Bloomberg.com.
Thu, 28 Dec 2000, 11:54am EST
Cuban tobacco officials get a sales pitch from U.S. farmers
By Jay Amberg Bloomberg Lifestyles
Havana, Dec. 27 -- Don't expect your favorite Cuban cigar to be manufactured
anytime soon using tobacco grown in North Carolina, but Cuba's brand of Cohiba
cigarettes could include U.S. tobacco leaf in the future.
According to a recent article in the Charlotte Observer newspaper, the Leaf
Tobacco Exporters Association, a North Carolina-based trade organization, has
sent representatives to Cuba to try and sell Habanos SA, Cuba's marketer and
global distributor for its cigars, cigarette tobacco.
A 22-member trade mission, organized by the North Carolina Department of
Agriculture, visited Havana with the intent of warming the tobacco-savvy Cubans
to the quality of its tobacco.
Spearheading the sales effort was state Sen. Allen Wellons (D- Johnston) and
Tommy Bunn, executive vice president of the Leaf Tobacco Exporters Association.
Tobacco leaf used in the manufacturing of premium cigars is costlier than
the thicker and mild tasting leaf that used for cigarettes.
Cuba, which grows exceptional tobacco for its premium cigars, has a
difficult time raising premium tobacco leaf that's used exclusively in the
production of cigarettes.
Despite the fact many Cubans smoke domestic and imported cigarettes, Cuban
President Fidel Castro has been a vocal critic of smoking. Castro even quit
smoking his favorite cigars to encourage other Cubans to follow his anti-smoking
campaign.
Even if there were no embargo, it's unlikely Cuba would buy the premium
cigarette tobacco grown in North Carolina, because of costs and a lack of
demand.
The newspaper said one source of demand would be an increase in American
tourists visiting Cuba, but that would require an easing of U.S. travel
restrictions to the island.
According to the newspaper, while the North Carolina trade mission knows
Cuba isn't a huge market for any crop, U.S. tobacco exporters are seeking new
destinations for their crops because the industry has taken a political,
financial and legal beating in the past two years.
Cigars lovers will soon be able to enjoy top cognac in Havana
By Jay Amberg Bloomberg Lifestyles.
Havana, Dec. 28 -- Move over Havana Club rum: Cigar aficionados visiting
Cuba will soon be able to enjoy one of France's great Cognacs.
The prestigious French Cognac Remy Martin and the citrus- based liqueur
Cointreau have entered Cuba's growing market for spirits and alcohol-based
beverages, according to Granma, Cuba's state newspaper.
"Given the rapid expansion of the Cuban economy, why not be in Cuba?''
Jean-Myrtil Laurent, a representative of the Remy Martin-Cointreau group told
the newspaper. "For us, the Cuban market in the Caribbean is very
important, due to the growth in tourism.''
Both French brands were featured recently at the French pavilion at the 18th
annual Havana Trade Fair.
Remy Martin and Cointreau have been available at Cuban tourist bars for
years, though never through officially negotiated government distribution.
While French Cognac has always been popular with cigar smokers, in Cuba the
most popular after-dinner drink with a cigar is rum, usually Havana Club or Ron
Matusalem brands, manufactured in Cuba.
Granma said Remy Martin and Cointreau will be imported through Cuba's Juan
Mateo SA, whose wine and liquor division will represent Remy Martin on the
island.
Distribution of the beverages to Cuba's network of tourist bars and
restaurants will be handled by Havana Rum & Liquors SA, Cuba's largest
distributor of alcoholic beverages.
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