PCA Expands International Engagement with Mexico Initiative

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced PCA Connect Mexico 2026, a new international market-development initiative taking place August 24–30, 2026, in partnership with Cigar Roller Mexico.

Designed as a focused, in-person program of education, business development, and premium consumer engagement, PCA Connect Mexico 2026 will bring together importers, retailers, hospitality leaders, participating premium cigar brands, and adult passionados across key Mexican markets, including Ciudad de México, Querétaro, Guadalajara, Puebla, and Riviera Maya.

PCA Connect Mexico 2026 is not a trade show. It will not feature a traditional exhibition floor, booth model, or trade-show format. Instead, the initiative is a curated business development and promotional roadshow, alongside an education platform delivered by The Cigar Academy, created to help strengthen Mexico’s premium cigar ecosystem through professional training, brand storytelling, market-specific engagement, and elevated consumer knowledge.

“PCA Connect Mexico reflects where the association is going: more year-round value, more international engagement, and more ways for our members to build reach, revenue, recruitment, retention and resources,” said Joshua Habursky, CEO of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA). “This is not a trade show; it is a targeted education and market-development platform. For brands that choose to participate, Mexico offers an important opportunity to strengthen presence in a growing premium cigar market. For Mexican retailers, importers, hospitality professionals and adult aficionados, it is an opportunity to build knowledge, credibility and connection in a way that supports the long-term health of the category.”

“For Mexico, this initiative is both important and timely,” said Luis Matta, Founder of Cigar Roller Mexico. “The premium cigar community in Mexico is becoming more sophisticated, more curious, and more connected. PCA Connect Mexico allows the country to bring international standards, professional education, and elevated experiences into the same platform. We are proud to partner with PCA to help build something that supports the trade, respects the culture, and gives Mexican aficionados a path to learn, grow, and become certified.”

The initiative is designed for companies seeking a thoughtful, high-quality way to introduce, reinforce, or expand their presence in Mexico while connecting with qualified trade stakeholders and informed adult consumers. It follows PCA’s broader strategy of expanding year-round programming beyond the annual trade show, offering members and partners a menu of opportunities that support education, advocacy, market development, and global collaboration. PCA Connect Mexico 2026 will also reinforce the association’s role as the umbrella organization for initiatives that protect, promote, and professionalize the premium cigar industry.

Additional details, participating brands, venues, registration information and certification opportunities will be announced in the coming days. For more information and to register for the festival, please contact Ricardo Carioni at ricardo@premiumcigars.org.