FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- In a move that makes Altadis USA the distributor of Aging Room Quattro F55 cigars, Altadis’ parent company, Tabacalera USA, has forged a strategic alliance with Boutique Blends Cigars, which will eventually lead to a “full integration” of the Miami-based Boutique Blends business, Tabacalera officials announced.
Rafael Nodal, co-owner of Boutique Blends, which makes premium, hand-rolled cigars such as Aging Room, La Boheme and Oliveros, has also taken on a position within Altadis. Nodal, who has led Boutique Blends since 2002, will support Altadis’ premium-cigar business, according to Javier Estades, president and CEO of Tabacalera USA.
“Rafael will focus mainly on product quality and innovation, on strategic relations with our trade customers and brick-and-mortar operations, and other areas in the company,” Estades said in a press release.
“This move is consistent with the continuing growth and strengthening of our Tabacalera USA business operations and will complement recent changes, including the appointment of Rob Norris to head up Altadis USA; the expansion of our retail program under Casa de Montecristo; the recent appointment of Steve Lochan as general manager of the unit; and Rob Maneson’s appointment to head J.R. Cigar,” Estades said.
Bristol, U.K.-based Imperial Brands created Tabacalera USA in 2015 to run its U.S. premium-cigar business. In addition to Altadis USA, Tabacalera also operates J.R. Cigar and Casa de Montecristo.
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