The agreement provides for distribution of three-packs of the Maduro and hand-flavored Vanilla frontmarks in the robusto size. The Fuego Del Rey three-packs consist of a new and improved "humidor fresh" packaging design featuring a water-based package sealant and cedar-lined freshness baggie. Eckerd stores are promoting the Vanilla three-pack with a "value buy" program.

The Fuego Del Rey line of cigars are made in Jember, Indonesia, with East Java long leaf filler, a Jember binder, and either a Sumatra or Maduro wrapper. They are also available in a variety of flavors, including Deep Rich Chocolate, Vanilla, Pipe Aroma, and Cognac. Along with the three-packs, Fuego Del Rey cigars come packaged in crystal tubes in 20-count display boxes and convenient ten-packs.

The new advertising, the next step in the company's multi-faceted campaign for the all-natural cigarette, focuses on a "100%" proposition, said Ron Wigdor, communications manager for Imperial Tobacco. The campaign equates a feeling or moment that is 100 percent natural with the cigarette that is 100 percent natural tobacco. The ads contain headlines such as "100% relaxed" or "100% reward." They will appear in local editions of national magazines and select newspapers, as well as on outdoor media. Imperial Tobacco has been heavily promoting Mercer to build brand awareness and expects this new campaign to continue the momentum for the brand. According to Wigdor, Mercer cigarettes have grown steadily in popularity since their introduction in 1997, particularly among smokers desiring a natural alternative with no added flavors. At the end of the test marketing in Portland, Imperial will gauge the reaction to Mercer and make any necessary adjustments before extending the brand into other U.S. markets. Mercer is distributed in the U.S. through the company's Boston affiliate, ITL (USA) Ltd.

La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reserve cigars are handmade in the Perdomos' factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, and consist of Cuban-seed Nicaraguan filler and binder which receive a special fermentation prior to rolling. They are finished with a Ecuadorian rosado wrapper, which has been aged for five years, hand selected by Nick Jr. and Nick Sr.

The line consists of five unique sizes: Perdomo #1 (4 1/2 x 54); Perdomo #2 (5 x 36-54, Perfecto); Perdomo #3 (5 1/2 x 36-54, Perfecto); Perdomo "X" (7 x 54, Torpedo); and the immense Perdomo "A" (9 1/4 x 47), whose size and shape recalls the noted Cuban Montecristo A. The Perdomo Reserve cigars come packaged in boxes of 25.

La Gloria Cubana Selecion d'Oro is handmade in El Credito's factory in Villa Gonzalez, Dominican Republic, and consists of filler from a blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Ecuadorian tobaccos. To achieve the milder flavor, the Selecion d'Oro is made with a Dominican olor binder and a Connecticut shade wrapper in place of the heavier Nicaraguan binder and Ecuadorian wrapper used in the original La Gloria Cubana line. The Selecion d'Oro is available in five sizes; No. 1 (6 1/4 x 43), No. 2 (6 1/4 x 54), No. 5 (5 x 50), No. 6 (6 x 52), and No. 10 (7 1/4 x 54). The cigars, which are aged about eight weeks before being packaged, come in boxes of 25.

"We believe that Kool Natural meets the taste preferences of consumers who are seeking natural flavors in their cigarettes," said Bob Bexon, senior vice president of marketing for B&W. "No artificial flavors are added, unlike other major menthol products on the market, including other Kool brand styles that contain a combination of natural and artificial flavorings."

With the addition of the Naturals, the Kool cigarette line now consists of 17 different styles. The Kool brand is the second most popular menthol brand in the U.S. and the eighth largest selling cigarette in the nation overall. B & W has a 26 percent share of the entire U.S. market for menthol cigarettes. The new Kool Natural will be supported by a promotional campaign including magazine, newspaper, and billboard ads, as well as in-store promotions.