Dave Sherwood

HAVANA, Reuters – Cuba’s state-owned cigar monopoly Habanos S.A. announced Wednesday that it had set new records in its hand-rolled tobaccos sales for 2021. This is a strong rebound after two years of pandemic-induced sluggishness.

Travel restrictions for 2020 due to coronavirus have caused a significant blow to tourism and key sales outlets at international airports, reducing revenue.

According to Habanos’ website statement, revenue rose 15% in the past year as vaccine programs took effect and global travel was resumed.

Many consider Cuba’s hand-rolled cigars to be the finest in the world, including brands like Montecristo, Cohiba and Partagas.

Good news about cigar sales is good news for Cuba’s economy. This country has suffered greatly from the effects of the Pandemic as well as tightened U.S. Sanctions.

Habanos claimed in a statement, that they would make the same prices on all market for their coveted premium cigars. They used Hong Kong as a reference point to determine the cost of its Cohiba or Trinidad brands cigars.

Cigar Aficionado is a leading publication in the cigar industry. They predicted that larger Cohibas would soon surpass a $100 price tag on the announcement. This was despite the fact that Hong Kong’s market is one of the most expensive worldwide.

According to a Tuesday story, “Bigger Cohibas” will be sold for $100 per box… boxes won’t cost in the hundreds but will instead go in the thousands,” according to the publication.

Habanos hosts a festival in early January for cigar lovers and retailers. It includes tours of Cuban plantations and factories, as well as social events where you can enjoy Cuban cigarettes. The party was canceled this year.

Cuban cigarmaker said that top markets for Cuban cigarettes are France, Spain and Germany.

Because of the U.S. trade ban, the Caribbean’s largest export market, for cigars is no longer available.