Friends of Tobacco

Spring 1997

403 B East New Bern Road, Kinston, North Carolina 28501
Phone & Fax (919) 522-4769 *

Table of Contents

CEO To Head
Friends of Tobacco Committee

Patrick Norton, Chairman & CEO of Fabreeka International was recently appointed the 1997 fund-raising committee chairman for Friends of Tobacco.

Mr. Norton's duties will include encouraging tobacco leaders and supporters to financially support the united grassroots tobacco efforts of the organization. He and his committee will also be responsible for raising sponsorships to fund the annual Congressional Reception to be held in Washington, DC in October and encourage industry attendance.

Patrick Norton said, "It is the responsibility of all tobacco leaders to make every effort possible to ensure future growth and prosperity for our industry. Fabreeka is proud to play a role in supporting the Friends of Tobacco organization with time and money. We would challenge others to do the same."

Joining Patrick Norton on the fund-raising committee are representatives from throughout the tobacco industry. If your company would like to be represented on the fund-raising committee or become a sponsor of the organization or congressional reception, call 919/522-4769.

CONSOLIDATED CIGAR, Inc.
Interview - Mr. Phil Mazzone


FOT: The purpose of this interview this morning is to try to get more information on Consolidated and what businesses you are engaged in regarding distribution and manufacturing. We know Consolidated Cigar is the largest seller of premium cigars in the US. We are also aware that you make premium brands like H. Upmann, Don Diego, Henry Clay, Montecristo, Santa Damiana and also a number of machine made cigars like Antonio and Cleopatra, Muriel, El Producto, Dutch Masters and Dutch Treats. What other products do you manufacture and what do you manufacture here in Richmond?

PM: In addition to the popular brands you mentioned, we also manufacture many private label cigars, which are hand made or machine made and produced to customers specifications. We manufacture pipe tobacco here in Richmond. Our principle pipe tobacco brands are Mixture 79, Dutch Masters and 3 Star China Black.

FOT: Are the private label brands specific for that company?

PM: Yes, they are. We also produce premium bulk pipe tobaccos that we will package in 5-10 lb. plastic bags and sell to tobacconists shops.

FOT: Where are your cigars made?

PM: Our machine made cigars are made in McAdoo, PA. and Cayey, P.R. Our premium (hand made) cigars are made in La Romana, Dominican Republic. These are the cigars that originated in Cuba but which we control in the United States.

FOT: What kind of tobaccos do you use in your premium cigars?

PM: We use cigar type tobacco from all over the world; Indonesia, Mexico, South America, United States, Jamaica and Honduras to name a few countries.

FOT: Overall, how many different brands of tobacco products does Consolidated manufacture, including cigars and pipe tobaccos?

PM: Well in excess of 2500.

FOT: Can you give me some of the handmade cigar names that Consolidated now has on the market?

PM: Yes sir. H. Upmann, Don Diego, Primo Del Rey, Henry Clay, Te-Amo and La Cabrillas. For our super premium category, we just introduced Playboy by Don Diego and also offer Santa Damiana and Montecristo.

FOT: Which one of those would you say is the best seller?

PM: H. Upmann would be our largest seller in units.

FOT: What would be the hardest to get?

PM: The hardest to get right now is Montecristo and Playboy. We have these on strict allocation.

FOT: What is the most popular brand of your machine made cigars?

PM: Overall, I would guess Backwoods, Antonio Y Cleopatra and Dutch Masters. Muriel is also a major brand, but when we acquired American Cigar, the A&C line exceeded Muriel.

FOT On your premium cigars, what kind of volume do you produce annually?

PM: I can tell you that in 1996, Consolidated Cigar sold more premium cigars than any cigar company in the world.

FOT: Do you see the demand for cigars to continue to increase?

PM: Yes, I sure do. I don't see any significant change in that for many years since people have become interested in cigars.

FOT: What do you think about women smoking cigars?

PM: I think it's wonderful.

FOT: In terms of back orders for cigars, do you see Consolidated being able to fulfill their back orders and getting caught up?

PM: We are catching up slowly. It is very difficult. We're running our production for premium cigars around the clock. It takes 3 to 6 months to train new rollers and then another six months for the roller to attain any kind of speed. With the demand still on the increase for cigars, the catch up will be very slow.

FOT: How long do you project before the supply will meet the demand?

PM: I can't really say because I can't predict the demand, but with all the effort we've been putting behind the supply end. I hope in a year.

FOT: Are you taking on new customers for pipe tobacco?

PM: For pipe tobacco, yes. But not for cigars.

FOT: What do you think about the new cigar companies starting up?

PM: I don't mind competition. It's the American way. It keeps you in line. What I don't like are the new cigar manufacturers who are in the business for the short term. Quick Kill.

FOT: Do you believe that the trend in the cigar industry is going to grow?

PM: I do.

FOT: What is the driving force behind the cigar industry?

PM: Cigar smoking has become a popular thing to do. The cigar clubs, tasting parties, golfers and so on are driving this business. It's like everybody wanted to smoke cigars but no one dared. Now it's become socially acceptable and part of life.

FOT: Cigarettes are now being portrayed as taboo by the media however, cigars are not. What do you think the difference is?

PM: Most cigarette smokers inhale to add to their enjoyment. Cigar and pipe tobacco users do not inhale. With all the negative publicity about inhalation, nicotine etc., I think the public feels pipe tobacco and cigars are a good alternative.

FOT: Do you foresee the anti's attacking cigars and pipe tobacco smoking like cigarettes?

PM: I think some of that has already started.

FOT: Do you think the anti-tobacco movement will try to get all other segments of the tobacco industry to increase warning labels, language or product content such as tar and nicotine?

PM: They will try. It will be very difficult. Pipes and cigars are a very different form of tobacco use. Cigarettes are far more standard in construction and how they are used.

FOT: What are some of the ways Consolidated Cigar is doing that might help their consumers be more aware of protecting their rights?

PM: We contribute significantly to organizations like Friends of Tobacco. We inform our customers of impending tobacco issues that may effect their business. We encourage communication between consumers and government.

FOT: Could you provide us with any toll-free numbers that retailers can call for more information on your products and services?

PM: I'll be happy to give you two. Our distribution center in McAdoo, PA. (800) 446-5797. Pipe tobacco manufacturing, Richmond, Va. (800) 525-4092.

FOT: Mr. Mazzone, is there anything else you like to add?

PM: I would like to commend you and the "Friends of Tobacco" on behalf of Consolidated Cigar Corporation for your dedication to the tobacco industry and your uncompromising position in support of tobacco.

THE END

D'Jeep Lighters/Free Offer

D'Jeep Lighters & General Cigar Company, Inc. is a proud supporter of the Friends of Tobacco organization. For a free Friends of Tobacco lighter, please mail your request to:

D'Jeep lighters, c/o General Cigar Company, Inc.
320 West Newberry Road, Bloomfield, CT. 06002
or call (800) 955-5996

Mailing Lists Now Available

Friends of Tobacco now offers the following US mailing lists for rent. Call 919/522-4769 for pricing.
Tobacco Retailers • Tobacco Wholesalers • Golf Shops
Attention Cigar Manufacturers
International Leaf Tobacco Dealer is now accepting orders for Cigar Wrappers, Binders, and filler. For more information, phone/fax 919-522-4769.
Keep Your Name on the
Friends of Tobacco Mailing List
Send in your membership dues today if you haven't already. Individual $20, Small business $25, Corporate $50, includes quarterly newsletter and action alerts. Contributions and Sponsorships are welcomed. 

NAME:________________________________________________________

COMPANY:_____________________________________________________

ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________

CITY/ST/ZIP:_________________________________________________

PHONE & FAX:_________________________________________________
Send to:
Friends of Tobacco
403 B East New Bern Rd.
Kinston, NC 28504
Phone/Fax: 919-522-4769


Friends of Tobacco is a national non-profit organization that promotes the economic importance of tobacco and freedom of choice to use tobacco products. Endorsed by every segment of the tobacco and agriculture industries, the organization serves as a clearinghouse for disseminating tobacco information directly to the general public, lobbies Members of Congress, organizing rallies, letter writing campaigns, and other efforts to support tobacco and freedom. Friends of Tobacco continues to be on the forefront of all tobacco issues and serves the world media by providing factual information as it pertains to tobacco. The organization is funded by supporters of tobacco and freedom of choice and remains the only true grassroots pro tobacco organization in America.

[ EIN: 56-1897215]

1st Annual Friends of Tobacco
Superball Golf Tournament Held

The first annual FOT Superball Golf Tournament was held at Ironwood Golf and Country Club in Greenville NC in April. There were approximately 100 participants. Players represented all aspects of the industry and come from as far away as Oregon, Massachusetts, and Kentucky to participate in the fund raising event.

The Intabex-Hail & Cotton team from Greenville, NC won the tournament with low net. The Dimon International team won the loss gross.


Pictured are the winners, Intabex-Hail & Cotton.

RTDA to Hold 65th Annual
Convention & International Trade Show

 Friends of Tobacco recently talked with Bill Fader, Executive Director of the RTDA.

FOT: Mr. Fader, tell me about your upcoming trade show?

Fader: This years show is the biggest we ever had. More than 619 Booths have been sold.

FOT: How does this show differ from last years show in Cincinnati?

Fader: Last year we had 550 booths and the attendance was astounding.

FOT: What about new products and exhibitors?

Fader: Dean, there will be a wide variety of products offered by the exhibitors. Some of these peripheral products will include humidors, clothing, pipe and cigar accessories and so much more.

FOT: How about cigars. Last year in Cincinnati, some companies were not accepting new customers or taking orders. What do you expect this year?

Fader: Unfortunately, this is still the case with premium cigars. The bright side to this is there are a lot of fine cigars now entering the market place and retailers should consider these cigars. Some of these cigars will be exhibited at the show and these companies will be accepting new cigar orders.

FOT: Mr. Fader, what are your thoughts on the new brands entering the marketplace and their costs?

Fader: The new brands entering the marketplace offer a lot of options. One thing, I would point out is that some of these cigars are medium quality but carry a premium price. While there is a demand for select cigars, new brands entering the market should be priced accordingly.

FOT: What about the overall outlook for the cigar industry. Do you foresee the demand subsiding or to keep growing?

Fader: Dean, the outlook for premium cigars is astounding. Demand is expected to continue for the next 2 -3 years when supply conditions are expected to start catching up with demand.

FOT: Mr. Fader, is there any directions you might give to retailers attending the show that will help them make the most out of their buying trip?

Fader: I encourage the retailers to walk up and down each aisle, look at all the products and then come back to discuss their purchase intentions with the exhibitors.

FOT: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fader: The RTDA Show is open only to RTDA members, manufacturers and distributors. It will be held on July 13-16, 1997 in Orlando, Florida. For more information, please call RTDA at (410) 547-6996.

Just the Facts

1997 Sponsors


President's Club:
Fabreeka International

Executive's Club
Zachary Scott

Sponsor's Club
Bakery Confectionery Workers Union  P.P. Payne, Inc.
Mafco Worldwide Corp.               Nat Sherman Inc. 
Chemprene                           Tobacco Country

Support Club
Arango Cigar Co                     Atlantic Dominion Distr
Blue Smoke Rings                    Burning Solutions
Bulls Eye Cigar Cutters             Camorra Cigars
Cigar Club International            Decatur Industries 
FGT Enterprises                     Fuji Publishing 
Gilfranco Cigar Co.                 Graphic Packaging 
Green Mountain Unlimited            Griffin & Co., Inc 
Harper and Phillips, Inc.           Hauni Richmond 
Holt Properties                     Home of Tobacco Products 
Imperial Processing                 Intellilink Services 
J.T. Davenport & Sons               Jerry Brothers Industries 
JR Tobacco of America               KGM Industries Co., Inc.
Lane Limited                        Market Place Smoke Shop 
Max Rohr Importer, Inc.             Molins Richmond, Inc.
Natural Elegance, Inc.              Quintin USA, Inc 
Renaissance Cigar Co.               Robusto 
Southern Container of Wilson        Taylor Manufacturing 
Tharrington Industries              The Cardwell Machine Co.
The Lighter Company                 The Pipe & Tobacco Shop
Trade Oil Co.                       Tri County Electric 
US Plastics                         UST 
Western Humidor Corp.               Winter, Bell Co.

Donor's Club
F.D. Hutcheson                      Hardwick's Briar Shoppe
Maverick Humidors                   Spartun Automatic Retailers
Special Event Sponsors              B&W Export Leaf Tobacco
Chilean Nitrate Corp                Consolidated Cigars
East Coast Coffee                   Evans Machinery & Metal
Fabreeka International              Fred Stoker & Sons, Inc.
Fuente & Newman Premium Cigars      Gilfranco Cigars
Hail & Cotton                       Harper & Phillips
Hastings Ford of Greenville         Havatampa, Inc.
Haynes Rubber & Supply Co.          Howard House Cigars
Humidor Corporation                 Lane Limited
Leasing Unlimited                   Main Street Tobacco
Maverick Humidors                   McDonald Motorsports
M&N Cigar Company                   Onyx Fine Tobacco Shop
Pepsi of Greenville                 Quintin USA
Renaissance Cigar Co.               Robusto  & Co.
RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co              Smoke Rings, Inc. 
SRC Visions, Inc.                   Standard Commercial Tobacco
Symbols, Inc.                       The Lighter Co.
The Owl Shop                        Zachary Scott Cigars
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