J Cortès & Oliva Cigars announced that they have appointed Asia Marketing Services (AMS) of Taipei, Taiwan, as their sales and marketing agent for the Asia-Pacific region. The cooperation started April 1, 2021. AMS will provide sales and marketing expertise and will help expand the strong presence J. Cortès & Oliva Cigars has in certain markets. The companies will work together to grow the business in the travel retail and domestic markets.
Hans Rijfkogel, Director of Asia Marketing Services said: “I am delighted to team up with J. Cortès & Oliva Cigars and I believe that together with our domestic and duty free partners, we will be able to continue growing the business for J. Cortès & Oliva Cigars in the emerging Asia-Pacific region.”
In 2016, Frederik Vandermarliere CEO of J. Cortès Cigars fell in love with artisanal cigar company Oliva Cigars, based in the US and Nicaragua, renowned for their handmade cigars. A deal was reached and it turned out to be a perfect match. Oliva Cigars is now part of the Vandermarliere family with 3 factories in Estelí, Nicaragua and several tobacco plantations across Nicaragua.
Thomas Gryson, Export Manager & Travel Retail Coordinator will be the liaison between AMS and J. Cortès & Oliva Cigars. “I am excited to be working with AMS. We believe the knowledge of Asia Marketing Services is complementary with the experience and expertise of the J. Cortès team and will ensure a successful expansion of the business in the region.”
Brian Shapiro who has explored and developed the market in Asia for the past 10 years will continue his role as Global Brand Ambassador for Oliva. “I welcome Hans to our growing, global Oliva Family. Having someone with his experience to give an additional layer of customer service will most certainly result in the growth of all our brands in one of the most important regions in the cigar world.”
