanudo Café, Macanudo Maduro, Macanudo Crü Royale and Macanudo 1968 and will feature the brand’s new look.
Miami Cigar & Co. Adds Nate McIntyre to their US Sales Team
Miami Cigar & Company, producer of the Nestor Miranda Brand and importer of La Aurora cigars to the US, announced the addition of Nate McIntyre to their sales team yesterday.
La Aurora Wins Two Awards by Dominican Cigar Review
The Dominican publication Dominican Cigar Review awarded cigar manufacturer La Aurora awards in two categories. La Aurora accepted the award for “Best Factory Tour” and La Aurora’s Master Blender, Manuel Inoa accepted the “Cigar Personality of the Year” award.
