Mutterings in the Habanos world: Things are getting short again

[El Presidente]

From retailers to distributors, the consensus over the past 6-7 weeks is that Habanos supply is going backwards. Available stock sheets are getting smaller and breadth thinner particularly among premiums. 

OK, they were never "flush"...but things were improving. 

It was a year ago that Cuba found a new economic bottom. This could be a direct reflection of that. You also wouldn't rule out a HSA tightening of supply lines to reinforce the pricing floor. Maybe, unlikely. 

For those in a Habanos retail part of the world, let us know of your experience as you visit stores today. 

[MrBirdman]

Hey at least we now know why there’s so little fuel for farmers - private jets can’t fly on revolutionary spirit alone!

They should be getting back up to 300,000 of their nationals from the US in the coming years. Sad to think that it’ll be a struggle to even keep them fed. 

[Nicotrol]

I will be in Munich, then Prague in a few weeks, and I will update!

[Li Bai]

Extremely low supply here in Paris. No surprise as it's been like that for months.

[Allroz]

Was just in Paris and Brussels - limited stock in both places as well. 

[TomCC55]

No bueno here in Spain.

[ATGroom]

Cuba keeps enough tobacco in storage to cope with three poor harvests in a row.

The 2020/21 season was lost due to covid restrictions (pickers couldn't get to the fields)

The 2021/22 season was lost for the same reasons.

The 2022/23 season was lost due to Hurricane Ian.

The 2023/24 season was a little better, but still way down because they hadn't rebuilt many of the curing barns that were demolished by Ian, so no matter how much they planted they were limited in how much they could cure.

The 2024/25 season was a little better again, but that tobacco won't be rolled for another year or two.

[usleepicreep]

Can't wait to try a 2027 box 😎

[Puros Y Vino]

1 hour ago, usleepicreep said:

Can't wait to try a 2027 box 😎

There'll only be one box. So be prepared to fight for it!

[Garand]

Supply in Germany is low as well. LCDHs, for example, didn't have Upmanns or Montecristo No. 2 for months. My Spanish trip was productive, even though supply is also limited there. Mostly the PL regional, as an exciting box.

Interestingly, I could find Monte 1 and 3 there which I haven't seen in Germany ever!

[revealer14]

Sad to hear this!

[Darco]

I am in Geneva right now, they are living in another world. Everything is abundantly available. 

[Droper69]

J’étais à Andorre il y a 6 semaines et un énorme choix ( lusitania, gigantes, monte n2, culebras … )

[JohnS]

16 hours ago, Droper69 said:

J’étais à Andorre il y a 6 semaines et un énorme choix ( lusitania, gigantes, monte n2, culebras … )

C'est une excellente nouvelle. Merci beaucoup !

[Li Bai]

17 hours ago, Droper69 said:

J’étais à Andorre il y a 6 semaines et un énorme choix ( lusitania, gigantes, monte n2, culebras … )

Did you purchase anything ? From what I heard some retailers wouldn't let you if you didn't help them move high end shelf-sitters, what's your experience?

[vladdraq]

21 hours ago, Droper69 said:

J’étais à Andorre il y a 6 semaines et un énorme choix ( lusitania, gigantes, monte n2, culebras … )

Prix? Si jamais tu as de photos avec, ca serait genial.

[Droper69]

7 hours ago, Li Bai said:

Avez-vous acheté quelque chose ? D'après ce que j'ai entendu, certains détaillants ne vous laisseraient pas vendre si vous ne les aidiez pas à vendre des articles haut de gamme. Quelle est votre expérience ?

Cela dépend des boutiques mais oui, c’est plus compliqué qu’avant.

[Droper69]

1 hour ago, vladdraq said:

Prix ? Si jamais tu as de photos avec, ça serait génial.

 

[Stoyan]

I was in Lisbon and Madrid last week. Only overpriced cigars (Cohiba, Trinidad, LiNea de Oro/maestra). Zero regionals!

[CigarCulture09]

Was in Switzerland visiting family recently and all of the shops I visited had plenty of stock.