FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- In a major effort entitled "Operation Cigars for Troops," cigar maker Altadis U.S.A. Inc. is planning to send nearly 50,000 free cigars to United States military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. Consumers who participate receive free cigars as well.
Retail tobacconists nationwide are participating, the company said. Featured cigar brands include Montecristo White (Rothchilde), Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real (Belicoso) and H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon (Toro).
"Our troops endure unimaginable conditions and lay their lives on the line every day to protect our [image-nocss] freedom and safety," said an Altadis U.S.A. spokesperson. "Through this promotion, cigar lovers can share with us the good feeling of giving something back and providing these brave men and women with a few moments of pleasure."
Consumers purchase one or more of the "Operation Cigars for Troops" four-packs specially designed for the event. They pay for three cigars and receive the fourth free. For each four-pack sold, Altadis U.S.A. sends a free cigar to the troops overseas.
"It's a great deal on our finest cigars for retailers, consumers and especially for the troops," said the spokesperson. Consumers who participate can send a virtual greeting to the troops by visiting www.cigarsfortroops.com.
Created from the 2000 consolidation of HavaTampa Inc. and Consolidated Cigar Holdings, Altadis USA, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is a leading cigar maker nationwide that generates more than half of its parent Altadis, S.A.'s worldwide cigar sales. Altadis USA manufactures and markets both premium and mass-market cigars under well-known brand names as Don Diego, El Producto, H. Upmann, and Montecristo. It also sells little cigars under the Dutch Treats and Supre Sweets brands, as well as humidors and cigar cases. Altadis USA's Spanish parent company was acquired by Britain's Imperial Tobacco Group in February 2008.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.