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August/Sept. 1999 |
Arbo Dutch RYO from G.A. Andron
Long Island-based G.A. Andron introduced a considerable extension of its line of Dutch Arbo RYO tobacco at the RTDA show in Las Vegas. Apart from the existing 40 gram pouches (Halfzware and Mild American), Andron will introduce three premium blends in cans. G.A. Andron scores points for its innovative packaging. Skillfully designed, the cans feature an inside cover with an alu-foil seal to guarantee optimal freshness, while the solid square can enables maximum use of shelf space. G.A. Andron, 89 North Industry Court, Deer Park, NY 11729, Tel: (516) 243-4200, Fax: 516-243-4235. |
American Spirit Brings Back Trading Cards
The “Spirit of the Old West,” a limited edition series of 36 classic frontier photographs, can be found in specially-marked Natural American Spirit hinge-lid hardpacks throughout the summer. These packs, including Light Filters, Menthol Filters, and the all-new regular filters in hardpacks, also include an official entry form for the first-ever Natural American Spirit $50,000 Cash Sweepstakes. Natural American Spirit, P.O. Box 25140, Santa Fe, NM 87504, Tel: (505) 982-4257, Fax: (505) 982-0156. |
La Perla Habana Adds Maduros
La Perla Habana Cigars expanded its product offering by introducing an all-new Maduro line at July’s RTDA Convention. Dominican-made La Perla Habana (“Pearl of Havana”) cigars first appeared in 1997, and the new Maduro line complements the company’s cigars. Three shapes are available: Toro (6 x 50), Torpedo (61/4 x 52), and new Perfecto (5 x 51). “Aficionados are rediscovering the unique smoking benefits of the venerable perfecto’s shape,” says Doug Wood, the company’s president. “The cigar’s small-diameter foot lights easily, the richness builds as the coal reaches the fat midsection, and the long taper to the head focuses the flavor. “The Maduro’s corojo wrapper is an unprecedented breakthrough in the industry,” Wood adds. “After a long search, we found this wrapper worthy of the La Perla Habana name. A sun-grown Dominican leaf combines rustic appearance with suppleness.” Neither this rare Cuban seed, nor tobacco from it, has been seen off the island until these corojo seeds slipped out recently, according to the manufacturer. Growers worked a full year to adapt the strain to Dominican soil and climate. It needs a full year of fermentation to bring out its qualities, and is more labor-intensive than most leaf. The La Perla Habana Maduro’s binder is Besuki leaf from Java, Indonesia. Its Dominican piloto Cubano filler includes seco and robust ligero leaves. A full three years of aging develops the richness and balance the tobacco is capable of exhibiting. Pricing is set to give the Maduro a competitive advantage against superpremiums, with which Wood feels the line will be compared. The Toro retails for $5.55, the Torpedo for $6.25, and the Perfecto for $5.50. The cellophaned cigars are cased in high-quality, cedar boxes of 25. Says Wood, “The superiority of the new La Perla Habana Maduro reflects the reputation of its respected turn-of-the-Century Cuban name. We decided to use a similar packaging design for the Maduro, because customers have come to admire the historic box label and band.” La Perla Habana Cigars, 859 North Hollywood Way, Suite 470, Burbank, CA 91505 Tel: (818) 563-3533 Fax: (818) 842-5108. |
Republic Tobacco Now Sole Distributor of Drum
Republic Tobacco L.P. is now the exclusive distributor of Drum Premium Select Handrolling Tobacco. Comprising a leading segment of the U.S. roll-your-own category, Drum is now in stock and ready to ship by Republic Tobacco. Each pouch of Drum contains a free booklet of 50 cigarette papers. Counter displays contain 12 pouches a piece with 12 displays per shipping case. Republic Tobacco, distributor of RYO tobaccos since 1969, recently moved its offices from Chicago to suburban Glenview, Ill. Republic Tobacco L.P. 2301 Ravine Way, Glenview, IL 60025 Tel: (800) 288-8888; Fax: (847) 832-9710. |
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C.A.O. Private Yacht Millennium Cruise
Six winners will receive two tickets each for a dream cruise on the Aegean Sea that will last six days and five nights. The six tobacconists who purchase the most C.A.O. merchandise between the RTDA trade show and December 31, 1999 will be guests of C.A.O. International, Inc. on a private sailing ship featuring six double-occupancy, private staterooms. Winners will experience the same waters of the Turkish Riviera and Greek Islands once enjoyed by Aristotle Onasis and Jackie Kennedy. All expenses will be paid from New York City. C.A.O. International, Tel: (800) 237-8226. |
Aristoff Says Thanks
Aristoff Tabacalera proved its devotion to its customers by sending each of its tobacconists a gift package that included a thank you card, Tootsie Roll lollipop, and a Fuego Del Rey Rich Dark Chocolate premium cigar. “Aristoff is committed to being the tobacconists’ brand,” stated Bill Skelley, vice president of marketing. “We are loyal to our tobacconist dealers and we appreciate their business. This is a small but important way to show tobacconists that we appreciate their business.” The positive response of the tobacconists indicates they’re appreciative of Aristoff’s efforts. |
SMOKESHOP - August/September 99
