Cigar Boom in BEIRUT


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CIGAR BOOM IN BEIRUT

Phoenicia – Aer Rianta Co. S.A.L (PAC) Trading Company Chairman Mohamed Zeidan was next to make an address, tackling the challenges facing duty free in Lebanon and how the country is facing these.

“Lebanon, despite all the difficulties, remains on the world map and Phoenicia Trading Group is proud of that,” he said.

He pondered on the feasibility of the partnership with ARI when the two parties originally began their joint venture contract to operate the duty free shops at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, before stressing that the thirst for success and investment in the business remains strong today.

“Many people ask me about the success at Beirut Hariri. My answer always is, undoubtedly all who contribute to duty free have played a role, but the driving force is the Lebanese traveller. They are known worldwide for their love of quality.”

Hosting MEADFA in Beirut is a testament to the longevity and successful partnerships with its duty free suppliers and partners, he continued.

Aside running the duty free shops at Beirut airport, Zeidan has established a sizeable reputation as an importer of Cuban cigars over many decades.

In 2005, he signed an agreement with Habanos S.A. trading as Phoenicia T.A.A (Cyprus) Ltd., acting as the sole distributor of Cuban cigars in the Middle East, Africa and parts of Europe.

In a Q&A session with Co-moderator Dermott Davitt, Zeidan was asked about the significance of the cigar retailing business and the key to its success.

“It seems that Cuban cigars in Lebanon have attracted attention,” he replied. “Our Cuban partners are surprised at the activities and Beirut as one of the biggest locations for cigar sales.”

Such attention means visitors from all over Europe come to Lebanon to see its ‘museum of cigars’, commented Zeidan.

Due to cigar production limitations, he says he encourages suppliers to commit to at least two years of stock.

After briefly addressing Phoenicia – Aer Rianta’s new contract win at Beirut Airport last year in a bid secured in the context of tough international competition, Zeidan discussed Phoenicia Trading Company’s strategy and approach to pricing.

He says the firm remains competitive in Beirut by virtue of the contracts held by the Lebanese state; with VAT at a minimum of 11% in the local market, the company has the ability to adapt accordingly if prices change.

“Any success in duty free requires collaboration between operators and suppliers,” commented Zeidan. “Everyone still sees Beirut as a window for new trademarks, brands and quality products.”

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I met a very nice Saudi BOTL who claims the Beirut LCDH is among the best he's ever visited.  Their aged stock is apparently remarkable and reasonable.  I promised I'd check it out if I ever make it to Beirut (which will probably be never).

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2 minutes ago, blakeLA said:

I met a very nice Saudi BOTL who claims the Beirut LCDH is among the best he's ever visited.  Their aged stock is apparently remarkable and reasonable.  I promised I'd check it out if I ever make it to Beirut (which will probably be never).

Duty free as well, or LCDH in Beirut?

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The Lebanese are very active on various Facebook cigar groups and have been for a good few years. 

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11 hours ago, LonesomeHabanoAficionado said:

So sad that cigars still need more time to being popular in Korea unlike Lebanon and China... ??

Note. I myself did not expect that Lebanon is one of the cigar boom country in nowadays with China...

Take a trip to China? How long are the flights from where you are? Or how does your country handle customs and cigars/taxes?

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3 hours ago, Derboesekoenig said:
Take a trip to China? How long are the flights from where you are? Or how does your country handle customs and cigars/taxes?

The tax is not that insanely high as UK Canada and Australia yet but getting higher and higher. I think the Korean anti smoking regulation makes tougher to increase popularity of cigars (there are some youngsters get into cigars since 2010) IMHO.

There are some examples of anti smoking regulations by Korean gov on my previous posts (more sensitive warning image would be applied from now on). In summary, it is heavily influenced by US anti smoking regulations which means strict (specific to strict states like California)...

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16 hours ago, LonesomeHabanoAficionado said:

Note. I myself did not expect that Lebanon is one of the cigar boom country in nowadays with China...

Lebanon is not a cigar boom country.  It has always been a hot spot for Habanos.

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3 minutes ago, BrightonCorgi said:

Lebanon is not a cigar boom country.  It has always been a hot spot for Habanos.

The amount of authorised Habanos shops are mainly exist in capital city in Korea (not so much on other regions)... Thanks for correction.

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