The Cigar Industry Report is a one-stop place to catch up on the activity here at Cigar Coop. It is a combination of the news reports, cigar reviews, and assessment updates we do throughout the week. In addition, each week we will look back at Cigar Coop history. Look for this report every Saturday morning at 8am Eastern Time.

Cigar Industry Report: Edition 328 (5/4/19)

Feature of the Week: Imperial Brands Announces Exit from Cigar Industry

Last year, Imperial Brands announced plans to target opportunities for divestiture. This past week, the tobacco giant announced it will be selling off its cigar business including Altadis U.S.A, Habanos SA, JR Cigar, and Casa de Montecristo. We’ve got the details here.

We also had some editorial thoughts on this matter.

News and Previews

Aganorsa Leaf: The company announced the shop-exclusive Aganorsa Leaf Famous 80th Anniversary cigar.
Cornelius & Anthony: We reported on the Bailey family exiting the cigarette business.
LH Premium Cigars: The company has added the 7 x 70 LH Maduro Grande Gordo.
Villiger Cigars: The company announced it will not attend the 2019 IPCPR Trade Show.
Crowned Heads: The Nashville-based company announced details around the Las Calaveras EL 2019 release.
IPCPR: Named Joshua Harbusky its new Director of Federal Government Affairs
JSK Cigars: The JSK Tyrannical Buc Maduro is heading to retailers.
United Cigar: The company announced new packaging for La Gianna Havana.

Legislative News

U.S. Senate: S.9 is a proposed piece of legislation that calls for an exemption from FDA Regulation for premium handmade cigars. This week no new co-sponsors were added. The total number of sponsors remains at 12.
U.S. House of Representatives: H.R.1854 is the House Companion Bill to S.9. This week five new co-sponsors were added: Jack Bergman [R-Michigan], Bill Flores [R-Texas], Ross Spano [R-Florida], Paul Mitchell [R-Michigan], and Barry Loudermilk [R-Georgia] The total number of sponsors is now at 51.
Canada: Plain packaging is set to take effect November 9, 2019
Colorado: The bill to raise the tobacco tax to 62 percent of the wholesale price has been defeated
Florida: After passing in the State Senate, the proposed bill to raise the tobacco purchase to 21 died in the State House.
Nebraska: A bill has been introduced that would raise the tobacco purchase age to 19.
Vermont: The State Senate has approved a bill that would raise the tobacco purchase age to 21