Supply in Europe from my last visit

[naim_yazbeck]

I just came back from a visit to Beirut, Ireland, Spain and Switzerland. The supply story is not different from 6 months back, actually it seems to be worse. There is nothing in Beirut (which used to be packed), Ireland and also surprisingly Spain has very low supply (only Cohiba and Trinidad that does not seem to be moving fast). Switzerland remains the outlier, but I found less supply that 6 months back. But overall,a Switzerland remains stocked in general, but prices are at lest 10% higher than 6 months back.

When I spoke to a few store managers in those countries, including in Geneva, you hear the same story. Less supply available that is being reserved to their customers and those customers are buying way more than they consume just to stock in their house humidors.

I'm not sure what you are seeing across the world, but this Cuban Cigar supply story does not seem to be improving at all (unless I am missing something), and I am not sure it will in the near future.

What are you guys seeing and any insights from the Presidente?

[Arabian]

From my understanding Habanos is happy with the current situation. Limited supplies = big bucks. The average joe is no longer the main customer. I heard it loud and clear and shifted MOST of my purchases to Non-Cuban cigars.

Locally, plenty of Cuban Cigar supplies. You can walk away with multiple boxes. Stock is slowly moving.

[Jkopacz59]

I can confirm as well that stock is limited to non existent in Europe. Just returning from Paris, Rome, Florence & Venice, there's stock in local shops, some have been mentioned in the previous thread (Fincato, Cafe DiRinezo) which have low to limited stock. Most places told me they don’t have any Cuban Cigars, and aren’t getting much in the last couple months.

The only place that I was successful, was obviously London, but they’re not part of Europe, and of course for an inflated price. I got to meet Eddie Sahakian, which was very cool, and a very nice and humble guy.

The Airport in Paris, had a decent selection in Duty Free, but I didn’t partake due to still staying in Europe and the prices you have to pay for the tax in Europe, was much higher than if you were traveling back to your home country.

Going to Poland next, and supposed to have a good selection, for decent prices. Will update once I’m there.

I will attach a photo below on the selection at the Airport in Paris...

-Joe

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