April, 2008 Industry Report: Premium Imports Recover By E. Edward Hoyt III Imports of premium cigars were up 7.8 percent in 2007, following a 5.6 percent dip in 2006. Economic woes could take a toll in 2008, however, as the spector of recession looms. Political Focus: All Eyes on Havana By Larry Luxner Changes in Cuba spark debate on future of island’s cigar industry. Cigarette Update: Swint Elite Breaks New Ground By Max Gartman Innovators in the cigarette business, Swint Elite Corp. stands ready to unleash a new twist in the menthol category, adding a sweet touch to an old favorite. Pipe Focus: Erik Nording: The Pipe Man from Slangerup By Dale Scott Denmark’s prominent pipe maker Erik Nørding is an innovator and production-equipment engineer with an innate sense for marketing, sales, and promotion. Retailer and Tobacco Industry News SMOKESHOP's Industry news department, bringing you up-to-date information and breaking stories about manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers. Joya de Nicaragua Names Drew Estate as U.S. Distributor Kahlúa Cigars by Drew Estate to be Discontinued Alpha Tobacco International Debuts First Product, Mega Cigarettes International Association of Cigar Clubs Establishes “Safe Havens” Synergy Brands to Sell Gran Reserve Corp. Liggett Group to Transition all Cigarettes to LIP Sikar’08 Celebrates Fine Cigars in Honduras IPCPR to Enforce “Show-Only” Specials Eden’s Gate Relocates Offices, Warehouse Gifts and Accessories for Cigar, Pipe, and Cigarette Smokers Is Tobacco Just Tobacco? - by E. Edward Hoyt III What's Happening and Where in the Tobacco Industry New concepts, Trends, and Trendsetters in Tobacco Retailing FDA Bill Moves Forward in Congress Tobacco Products and Industry Promotions SMOKESHOP (ISSN 0146-9266), established in 1970, is published bi-monthly by Lockwood Trade Journal Co., Inc., 26 Broadway, Floor 9M, New York, NY 10004 USA. Copyright © 1998-2007 by Lockwood Trade Journal Co. Inc. HTML production and copyright © 1998-2007 by Keys Technologies. All rights reserved.