Arturo Fuente, Meerapfel End Distribution Agreement

[JohnS]

August 15, 2025 - Charlie Minato

Arturo Fuente, Meerapfel End Distribution Agreement

Arturo Fuente’s international distribution is going in-house, saying that the longstanding distribution relationship between the company and Meerapfel has come to an end.

Meerapfel served as the company’s international distributor for markets other than the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. Arturo Fuente has local distributors in various countries—for example, Kopp Tobaccos is the distributor in Germany and Business Bay Global is the distributor in Saudi Arabia—but those entities had to purchase Fuente cigars through Arturo Fuente International, which was run by the Meerapfels.

Now, those orders will be placed through Fuente Marketing Ltd. José Blanco will serve as the lead point of contact, though there will also be a team in the Dominican Republic that will assist in fulfillment.

In a letter sent to international clients, Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr. indicated that the Meerapfels have existing inventory and that clients could choose to place orders through the Meerapfels.

Fuente Jr.’s letter said “the distribution relationship” had ended, but made no mention of the other relationships that the two families have, most notably, Cameroon wrappers. The Meerapfel family is the dominant supplier of Cameroon tobaccos and no company is known more than Arturo Fuente for using Cameroon wrappers. The company uses Cameroon wrappers on its Arturo Fuente Don Carlos and Hemingway lines, as well as other brands it produces for Ashton and J.C. Newman.

Today’s news has no bearing on the American market. Arturo Fuente and J.C. Newman have a joint sales team that sells both companies’ products.

A message sent to the Meerapfels seeking comment was not immediately returned.

Source: https://halfwheel.com/arturo-fuente-meerapfel-end-distribution-agreement/453725/

[El Niño]

Growing up is getting excited/fascinated by headlines about international distribution deals

[Montezüma]

In the hope that the Fuentes read this, please fix your distribution channels in Asia and in particular South-East Asia. Prices are absurd compared to North America.

[Marco_011t556]

19 hours ago, Montezüma said:

In the hope that the Fuentes read this, please fix your distribution channels in Asia and in particular South-East Asia. Prices are absurd compared to North America.

Agreed, too expensive even compared with some Cuban cigars. 

[Fugu]

16 hours ago, Montezüma said:

In the hope that the Fuentes read this, please fix your distribution channels in Asia and in particular South-East Asia. Prices are absurd compared to North America.

Everywhere outside US. Same, or even more, holding for Padron, for that matter… 🙄