Cuba Cutting Tobacco Production?

[Colt45]

Some even smoke and appreciate fine Habanos.

But there are plenty out there who buy by labels, not by quality

The same can be said for smokers world wide - put on a second band, a fancy box, and some will buy regardless of quality.

And since there is no official market for Habanos in the U.S, I guess with regards to these cigars, it holds true more for those

outside the U.S. than within.

[MontrealRon]

The same can be said for smokers world wide - put on a second band, a fancy box, and some will buy regardless of quality.

And since there is no official market for Habanos in the U.S, I guess with regards to these cigars, it holds true more for those

outside the U.S. than within.

Smokers worldwide, aside from the US, smoke mostly Habanos,

even where there is competition from NC's in their local markets,

even in countries that produce their own cigars, like Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines, etc.

Most cigar smokers in Europe, the middle east, Asia and latin america are very quality oriented.

If they buy a fancy box of double-banded cigars,

it is in the expectation of a quality product.

If they are disappointed, they will not buy it twice.

Perhaps this is why LE's might be accumulating in the warehouses.

These are old cultures, with long histories of sophistication in the production and consumption of quality goods.

Much of that has been lost in the New World, though we are developing quickly.

What I am saying is that Americans are used to smoking mostly poor quality cigars;

are easily sold shoddy products of all sorts;

and that if mediocre Cuban cigars were to be introduced into that market,

they would sell really well.

So, Habanos, SA :

don't dump those Montecristo Opens just yet...

[semery74]

When the embargo ends the market for Cuban cigars will be as it once was mainly for the US .As with NC cigars (right now the US market) their construction are perfect maybe not the flavor but hell they can't help that.The US will not stand for a sub par Cuban cigar and they will have to be perfect in everyway to sell on a high level like they did pre 1962.I think most in other countries don't understand how big the market was when it came to Cuban cigars and tobacco in the US.

Do not be afraid of change if the embargo ends and as the American CC market will only make it even better for us all..

The American Market is like poison to products of high quality. Meaning Capitalism forces businesses to continually cut costs to improve the bottom line. And there is no such thing as a healthy bottom line that is stagnant year after year. For the executive that doesn't achieve consecutive profit growth is deemed a failure by his Board and his share holders.

The only reason that a majority of NCs are mostly crap is because they are rushed to a market that will consume them. Perhaps that was HSA's logic behind the Monte Opens. There are NCs and Dominicans that can stand with Cuban cigars but we pay the ultra premium price for them. Will Cubans suffer post embargo, absolutely, will it be long, probably a year or two. But there will still be gems available and I hope the Czar will remain here to keep us well informed.

[tigger]

What I am saying is that Americans are used to smoking mostly poor quality cigars;

are easily sold shoddy products of all sorts;

and that if mediocre Cuban cigars were to be introduced into that market,

they would sell really well.

I agree that when the embargo is lifted, there will be a spike in demand based on the "novelty" of being able to walk into a shop and buy a Cuban (something I very much look forward to doing some day myself, even though Rob and the Czars crew will continue to be my overall merchant of choice).

I do take exception to the notion that there aren't quality cigars available in the US from other countries.

Padron, Fuente, Kelner and others produce cigars of consistent construction, which are in no way offensive to smoke. I happen to prefer the complexities and flavor profiles of Habanos, but it's a long stretch to say that folks here who don't are smoking crap.

Once the novelty wears off, the majority of Americans who smoke premium cigars will smoke whatever they enjoy the most, and if HSA isn't delivering, they have plenty of other options.

[MontrealRon]

I agree that when the embargo is lifted, there will be a spike in demand based on the "novelty" of being able to walk into a shop and buy a Cuban (something I very much look forward to doing some day myself, even though Rob and the Czars crew will continue to be my overall merchant of choice).

I do take exception to the notion that there aren't quality cigars available in the US from other countries.

Padron, Fuente, Kelner and others produce cigars of consistent construction, which are in no way offensive to smoke. I happen to prefer the complexities and flavor profiles of Habanos, but it's a long stretch to say that folks here who don't are smoking crap.

Once the novelty wears off, the majority of Americans who smoke premium cigars will smoke whatever they enjoy the most, and if HSA isn't delivering, they have plenty of other options.

Of course there are good NC's available, and I never suggested that Americans are

doomed to smoke crap until there is access to Habanos.

However, out of the many millions of cigars sold annually in the US, most are crap.

Those who seek quality can surely find it, but many don't make the effort.

No one is obliged to eat at McDonald's, or to shop at Walmart, either,

but so many do, in spite of the thousands of great restaurants,

and all the shops selling quality (and US made!) merchandise.

[Colt45]

Personally, I think the only thing we know will happen when the embargo ends is that we don't know what will happen.

It's been reported here and elsewhere that HSA feels the potential U.S. market is huge. I agree to an extent that if the cigars don't

draw properly and are not fairly flavorful out of the box that it could leave many asking what all the fuss is about. Time will tell.

[tigger]

The vast majority of people smoking really bad cigars are doing so for economic reasons, I'm sure.

I expect those people will be priced out of the market for Cubans, unless HSA starts exporting Bauzas or the like.

[thechenman]

The vast majority of people smoking really bad cigars are doing so for economic reasons, I'm sure.

I expect those people will be priced out of the market for Cubans, unless HSA starts exporting Bauzas or the like.

Tigger...I think you hit it on the nose with your comment. Yes...there are a large number of crappy cigars sold in the U.S., but much of that market is relegated to this level of product purely due to economic reasons. Would the smoke a better cigar if their finances allowed for it? I think the majority of them would.

At the same time...everyone's taste in cigars differ, and if a large demographic like grape or pineapple White Owls, Dutch Masters or Phillies...so be it. Taste is subjective and life is too short, so smoke what you like. Afterall, it's your leisure time and your money...not someone elses.

[MontrealRon]

The vast majority of people smoking really bad cigars are doing so for economic reasons, I'm sure.

I expect those people will be priced out of the market for Cubans, unless HSA starts exporting Bauzas or the like.

That may not be such a bad idea!

Lord knows the Cubans make zillions of them, apparently more than all the Habanos for export.

Maybe they could even dump off the Guantanameras!

Seriously, though, HSA has been rather good at supplying merchandise at lower price points, like Quinteros and JLPs.

These sell well to working-class folks elsewhere, and, IMHO, could do well in the future US market as well.

Quality-wise, they would be more than competitive with similarly priced NCs.

[Jimmy2]

NC are better constructed than Cuban way better overall and this is coming from

someone who is a die hard CC smoker.

Also NC are not rushed to the US market that is one of the funnest things I have ever heard.They will never be as good in the flavor department because they do not have Cuban soil to grow the best Tobacco in the world.

They will have to up the construction when the Embargo ends because the US market will bring the most $$$ in for CC in the last 50 years.

Also I think the US cigar market is the biggest in the world they will lose alot if they are not on the money with top notch construction.

Don't worry everyone it's going to be all right ..

Also when the embargo is over you will see the prices of NC come down big time as they will never sell like they did pre Embargo boy are they in trouble . LOL

[El Presidente]

I don't think it is a secret that HSA Warehouses and distributor warehouses are full. Recent production cannot be maintained and 09 production will be well well down on 08.

I suspect that prime growing areas/fincas will continue unabated. It will be Remedios, las Tunas etc which will bear the majority of the brunt.

There is plenty of tobacco already set aside, plenty of cigars already rolled and boxed. There is no shortage now or for the forseeable future even should the Embargo be lifted.

[semery74]

NC are better constructed than Cuban way better overall and this is coming from

someone who is a die hard CC smoker.

Also NC are not rushed to the US market that is one of the funnest things I have ever heard.They will never be as good in the flavor department because they do not have Cuban soil to grow the best Tobacco in the world.

They will have to up the construction when the Embargo ends because the US market will bring the most $$$ in for CC in the last 50 years.

Also I think the US cigar market is the biggest in the world they will lose alot if they are not on the money with top notch construction.

Don't worry everyone it's going to be all right ..

Also when the embargo is over you will see the prices of NC come down big time as they will never sell like they did pre Embargo boy are they in trouble . LOL

You do make a valid point about the affect on NC sales, but I think we'll also see an increase in quality from the non ISOM side. Soil can not be the quintessential element to the success of the Cuban flavor profile. When there are so many other dependent factors involved during curing, fermenting, and ageing. We have all experienced the potential of Padron, Fuente, Oliva, and many others. My hope is that they build on their success and evolve their product in to something that is truely world class.

[Punch Joe]

Well. made some phone calls and it appears to be a general report for all types of tobacco leaf, including Burley and cigarettes.

heard also that is aimed at reaching more productivity by Ha planted.

In no way I see thew logic behind all this since I´m on the side that we should produce considering the best quality and yield. This could be a hell of the crop considering the weather (no hurricanes to date) and winter is already coming in. Still hesitated though.