Innovative marketing - A Cigar Company partnering with a US College?

[JohnS]

Here on FoH, we've brought you all sort of marketing ideas within the cigar industry but I must admit, this one 'piqued' my interest for how different/innovative/unique it is!

Evolution of an Idea: Bocock Brothers’ LSU Collection of cigars

(Courtesy Bocock Brothers)

Bocock Brothers, a Houston-based cigar company with Baton Rouge ties, in September released an official LSU (Louisiana State University) collection of cigars and cigar accessories.
The company―launched by brothers Bryant and Doug Bocock in 2019―has entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership with LSU to make the product line a reality. The cigar boxes feature LSU logos and stickers from the Collegiate Licensing Co. signifying their official status.

Currently, it’s the only partnership between a cigar company and a major university, although Bocock Brothers has already fielded calls from other SEC universities about potential partnerships.

Source: https://www.businessreport.com/article/evolution-of-an-idea-bocock-brothers-lsu-collection-of-cigars

[JohnS]

Some further context...

LSU & Bocock Bros. 

Bocock Brothers have embarked on yet another exciting endeavor, this time partnering with none other than LSU, a championship university.

The connection runs deep: Roberto Bocock, father of the Bocock Brothers, began his journey at LSU in 1957-58, a year marked by LSU's national championship win led by the renowned, Billy Cannon, Paul Dietzel and the Chinese bandits.

Living in Tiger Stadium during those victorious years, Roberto Bocock cherished every moment, from valeting cars before games to rushing to the stadium after work to catch games with friends—truly incredible times.

The Bocock Family's relationship with LSU and the South has deep roots that span generations. 

In 1920, Branch Bocock made a significant impact as the Head Coach of the LSU Fighting Tigers football team, leaving a lasting imprint on the university's sports legacy. Around the same era, Cesar Bocock, grandfather to the Bocock Brothers, embarked on a journey to Honduras where he worked with Chiquita banana, establishing robust connections between Honduras and Louisiana. The trade activities facilitated by the Great White Fleet between Honduras and New Orleans further cemented the family's ties to Louisiana. Over the years, many members of the Bocock family have set down roots in Louisiana, enriching the cultural fabric of the region.

Doug Bocock graduated from LSU in 2008, while Bryant graduated from UWF in 2006. Despite attending different universities, Bryant's allegiance to LSU has remained unwavering. He moved to Baton Rouge after graduation allowing him to forge lasting friendships alongside Doug and deepen the Bocock family's connection to LSU and its community.

For the past four years, the brothers have actively participated in LSU's vibrant community, attending L Club events and NIL galas. Their legacy cigar The World Traveler Edition Cigars became a staple during the LSU baseball team's celebrations in Omaha after clinching the 2023 national championship. Their latest achievement was crafting a limited-edition Heisman trophy box, commemorating all three of LSU's Heisman winners—a feat executed with meticulous precision.

With incredible anticipation, this newest of projects will mark the beginning of a new chapter as Bocock Brothers take on the responsibility for hand-selecting, manufacturing, and distributing Louisiana State University’s branded premium cigars and accessories to the general public. The official launch is set for Fall of 2024.

The timing couldn't be more perfect, as Tiger Stadium celebrates its centennial this year—an occasion that calls for a commemoration like no other. Bocock Brothers' premium cigars, honoring a century of history, are unveiling the Tiger Stadium Centennial 20 ct Limited Edition Box, generating excitement among smokers and non-smoking fans alike who are eager to be part of this unique experience.

"We are incredibly proud to be the first premium cigar company to work with a major university—LSU, in this case. It feels fitting given LSU's tradition of celebrating championships with cigars. We're excited to offer alumni and fans an exceptional product they can proudly call their own." – Doug Bocock

"Smeauxk 'em if you got 'em!" 

Source: https://bocockbrothers.com/pages/about-us

[raggie]

My local university won’t even sell alcohol at sporting events… think of all that missed revenue as our beloved sports fans drown their sorrows (or celebrate their victories) with booze!