Tobacconists’ Association of America Celebrates 50th Anniversary

TAA Golden Anniversary: A Davidoff cigar in a golden tray and bottle

If you’re a cigar connoisseur, you’ll undoubtedly be familiar with the Tobacconists’ Association of America, who earlier this month, celebrated their golden anniversary with an exclusive event that you’ll want to hear about…

A widely respected institution, the TAA was first formed in 1968 and over the years, has grown into one of the most prestigious trade organisations in the cigar industry. Connecting retail tobacconists from around the globe, the TAA provides its members with the chance to build prosperous relationships with one another and gain important insights into different industry sectors. With 77 retail members, the TAA effectively supports around 240 cigar shops, making it a popular establishment to be part of.

 

At the start of May, the TAA held celebrations in the form of a conference and trade show in La Romana, Dominican Republic, to mark its milestone anniversary of 50 years. During the event, 69 of its 77 members attended, making it one of the most successful years yet. Not only could members talk business but they were also given a chance to sample an exclusive range of 21 cigars crafted especially for this esteemed event, a record-breaking number in TAA history. Additionally, an extensive selection of smokes from renowned suppliers including La Flor Dominicana, Padrón and Tatuaje were also on offer to order, while a TAA exclusive, Fuente Fuente OpusX, also graced the stands.

 

Cigar retailer Gary Pesh, a member of the TAA since the late 90s, described the social buzz of the event and said: “Everybody gets to exchange ideas, and it brings the industry together in a much more relaxed way than any other format”. However, while TAA events are certainly ones for the calendars of tobacconist socialites, this month’s celebratory conference provided more than just a chance to catch up. Many manufacturers took the opportunity to cash in on sales and sample new smokes in the hope of broadening their horizons and inspiring new ranges. Ambassador Fine Cigars retailer, Vartan Seferian said, “I buy more here than I do at the IPCPR [International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers]”, signifying the wealth of quality products that were on offer to those willing to purchase at this prestigious event.

 

While industry players such as Alec Bradley, Davidoff, General Cigar, Kristoff, Miami Cigar, Padrón Cigars and Rocky Patel showcased some of their classic ranges, the majority of cigars purchased during the celebrations were TAA exclusives, made only for retail members. Among the list of limited edition smokes was the CAO Estelí cased in Nicaraguan leaf, the La Palina Blue Label Toro made with a Honduran and Nicaraguan blend, and the Padrón Black No. 89 wrapped naturally or in maduro.

 

While the TAA certainly know how to celebrate in style, here at Havana House, we also have some exclusive cigar ranges that we know you’ll love. Browse them now on our website or check out our blog for more cigar news and updates!

 

Image Credit: Davidoff | Instagram

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