Non-Cuban Cigars Outside the US? Gaining Momentum?

[Extensioncord]

Thanks very much for the replies.

Very interesting points about advertising being banned/curtailed in certain markets, and how that limits the potential for new companies to gain a foothold against the established Cuban brands.

I didn't realize non-Cuban cigars had such popularity in Germany either.

[Smallclub]

I didn't realize non-Cuban cigars had such popularity in Germany either.

The Germans (and Benelux) smoke a lot of "dry cigars" made with tobaccos from Java, Sumatra, Brazil, etc.

These are not premium cigars, they have nothing common with Nicaragua/Honduras/Dom Rep cigars. Apples and oranges.

[TomF]

The Germans (and Benelux) smoke a lot of "dry cigars" made with tobaccos from Java, Sumatra, Brazil, etc.

These are not premium cigars, they have nothing common with Nicaragua/Honduras/Dom Rep cigars. Apples and oranges.

My dad used to smoke Schimmelpennick Duets.

[Zigatoh]

I think the advertising issue probably doesn't help ncs, and the tax by weight is another big problem they can't overcome.

But the real killer, whether you agree about the taste comments above or not, is simply public opinion, ncs in the UK at least, are generally looked down on. We can tip-toe around it like a bizarre politically correct concern if we want, but I truly believe ncs are looked on as second rate to Cubans in, well say England anyway (not so much experience in ni).