Highlights
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Table of Contents
CONSOLIDATED CIGAR, Inc. Interview -
Mr. Phil Mazzone
(This interview appeared in the Friends of Tobacco Spring 1997 Issue Newsletter in a condensed format)
The Friends of Tobacco organization recently sat down with Philip Mazzone; Executive Vice President of Consolidated Cigar/Richmond, Va. to discuss the outlook of the cigar and pipe tobacco industry. Here's that interview.
FOT: Good morning Mr. Mazzone. We appreciate very much you allowing us to come up and visit with you here in Richmond, Va. and do this interview with you.
PM: Thank you. Welcome to the Richmond division of Consolidated Cigar. It is a pleasure to have you and Cheryl visit.
FOT: The purpose of this interview this morning is to try to get more information on Consolidated and what businesses you are engaged in
regarding distribution and manufacturing. We know Consolidated Cigar is the largest seller of premium cigars in the US. We are also aware that you make premium brands like H. Upmann, Don Diego, Henry Clay, Montecristo, Santa Damiana and also another number of machine made cigars like Antonio and Cleopatra, Muriel, El Producto, Dutch Masters and Dutch Treats. What other products do you manufacture and what do you manufacture here in Richmond?
PM: In addition to the popular brands you mentioned, we also manufacture many private label cigars, which are hand made or machine made and produced to customers specifications. We manufacture pipe tobacco here in Richmond. Our principle pipe tobacco brands are Mixture 79, Dutch Masters and 3 Star China Black. We also manufacture
private label, custom blends and bulk tobaccos. Like cigars, our pipe tobaccos are sold through fine tobacco shops and mass market outlets
throughout the country. In the 80's, Richard "Dick" Dimeola our Chief Operating Officer, figured out a way to enhance our pipe tobacco sales in mass market outlets. He wanted tobacco packaged in tamper proof, re-closeable, six inch wide plastic bags. We call it a "Space Saver Bag." Jim Colucci, our Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Eric
Workman, Vice President of Sales, sold the idea to many of our mass market customers. The customers were very interested in this concept. Both Theo Folz, our President, and Dick were excited with this project, so they appropriated the funds to have the machinery custom built. We developed a completely new line of pipe tobacco for these bags. This style of packaging and tobacco caught on with the chain stores because of the shelf space savings. It was also popular with the consumer because they could buy high class tobaccos normally packaged in tins
for less money. Consolidated now enjoys a leadership position in this segment of the business. Our principle brand is Super Value and our private label brands are Tobacco Place (Eckerd Drug) and Premium Blends for CVS. We own the "Wonder Blend" and "Top Value" names but have assigned these brands to K Mart and Wal-Mart respectively.
FOT: Are the private label brands specific for that company?
PM: Yes, they are. We also produce premium bulk pipe tobaccos that we will package in 5-10 lb. plastic bags and sell to tobacconists shops.
FOT: Can they put their own labels on it?
PM: Yes, they can. We encourage them to do so. It gives the tobacco a special touch. They can also make their own mixes from these bulk tobaccos and sell their own brands or create unique blends for their customers.
FOT: Do you supply the actual private labels to the retailer?
PM: Yes, we can supply the labels. The customer usually tells us the name they wish to call a particular blend and we supply the printed labels and blend.
FOT: Mr. Mazzone, can you tell me a little about the history of Consolidated Cigar and when it was founded?
PM: The Gulf & Western Company sold Consolidated Cigar in 1983 to five senior managers who subsequently sold to MacAndrews & Forbes, the holding company controlled by Mr. Ronald Perelman, Chairman of Revlon, Inc. Mr. Perelman installed Mr. Theo Folz as President and CEO in 1984. A story goes around the company that Mr. Perelman, after acquiring
Consolidated, set out to find the "Best Cigar Man in the Country" and the name Theo Folz kept popping up so Mr. Perelman got him! Under Theo, product quality and quality people were top priority. He enhanced our cigar business with his acquisition of American Cigar Co., which included Antonio Y Cleopatra, La Corona and Te-Amo Cigars and Royal Jamaica Tobacco Company, producers of Royal Jamaica Cigars. On the pipe tobacco side, Theo acquired Milton Sherman and Century Tobacco Companies and the pipe tobacco brands of Iwan Ries & Co. In August 1996, Consolidated Cigar Corp. went public. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol C. I. G.
FOT: How many employees are employed by Consolidated?
PM: I don't know for sure, but I would guess at least 5000.
FOT: So, the products that Consolidated make ranges from machine made cigars, hand made cigars and pipe tobacco? Do you distribute these products from Richmond?
PM: We distribute the hand made cigars and pipe tobacco from Richmond until February of this year. The hand made cigar business has grown so rapidly and to such extensive volumes that the Richmond facility ran out of space. We moved all distribution to our much larger facility in McAdoo, PA. That facility was already distributing all
machine made cigars and it became far more economical and efficient to centralize distribution in McAdoo.
FOT: Where are your cigars made?
PM: Our machine made cigars are made in McAdoo, PA. and Cayey, P.R. Our premium (hand made) cigars are made in La Romana, Dominican Republic. These are the cigars that originated in Cuba but which we
control in the United States.
FOT: What kind of tobaccos do you use in your premium cigars?
PM: We use cigar type tobacco from all over the world; Indonesia, Mexico, South America, United States, Jamaica and Honduras, to name a few countries. Mr. George Gershel, Senior Vice President of Tobacco, is
responsible for purchasing all our cigar tobacco and putting the blends together. George was brought up in tobacco, its in his blood. His family owned wrapper tobacco farms in the Connecticut Valley. With his expertise and dedication to quality we have been able to produce the finest cigars available with a consistency that discerning smokers have come to appreciate throughout the years.
FOT: Overall, how many different brands of tobacco products does Consolidated manufacture, including cigars and pipe tobaccos?
PM: Well in excess of 2500.
FOT: In the last five years, can you tell me some kind of percentage increase that your company has enjoyed related to cigar products?
PM: Dollar sales have probably doubled.
FOT: According to Tobacconist Magazine, if I recall correctly, I think sales overall for manufacturers have gone up as much as 300 percent in the last five years. Would you agree to that?
PM: Not for those companies in the mass market business nor the pipe tobacco business. For cigar sales alone, the percentage increase is far more than 300%.
FOT: Are there any new products on the horizon?
PM: Probably. You know we are kind of a progressive company. We want to keep putting out new items for our customers to enjoy. But first, our cigar production has to stabilize so that we can meet the demand for our existing products.
FOT: Does Consolidated just do pipe and cigar products?
PM: Well, we do a little smokers accessories. Pouches, pipe cleaners etc.
FOT: Do you ever foresee them going into smokeless?
PM: I do not believe there are any plans to do so at this time.
FOT: Your percentage of the cigar business--premium cigars versus machine made cigars--which is the bigger of the two?
PM: The largest percentage is machine made.
FOT: Your machine made cigars. Do you make them in other countries also?
PM: No. We make our machine made cigars in Cayey, PR and McAdoo, PA. We make our hand made premium cigars in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Brazil. We will start production in Jamaica shortly.
FOT: Can you give me some of the handmade cigar names that Consolidated now has on the market?
PM: Yes sir. H. Upmann, Don Diego, Primo Del Rey, Henry Clay, Te-Amo and La Cabrillas. For our super premium category, we just introduced Playboy by Don Diego and also offer Santa Damiana and
Montecristo.
FOT: Which one of those would you say is the best seller?
PM: H. Upmann would be our largest seller in units.
FOT: What would be the hardest to get?
PM: The hardest to get right now is Montecristo and Playboy. We have these on strict allocation.
FOT: In your machine made cigar lines, you have everything from traditional styles of cigars to Dutch Treats, a filter tip cigarette size cigar. Do you also make private label machine made cigars?
PM: That's correct, and we also make private label premium cigars from the Dominican, Mexico and Honduras.
FOT: What would a top quality private label premium cigar retail for?
PM: $5 to $10.
FOT: What kind of tobacco usually goes into machine made cigars? Is it long filler or short filler?
PM: The tobacco is good quality of types that are similar to hand made. The tobacco in machine made cigars is short filler. In order to make cigars by machine, short filler has to be used.
FOT: What is the most popular brand of your machine made cigars?
PM: Overall, I would guess Backwoods, Antonio Y Cleopatra and Dutch Masters. Muriel is also a major brand, but when we acquired American Cigar the A&C line exceeded Muriel.
FOT: Your pipe tobaccos versus cigars, the demand for them, is that a booming stage as well?
PM: No, not at this point in time. The pipe tobacco market has been declining for many years. Fortunately, we positioned our pipe tobacco brands in the only segment of the market that was increasing, the highly flavored styles of pipe tobacco. The China Black, Dutch Masters, Super Value and the many chain store private label brands we
produce have enhanced our pipe tobacco business. We have been gaining market share the last five years.
FOT: I agree with you about pipe smokers using more highly flavored tobaccos. We went to the RTDA a couple years ago, and a Heather Raspberry pipe tobacco was being pushed. Is that what pipe tobacco shops want to carry?
PM: A large percentage of purchases made in pipe and cigar shops are by women. They love the beautiful aromas of vanilla, chocolate, spices and so on. They want their husbands or boyfriends to smoke pleasant-smelling tobaccos. They buy these tobaccos as gifts. The smokers receive compliments rather than scorn and the taste is really good so they continue with the highly flavored tobaccos. If you'll notice, flavored cigars are also appearing more and more in the market. We have introduced a few ourselves. Backwoods has two versions of sweets and Muriel has a complete line of flavored cigars.
FOT: Women like it. Men like it.
PM: Women sort of force the men to purchase it.
FOT: They allow them to smoke it if it smells good.
PM: You don't have to run out of the house to smoke it.
FOT: Overall, on your premium cigars, what kind of volume do you produce annually?
PM: I can tell you that in 1996, Consolidated Cigar sold more premium cigars than any cigar company in the world.
FOT: Do you see the demand for cigars to continue to increase?
PM: Yes, I sure do. I don't see any significant change in that for many years people have become interested in cigars. They are trying them and enjoying them. Some years ago, you would occasionally see a cigar smoker and that was usually at a special event. The birth of a child, a big promotion, a special dinner, a big win at the track. Now,
cigar smoking is becoming so wide spread that many women have taken up the enjoyment. I was at a restaurant here in Richmond a few weeks ago
and, lo and behold, I smelled the aroma of a cigar. I looked around and there was a lady smoking a cigar. I went over to her and congratulated her on her independence and gave her a couple of H. Upmanns. When you see things like that popping up, yes, cigar smoking is back to stay.
FOT: What do you think about women smoking cigars?
PM: I think it's wonderful. Heck, yes. We have a lady employee who smokes our Backwoods cigars. A very rugged-looking cigar that I mentioned before, and it has become a leading brand of ours. She enjoys it and why not?
FOT: Backwoods, as I recall, has kind of a vanilla flavor to it.
PM: We have three versions of Backwoods. We have one that's natural and two that are sweet vanilla. One of the sweets is a straight cigar tobacco and the other is from black (maduro) style tobacco called Black and Sweet.
FOT: Women are becoming an increasing market to sell cigars. Do you know if there are any statistics that might say what your most popular brand is among women?
PM: I don't have any right now.
FOT: In terms of back orders for cigars, do you see Consolidated being able to fulfill the back orders and getting caught up?
PM: We are catching up slowly. It is very difficult. We're running our production for premium cigars around the clock. It takes
3 to 6 months to train new rollers and then another six months for the roller to attain any kind of speed. With the demand still on the increase for cigars, the catch up will be very slow.
FOT: How long do you project before the supply will meet the demand?
PM: I can't really say, because I can't predict the demand, but with all the effort we've been putting behind the supply end. I hope in a year.
FOT: Are you taking on new customers for pipe tobacco?
PM: For pipe tobacco, yes. But not for cigars. Due to the cigar demand, it would not be fair to our established customers, all who are in a backorder situation.
FOT: The only companies that I have found that are taking on customers are the new manufacturers that are springing up and they have limited amounts of raw tobacco and cigars available. What do you think about these new companies starting up?
PM: I don't mind competition. It's the American way. It keeps you in line. What I don't like are the new cigar manufacturers who are in the business for the short term. Quick Kill. They disrupt the balance, they have no loyalty, either to the consumer nor the industry. Not all are like that, but the few that are, damage the industry with inferior products and unrealistic pricing because of the shortages. They don't invest much money so they can close up and walk away at any time. Consolidated Cigar has been producing fine cigars to suit all tastes since 1918. We are loyal to our customers, to our employees and to the tobacco industry.
FOT: If enough inferior products appear on the market, consumers may get to the point they don't want to try any new product. Do you feel the same way?
PM: Yes, I do. Another concern we have are "knock offs." Imitations of our fine premium cigars. There are a lot of imitations
entering the market. These products are inferior and the retailer as well as the consumer must be careful.
FOT: You are referring to fakes? How can you tell the fake cigars from the real thing?
PM: The fakes will be poorly constructed, the wrapper will not be uniform, the logo colors and print will be off color and not distinctive. However, the only real way to be sure is to buy from reputable shops that you know or have heard of.
FOT: Do you believe that the trend in the cigar industry is going to grow?
PM: I do.
FOT: And do you believe that the pipe tobacco market is going to increase as well?
PM: I think the pipe tobacco market has begun to stabilize. 5 -6% decline now versus 10 - 15% decline three years ago. I think the pipe tobacco market will ride on the heels of the cigar market.
FOT: What is the driving force behind the cigar industry?
PM: Cigar smoking has become a popular thing to do. The cigar magazine "Cigar Aficionado" has helped quite a lot. The cigar clubs, tasting parties, golfers and so on, are driving this business. It's like everybody wanted to smoke cigars but no one dared. Now it's become socially acceptable and part of life. Like a glass of wine or a brandy.
FOT: Cigarettes are now being portrayed as taboo by the media however, cigars are not. What do you think the difference is?
PM: Most cigarette smokers inhale to add to their enjoyment of their cigarette. Cigar and pipe tobacco users do not inhale. With all the negative publicity about inhalation, nicotine, etc., I think the public feels pipe tobacco and cigars are a good alternative.
FOT: What about the second hand smoke issue?
PM: I've never accepted that nonsense! If we're to worry about the insignificant amount of second hand smoke from tobacco, we better order the coffin if we burn leaves, charcoal grill or be around anyone who does.
FOT: Do you foresee the anti's attacking cigars and pipe tobacco smoking like cigarettes?
PM: I think some of that has already started. My feeling is that smoking should be an adult free choice. Cigar and pipe tobacco smoking has always been an adult enjoyment. I think they will try, but they have all they can handle with the cigarette industry.
FOT: Law suits are now filed by 22 states against the cigarette manufacturers. Thus far, the F.D.A. rules do not apply to cigar
manufacturers. My question to you is, how do you feel about the anti-tobacco movement?
PM: I feel like they will probably make some attempts at the cigar and pipe tobacco industries in the near future. How much
force they put behind their attack, I have no idea, we're such a small part of the whole tobacco industry.
FOT: Do you think the anti-tobacco movement will try to get all other segments of the tobacco industry to increase warning labels' language or product content such as tar and nicotine?
PM: They will try. It will be very difficult. Pipes and cigars are a very different form of tobacco use. Cigarettes are far more
standard in construction and how they are used. When a pack of cigarettes states a quantity of tar and nicotine, the smoker
will receive those levels. With pipe tobacco, the type, shape, length, bowl of the pipe that the tobacco is being smoked in, has a significant effect on the delivery of the smoke. There isn't any standard construction. The same holds true for cigars which may include 20 different styles of one cigar.
FOT:What are some of the ways Consolidated Cigar is doing that might help their consumers be more aware of protecting their rights?
PM: We contribute significantly to organizations like Friends of Tobacco. We inform our customers of impending tobacco issues that may effect their business. We encourage communication between consumers and
government.
FOT: Mr. Mazzone, getting back to Consolidated Cigar business. Where would you say you ranked among the major cigar manufacturers?
PM: In terms of dollar sales, Consolidated Cigar is the largest manufacturer of cigars sold in the U.S. and the third largest of pipe tobacco.
FOT: Could you provide us with any toll free numbers that retailers can call for more information on your products and services?
PM: I'll be happy to give you two. Our distribution center in McAdoo, PA., (800) 446-5797. Pipe tobacco manufacturing, Richmond, Va., (800_ 525-4092.
FOT: Mr. Mazzone, is there anything else you might like to add?
PM: I can't think of anything right now. I feel that you've gotten all I know about Consolidated Cigar. Mr. Rouse, I would like to thank you for taking time to conduct this interview and the opportunity to give your readers an overview of the background, the products and the people that make up Consolidated Cigar Corporation. I would also like to commend you and the "Friends of Tobacco" on behalf of Consolidated Cigar Corporation for your dedication to the tobacco industry and your uncompromising position in support of tobacco.
RTDA TO HOLD 65TH ANNUAL CONVENTION & INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW
The Friends of Tobacco organization recently interviewed Mr. Bill Fader; Executive Director of the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America.
Rouse: Good morning, Mr. Fader. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me this morning about your upcoming trade show and the phenomenal growth of the cigar industry.
Fader: Good morning, Dean.
Rouse: Tell me about your upcoming trade show?
Fader: This years show is the biggest we ever had. More than 619 booths have been sold.
Rouse: How does this show differ from last year's show in Cincinnati, Ohio?
Fader: Last year we had 550 booths and the attendance was astounding. This year, both the exhibitors and attendance will be even more.
Rouse: Yes, sir, I remember. People were lined up throughout the corridors just to get registered. Everyone I talked with was amazed at the number of new retailers attending and the wide array of exhibitors.
Rouse: What about new products and exhibitors?
Fader: Dean, there will be a wide variety of products offered by the exhibitors. Some of these peripheral products will include humidors, clothing, pipe and cigar accessories and so much more. We also have a lot of new exhibitors. It's going to be a great show.
Rouse: How about cigars. Last year in Cincinnati, some companies were not accepting new customers or taking orders. What do you expect this year?
Fader: Unfortunately, this is still the case with premium cigars. Manufacturers and distributors still have back orders and are trying to keep their existing customers in stock. As you know, there is an enormous backlog of orders for premium cigars. The bright side to this is there is a lot of fine cigars now entering the market place and retailers should consider these cigars. Some of these cigars will be exhibited at the Show and these companies will be accepting new cigar orders.
Rouse: Mr. Fader, what are your thoughts on the new brands entering the marketplace and their costs?
Fader: The new brands entering the marketplace offer a lot of options. One thing, I would point out, is that some of these cigars are medium quality but carry a premium price. While there is a demand for select cigars, new brands entering the market should be priced accordingly. For example, if you have a top quality box of cigars (25),
like a Montecristo made by Consolidated Cigar, you can expect a retail price of $250.00. Few cigars can demand such prices, especially not new cigars just entering the marketplace.
Rouse: What about the overall outlook for the cigar industry. Do you foresee the demand to subside or to keep growing?
Fader: Dean, the outlook for premium cigars is astounding. Demand is expected to continue for the next 2 -3 years when supply conditions are expected to start catching up with demand. Other segments, such as pipe tobaccos and machine made cigars, are also enjoying demand increases as a result of the premium cigar boom.
Rouse: Mr. Fader, is there any directions you might give to retailers attending the show that will help them make the most out of their buying trip?
Fader: I encourage the retailers to walk up and down each aisle, look at all the products and then come back to discuss their purchase intentions with the exhibitors. There's a lot of fine products to see and retailers need to plan their trip to meet their needs. Don't forget to leave time to meet old and new friends.
Rouse: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Fader: The RTDA Show is open only to RTDA members, manufacturers and distributors. It will be held on July 13-16, 1997, in Orlando, Florida. Anyone interested in attending the show should contact our office for information.
Rouse: Thank you again for taking the time to talk with us about the RTDA show and the ongoing cigar industry boom.
For more information on the 1997 - 65th Annual Convention & International Trade Show, please contact RTDA at:
107 E. Baltimore St., Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
Phone number 410/547-6996 or fax them at 410/727-7533.
Relax Enjoy a Cigar!!!
D'Jeep Lighters /Free Offer
Need a light? D'Jeep disposable lighters have become a "hot" commodity in tobacco shops and throughout the tobacco industry. With up to 4000 lights, D'Jeep last four times more than the average disposable lighter.
Tobacco advocates enjoy the "adult-friendly," child-resistance mechanism and D'Jeep's adjustable flame.
D'Jeep lighters, which are manufactured in France, are distributed exclusively in the United States by General Cigar Company, Inc., manufacturers of Macanudo and Partagas premium cigars as well as Garcia Y Vega, White Owl and Tiparillo cigars.
According to John Geoghegan, VP of Strategic Sales Planning, D'Jeep's popularity is due to it's superior quality and greater number of lights. Plus, its squarer shape makes D'Jeep ideal for customizing with logos
and messages.
General Cigar Company, Inc. is a proud supporter of the Friends of Tobacco organization. For a free Friends of Tobacco lighter, please mail your request to: D'Jeep lighters, c/o General Cigar Company, Inc.
320 West Newberry Road, Bloomfield, CT. 06002 or call 800/955-5996.
Winter, Bell, Co.
Earns
"Outstanding Vendor" Award
Left to Right: Rick Lewis, Winter, Bell; Kim Groome and Robin Ball,
Lorillard; and G.L. "Sparky" Stroud, Winter, Bell.
Packaging specialist Winter, Bell Co. joins an elite group of suppliers by earning "Outstanding Vendor" recognition from Lorillard Tobacco Co. for the third time.
A Lorillard representative presented the award during a luncheon ceremony earlier this month that involved all Winter, Bell employees.
The High Point plant on Brevard Road shut down as employees were recognized for their dedication to quality during a presentation ceremony followed by a company-wide luncheon.
Winter, Bell converts solid, bleached sulfate paperboard into sizes and
forms required by customers in the tobacco, fruit, hosiery, and printing
industries. Winter, Bell manufactures the unprinted innerframe Lorillard uses in its boxed cigarette products, primarily Newport, America's best-selling menthol brand and No.2 cigarette overall.
Lorillard vendors are evaluated annually based on an audit of every shipment. To earn "Outstanding Vendor" recognition, a company's score must average at least 96 out of a possible 100. Vendors are judged on the basis of price, delivery, service and quality, with quality being the paramount criterion.
"Our standards are very demanding, and Winter, Bell meets them consistently, month after month, year after year, as demonstrated by this third award," said Robin Ball, Lorillard manager of printed materials purchases. "Winter, bell is our primary supplier for innerframe, so we see a lot of their product. And their service is as
exceptional as their product - we get the attention we feel we deserve and the turnaround we need."
Since one error at any point during production will render the paper useless to a customer like Lorillard, Winter, Bell ensures products are handled with care, said Rick Lewis, president.
"It's always an honor to be recognized by one of your customers," Lewis said. "This award is a tribute to the teamwork and dedication of each and every Winter, Bell employee. They're winners. They're committed to
quality. I'm very proud of our team."
Subscribing to the principle of freedom of choice, Winter, Bell employees made the decision years ago to allow smoking in a designated area of the workplace, "where smokers aren't made to feel like second-class citizens," Lewis said.
C-GAR TV to Start
Group LeSeur Productions recently announced plans to debut the 1st Cigar TV program at the 65th RTDA Show in Orlando. The program will be carried nationwide, reaching approximately 61 million households and will feature reports on new cigars, accessories, industry & celebrity interviews and will touch every aspect of the cigar industry and its'
phenomenal growth around the globe. For more information, contact LeSeur Productions at (210) 820-0939 or fax them at (210) 366-2485.
CEO to Head F.O.T. Committee
Patrick Norton, Chairman & CEO of Fabreeka International was recently
appointed the 1997 fund-raising committee chairman for Friends of
Tobacco.
Mr. Norton's duties will include encouraging other tobacco leaders and
supporters throughout the world to financially support the united grassroots tobacco efforts of the organization. He and his committee will also be responsible for raising sponsorships to fund the annual Congressional Reception to be held in Washington, DC in October and encourage industry attendance.
Patrick Norton said, "It is the responsibility of all tobacco leaders to make every effort possible to ensure future growth and prosperity for our industry. Fabreeka is proud to play a role in supporting the Friends of Tobacco organization with time and money. We would challenge others to do the same."
Joining Patrick Norton on the fund-raising committee are representatives from throughout the tobacco industry. If your company would like to be represented on the fund-raising committee or become a sponsor of the
organization or congressional reception, call 919/522-4769.
Help Us Promote FRIENDS OF TOBACCO
All Friends of Tobacco are invited to link Friends of Tobacco Web-site to theirs. When you do this you are helping us to support our industry and freedoms.
Friends of Tobacco Web Site:
http://www.fujipub.com/fot
E-Mail Address: fot@fujipub.com
We also encourage you to mention Friends of Tobacco in any advertisements you buy. Help us keep our industry strong by working together.
Lockwood Publications to Sponsor F.O.T. Racing Truck
Lockwood Publications, publishers of Smoke, SmokeShop and Tobacco International Magazines have just agreed to sponsor the F.O.T Racing Truck for the 1997-98 racing season. The logos of the magazines will
appear on both the truck and hauler to promote Lockwood Publications. Robert Lockwood, Publisher said "Our company welcomes the opportunity to work with Friends of Tobacco and support our industry. This sponsorship will further promote our company products and F.O.T." For information on Lockwood publication call 212/391-2060 or 800-675-9659.
For Free Information
Please Contact These Companies and Tobacco Publications
Arizona Cigar Lovers 602-808-8877
Chicago Cigar Smoker 888-Cigar-OK
The Cigar Monthly 310-576-0565
Cigar Friendly 800-675-1020
Smoke Magazine 800-675-9659
Cigar Aficionado 800-344-0763
Pipes & Tobaccos 800-346-7469
SmokeShop 800-675-9659
Tobacconist 919-872-5040
Tobacco Int. 800-675-9659
Tobacco Reporter 919-872-5040
World Tobacco 44(0)1737.760564
Tobacco Asia 800-675-9659
Smoke Rings Goes All Out!
In August of 1995, Smoke Rings' Tom Smith and Shawn Reed went to the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America's annual trade show with T-shirts, sweatshirts, soft shirts and golf hats decorated with artwork they'd
licensed from two cigar manufacturers. They had four licensed brands in all.
The idea of clothing decorated with cigar box and cigar band art was a new concept to the tobacco store retailers attending the show. And, quite frankly, the initial reception to this new idea was "mixed." President, Tom Smith notes: "One retailer paused in front of our booth and mumbled: 'next you know, they'll want us to sell truck tires in our stores.'" However, many retailers immediately recognized the new profit opportunities these products represent to them and placed orders on the spot.
Today, Smoke Rings offers more than 30 different cigar art designs embroidered and screen-printed on a dozen different clothing items and a wide range of colors and styles. They have introduced a cigar-chompin', derby-topped bulldog character named "Gar" that boasts his own line of sport clothes and golf-related items.
The company has also added a select number of accessories including humidors, cutters, ashtrays, cigar cases and books. And they recently
introduced a line of Zippo lighters which feature cigar brand logos and the Gar character image.
Shawn Reed, Senior VP, comments, "We are pleased that our merchandise has been well received by a wide range of retailers and their customers. The popularity if cigar smoking and cigar related products shows no signs of letting up any time soon." And, his words are backed up by facts. In addition to hundreds of tobacco shops, Smoke Rings merchandise can be found in such noted retailers as Dayton-Hudson, Federated Department Stores, The May Company, MarMAxx and Mercantile.
The Company has also had it's products featured in a number of well known catalogs. For example, you'll find both the Brand and Gar logo products in the SkyMall catalog distributed in the passenger seats of every major US airline-thanks to the Cigar Enthusiast. Smoke Rings publishes its own catalog which it sends out in response to requests from readers of Smoke Magazine, its primary advertising vehicle. Its products can also be viewed on the company's very entertaining web site.
Recently, the Smoke Rings introduced several golf related products, using the Gar image. Smith noted: " Golf courses are filled with guys who enjoy a good cigar while playing a round of golf. Cigar-related golf clothing was a logical move for us. "Gar golf garb ads can be seen in Smoke Magazine as well as the impressive World Championship of Golf
program book. Reed added: "We'll be moving into an exciting new venue with our advertising this summer. Gar's golf clothes will be featured on a special golf-oriented TV program that will run in 20 markets."
In closing, Smith noted: " We are pleased with the market's response to our expanded product line over the past 2 years. Our opportunities seem limitless. But, we don't plan to offer logo tires any time soon! For
more information call 800-261-0160 for a free catalog.
Blazer...The Hottest Cigar Torch in the world!
The Blazer Corporation has enjoyed tremendous success this past year with their PB207 Pocket Cigar Torch. This New York-based company has manufactured portable hand held micro torches for almost 15 years. Serving primarily the automotive repair, dental, jewelry and hobby markets, the company had not previously marketed to the tobacco industry.
All that changed early last year when Blazer Corporation was contacted by several cigar and tobacco stores owners who had seen the PB207 Cigar Torch in use. One of the best kept secrets in the tobacco industry, the PB207 has long been used by cigar smokers who found the item in tool stores and select catalogs. The instant ignition and state of the art design immediately won over anyone who saw it.
The 1996 RTDA show was Blazer Corporation's first time exhibiting solely to the tobacco industry. The response was overwhelming as their complete line of micro torches and cigar lighters was seen for the first time
by many in the industry. It was then that the company extended further into the market with major commitments in marketing and advertising.
As a result of those efforts, the PB207 Cigar Torch can now be found in major department stores and tobacco shops throughout the country, with more signing up everyday.
The incredible boom in tobacco sales and cigar accessories can be felt the world over. "There are cigar smokers in every industry and the full potential of the market has barely been tapped" says Philip Simon, President of the Blazer Corporation.
For more information on Blazer Corporation, call 212/532-1166 or go to their web site.
US Plastics to Promote F.O.T.
The US Plastics Corporation, makers of the "seal brand" premium cigar bags recently announced that they will be printing on all future cigar bags the Friends of Tobacco logo and contact information.
Mr. Don Scheer; President of US Plastics, said "Our company welcomes this opportunity to support F.O.T. as a sponsor and supporter. This program will further promote F.O.T by allowing customers to receive F.O.T information directly from their local tobacconists.
For more information about this program, please call 800-221-3942 or fax 800-613-4879.
1997 Sponsors
President's Club:
Fabreeka International
Executive's Club
Zachary Scott
Sponsor's Club
Bakery Confectionery Workers Union P.P. Payne, Inc.
Mafco Worldwide Corp. Nat Sherman Inc.
Chemprene Tobacco Country
Support Club
Arango Cigar Co Atlantic Dominion Distr
Blue Smoke Rings Burning Solutions
Bulls Eye Cigar Cutters Camorra Cigars
Cigar Club International Decatur Industries
FGT Enterprises Fuji Publishing
Gilfranco Cigar Co. Graphic Packaging
Green Mountain Unlimited Griffin & Co., Inc
Harper and Phillips, Inc. Hauni Richmond
Holt Properties Home of Tobacco Products
Imperial Processing Intellilink Services
J.T. Davenport & Sons Jerry Brothers Industries
JR Tobacco of America KGM Industries Co., Inc.
Lane Limited Market Place Smoke Shop
Max Rohr Importer, Inc. Molins Richmond, Inc.
Natural Elegance, Inc. Quintin USA, Inc
Renaissance Cigar Co. Robusto
Southern Container of Wilson Taylor Manufacturing
Tharrington Industries The Cardwell Machine Co.
The Lighter Company The Pipe & Tobacco Shop
Trade Oil Co. Tri County Electric
US Plastics UST
Western Humidor Corp. Winter, Bell Co.
Donor's Club
F.D. Hutcheson Hardwick's Briar Shoppe
Maverick Humidors Spartun Automatic Retailers
Special Event Sponsors B&W Export Leaf Tobacco
Chilean Nitrate Corp Consolidated Cigars
East Coast Coffee Evans Machinery & Metal
Fabreeka International Fred Stoker & Sons, Inc.
Fuente & Newman Premium Cigars Gilfranco Cigars
Hail & Cotton Harper & Phillips
Hastings Ford of Greenville Havatampa, Inc.
Haynes Rubber & Supply Co. Howard House Cigars
Humidor Corporation Lane Limited
Leasing Unlimited Main Street Tobacco
Maverick Humidors McDonald Motorsports
M&N Cigar Company Onyx Fine Tobacco Shop
Pepsi of Greenville Quintin USA
Renaissance Cigar Co. Robusto & Co.
RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co Smoke Rings, Inc.
SRC Visions, Inc. Standard Commercial Tobacco
Symbols, Inc. The Lighter Co.
The Owl Shop Zachary Scott Cigars
From the Chairman's Desk
Since Friends of Tobacco inception in 1991, our efforts have been to do whatever it takes to support tobacco and freedom of choice. From organizing thousands of people to lobby Congressional leaders in Washington, DC, starting petition drives or sending out information to concerned citizens, our goals are still the same.
Today, every tobacco supporter throughout the world uses F.O.T. or calls us when they need something. From tobacco equipment in Zimbabwe to economic information in your hometown, it has always been our goal to work through a united effort to be most effective against the growing anti-tobacco movement. Please call on us any time we can help. On behalf of F.O.T., I thank each one of you for your dedication, leadership and continued support.
Dean Rouse
Chairman
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