Monday, August 18 2008
MIAMI, FL - Miami Cigar & Company and Felipe Gregorio announced that effective September 1, 2008 the Felipe Gregorio cigar lines would be distributed exclusively by Miami Cigar & Company.
Philip G. Wynne, founder and CEO of Felipe Gregorio, began making cigars in Honduras in 1990. He subsequently opened a factory in Nicaragua; then a factory in the Dominican Republic, where he produced "Sinatra" cigars. The two factories remained in production until the Nicaraguan factory was closed in January '08, as Mr. Wynne was concerned about the return of Daniel Ortega to the Presidency of Nicaragua. He remains with a superb manufacturing facility in the Dominican Republic.
Felipe Gregorio produces about ten (10) lines of cigars associated with their brand name – varying blends, under different individual marques. The famous, 'Petrus,' the original cigar from Felipe Gregorio, is still very popular in Europe, while his 'traditional blue' is widely regarded and well distributed in the United States.
'Power' a more recent iteration of the Felipe Gregorio blending talent landed in the 18th slot in the "Top 25 Cigars of 2008."
The idea of having someone else distribute his cigars is something that has been on his mind for more than a decade, according to Philip G. Wynne. He long understood that he could not properly devote himself to production as well as sales and marketing. "I was far more valuable to the company in the factory, than out selling cigars," Wynne said. The further consolidation in the industry and the need to focus on tobacco and manufacturing led him to act on his long held contention.
"We are delighted to have such a well regarded, long established brand in our portfolio," said Nestor Miranda. Rene J. Castaneda, National Sales Manager, suggested that the addition of the Felipe Gregorio brand to the mix of product at Miami Cigar & Company, "...would detract from no other brand and enhance all the other brands."
The distribution agreement goes into effect September 1, 2008 and all of Miami Cigar & Company's sales force is being briefed on the new product and are ready to discuss the line with retail tobacconists. £
Miami Cigar & Company distributes La Aurora cigars, Leon Jimenes cigars, Tatiana cigars, Don Lino cigars, and Nestor Miranda brand cigars.
