Tabacalera USA Signs Up Boutique Blends Cigars in Strategic Alliance

Tabacalera USA has reached a strategic alliance agreement with Boutique Blends Cigars, the maker of such well known premium hand-rolled cigars brands as Aging Room, La Boheme and Oliveros.

Altadis U.S.A. will begin distributing these and other Boutique Blends Cigars shortly leading to an expected full integration at a later date.

“Rafael Nodal, who has led the Miami-based group since 2002, will support our premium cigar Altadis U.S.A. business,” said Javier Estades, head of cigar operations for Tabacalera USA. “Rafael will focus mainly on product quality and innovation, on strategic relations with our trade customers and brick and mortar operations, and other areas in the company.

“This move is consistent with the continuing growth and strengthening of our Tabacalera USA business operations and will complement recent changes, including the appointment of Rob Norris to head up Altadis U.S.A, the expansion of our retail program under Casa de Montecristo and the recent appointment of Steve Lochan as general manager of the unit, and Rob Maneson’s appointment to head JR Cigar,” Estades said.