At the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Quality Importers Trading Company (QI) will launch Conspiracy Cigars. This will return QI into the handmade sector of the premium cigar business. As a part of the launch, QI will launch an innovative packaging concept for the brand known as Swagstorm.
The Conspiracy Cigars project is a joint effort between Alex Goldman, President and COO of QI, Michael Giannini, Chief of Consumer Engagement of QI, and Michael and Marilyn Giordano, owners of QI. Goldman is known for his tenure at Drew Estate as well as President of Royal Gold Cigars. Giannini’s experience in the cigar industry includes various roles at La Gloria Cubana, General Cigar Company, and Ventura Cigar Company. The Giordanos also have experience on the cigar making side as for many years, QI produced the Cult Cigars brand.
“As President of QI, I have come to appreciate how important the proper packaging and accompanying swag can be for the success of a cigar brand. Over the course of my 30+ year career, I have done everything from retail to wholesale to distribution and brand development. Everything I have learned – the good and the bad – has gone into creating the Conspiracy Cigar Project. It is a model that I believe other cigar manufacturers will seek to emulate – and of course, we will be happy to help them with their own swag through our Swag Bunker customization division,” commented Alex Goldman in a press release.
To produce the Conspiracy line, QI turned to Casa Carrillo and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. “I am thrilled to be part of the Conspiracy Cigars project. My admiration for Mike Giordano’s innovative spirit throughout his 24 years at Quality Importers is immense. Additionally, I’m extremely excited to be working with Alex Goldman and Michael Giannini. Michael and I have shared incredible successes together in the past, and I eagerly anticipate creating more memorable moments with this new endeavor,” commented Ernesto Perez-Carrillo.
Ernesto’s son Ernie Carrillo III added, “Collaborating behind the scenes on the Conspiracy Cigars project alongside Quality Importers has been incredibly rewarding. Observing the synergy between my father, Ernesto, and industry veterans like Alex Goldman and Michael Giannini has been inspiring. Together, I believe we’ve crafted something truly special and innovative that is poised for success.”
Conspiracy Cigars will be available in two wrapper varietals: Ecuador Connecticut and San Andres Maduro – over an undisclosed binder and filler. Each wrapper varietal will be available in three sizes:
- Robusto: 5 x 50 (SRP $10.99/cigar)
- Toro: 6 x 52, (SRP $12.99/cigar)
- Gordo: 6 x 60, (SRP $14.99/cigar)
In terms of the profile Giannini describes the cigars as, “A riff off of the E.P. Carrillo signature taste, aged tobaccos that resonate rich nuanced flavors, in collaboration with our experienced palates that we remixed to create a unique and captivating blend.”
QI has created a variety of limited edition packaging configurations know as Swagstorm. Each configuration includes customized Swag from QI’s Swag Bunker in the purchase price.
Factum Series
Limited to 900 units, each unit features ten cigars plus a Conspiracy branded Palió V-Cutter packaged in a Mahogany chest featuring magnetic closures or travel humidor. The units have a custom Conspiracy artwork on the inside and outside of the box.
Humidor Series
The Humidor Series is an ongoing offering. It will feature a revolving series of artwork and accessories to complement the detailed design of the Conspiracy concept. The initial 20 cigar offering will be packed in a Humidor Supreme 20-count Traveler humidor featuring SureSeal Technology. The package also includes a humidification device and Conspiracy branded Xikar Xi2 cutter.
Retail Prepack
This package features free-standing retail display to allow for single cigar sales. This prepack will include 120 cigars (20 cigars of each size and wrapper), a free Conspiracy branded clear acrylic 6-Bin locking humidor display, and 120 Conspiracy branded cigar cutters. Consumers will receive one cutter with each cigar purchased. This unit allows retailers to feature the full line of cigars without taking up excess shelf space.
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The 2024 PCA Trade Show opens March 23 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo Credits: Quality Importers Trading Company
