Press Release: Cuban Cigars Holds Supremacy in Global Market

Havana, Sep 18: Supported by excellent quality, Cuban tobacco holds supremacy today among handmade premium cigars, with an eight percent increase in global sales, according to an official announcement.

Jorge Luis Fernandez Maique, co-president of Habanos S.A., noted that despite restrictive laws on consumption, the company is enjoying increasing market share in the category of luxury products.

Cuban tobacco production is going well and the industry is meeting its delivery plans agreed to earlier this year.

By late August, the company had exceeded its 2011 figures both in units and value.

Regarding units, the rise is eight percent compared with the previous year, with the same level in terms of values, indicating that by the end of 2012 it is possible that figures will exceed those of the previous year.

Fernandez Maique insisted that the trend is positive, especially in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Russia markets, where sales of premium Cuban cigars have improved.

Other important markets for cigars, and maturity in terms of distribution are the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Switzerland, the Cuban manager said, without releasing detailed marketing figures.