Cigar News Weekly Report: February 4, 2018

TABACALERA LA FLOR S.A.

La Flor Dominicana's factory, Tabacalera La Flor S.A., is currently expanding its facilities and production capabilities. The company is expanding its existent rolling room atop recently purchased adjacent land. In the end, this will be to the tune of an add'l 10k square feet, which is expected to increase out-put by 30%. Said end (of construction) is due by Feb/March.

Upon completion, some 40 new rollers will be employed and are already being trained even now, as you don't read this post and are instead watching several hours of Super Bowl pre-game hype.

BLACK WORKS STUDIO S&R

Black Works Studios first announced their Serpents and Rainbows (S&R) offering back in July 2016. Finally now, the James Brown co. has announced its widespread release. To select retailers. Wide(r than before)spread? The blend consists of a Sumatra top-leaf over Nicaraguan Habano binder with Nica and DR guts. It is rolled at the Fabrica Oveja Negra factory in Estelí, Nicaragua in Lancero and Corona Gorda formats.

20ct. boxes with an MSRP of 9.50USD per stick.

SCANDINAVIAN TOBACCO GROUP, THOMPSON

Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) has 'entered an agreement to acquire' Thompson and Co. (catalog retail biggie) for a cool $62M. Thompson boasts net sales of over $100M and 185 employees. STG, in turn, is the momma co. of some Mom & Pop operation named General Cigar Company. Ya may've heard of them.

This deal includes all of Thompson's retail sites and stores, their Tampa call center, and many shop exclusive blends.

QUALITY IMPORTERS, XIKAR

Quality Importers Trading Company, an entity still a bit under the radar even after their acquisition of Palio and Orleans Group, has now added XIKAR Inc. to its portfolio. This done-so by QI in conjunction with Svoboda Capital Partners LLC.

Co-founders of XIKAR, Kurt Van Kepler and Scott Almsberger, are now newly-minted Executive Vice Presidents/minority owners whom shall continue to run XIKAR ops. as minority partners.

CROWNED HEADS

Crowned heads has announced a Canadian distribution deal, and its pending intro into that chilly in many a way market. I still do not know why co-founder/owner Mr. Jon Huber unfollowed me on Twitter (@KapAdamsPeter).

CALDWELL

In news from someone who still does follow me on Twitter (@KapAdamsPeter) Caldwell Cigars has announced that its parent co. Down&Back, LLC, is the new U.S. distributor for Porsche Design smoking accessories. Yes, THAT Porche. Look for a greater Brick & Mortar presence coming soon.

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Stick Men: Episode Five