Can a cigar called Rocky Patel tap into India's ultra premium luxury market?

[El Presidente]

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-02-09/news/47149186_1_cigars-tobacco-industry-luxury-brand

The above article is a good read and opens up some insights into the premium cigar market in India.

I genuinely wish Rocky every success!

India has always been a disappointing market sales wise for HSA. Such tremendous market potential (burgeoning upper and middle class) and yet only 200,000 premium sales per annum.

Now those figures are a little deceptive as Indians ....like most of us... love a deal

It has been explained to me that the quintessential Indian Premium cigar lover generally travels (business and pleasure) and picks up his cigars duty free around the world as they won't generally pay local pricing. Govt Customs in India are tough as well so mail order is not generally considered a good solution.

If any member has some insights into the Indian cigar market, please share as I would love to find out more.

[Colt45]

It is interesting. He's always seemed a tireless promoter of his cigars, and perhaps cigars in general. I'll admit that I always cringe a bit whenever I hear / read terms like "premium", "super premium", "ultra premium", "luxury items", etc, but I guess that's a personal foible.

P.S. Anyone have any insight on Perdomo Australia?

[finecigar]

Very interesting article... I am surprised there is not more havana sales in the Indian market. I think that since Rocky is from India this could be used on his behalf. Personally I'm not a big fan of RP cigars but to each their own and I do too wish him success there. Thanks for sharing

[SCgarman]

Regardless of whether you like his cigars or not, he is quite the businessman and has become very successful. I believe he previously was a lawyer before he got into the cigar business.

[PaulP]

Rocky Patel is one of the largest cigar manufacturers in the world. He is a tireless promoter. Regardless if you like his cigars or not, he is great for the industry. He also wears some outrageous sport coats.

[canadianbeaver]

Not exactly on topic but parallel according to my theory about luxury products- if you like one you will probably buy the other.

In the coffee business, there is an incredible coffee out of a southern region of India called Mysore. One of the reasons this organic coffee is so spectacular is it is shade grown among spices, herbs and other farmed produce. These flavors transfer through the soil and give the coffee it's unique, wonderful taste. I sold it for $36 a pound.

The beans are particularly large. They call them nuggets. Wait for it...

The coffee is called Mysore Nuggets. I swear this is true and I will have to dig up the Rocketfuel label.

[garbandz]

True,I have some Mysore Nuggets in the cabinet.Earthy with spicy notes,an acquired taste for some folks........

[DrunkenMonkey]

I have to imagine that if Cuban cigars haven't been interesting to Indians, Rocky's cigars won't have a chance. But I don't know anything about the 'luxury lifestyle' or marketing, so who knows?

[Drguano]

I have not enjoyed Mr. Patel's products but he does generate a lot of interest in cigars. The thread about Zino Davidoff has given me pause to disparage anyone who helps the industry.

As far as the nuggets go, I find that Gold Bond powder helps...

[Webbo]

Traveling 3-4 times per year to India on business I would say that internally other than the 5 * hotels (where you pay 2-3 x the usual price for the usual suspects and you have no where to smoke them either), it is almost impossible to see CC (or NC) anywhere. Duty free at the main airports have a reasonable but not great selection. 200K cigars in a population of 1Billion is not so much. No smoking in bars or restaurants either. In India status is everything and cigars don't have that aspirational image with the thirtysomethings, If they did catch on and where marketed properly then zoom, sales would explode. These guys want to spend their money!