Ten Questions for 2020
Welcome to the 10th version of Ten Questions. In December 2009, I decided to write an editorial that previewed some of the big topics for the following…
Graded: Ten Questions for 2019
It’s in the mid-50s, the skies are gray and the space heater is fired up on the balcony, which means only one thing: it’s time…
Understanding H.R. 2339: A Doomsday Scenario for the Cigar Industry That Probably Won’t Happen
Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Health passed H.R. 2339, the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019. The bill includes…
Seven Thoughts: Altria Announces Plans to Sell Nat Sherman Cigar Division
This morning, Altria announced that it was exploring a sale of Nat Sherman International, the premium cigar division for Nat Sherman. Up for sale is…
Five Thoughts: Scandinavian Tobacco Group’s Acquisition of Agio
We rate cigars, not cigar M&A deals, but I’d have to give Scandinavian Tobacco Group’s (STG) planned acquisition of Royal Agio Cigars a pretty decent…
10 Thoughts: CigarCon 2020, A Bad Idea, is Canceled
And after all that, there will be no consumer day—at least for 2020 and hopefully not for 2021 either. Earlier today, the Premium Cigar Association…
The Changing of the Guard: 2019 Edition
Astonishing. It took me a while to find the correct word to describe it. Astonishing—not incredible—is the correct word. Also, scary. Yesterday’s confirmation that Craig Reynolds…
It’s Twenty Nineteen: IPCPR 2019 Recap
In most years, the IPCPR Convention & Trade Show wouldn’t have even started yet, but for 2019 the trade show began earlier and with more…
Five Thoughts: Imperial’s Decision to Sell Its Premium Cigar Business
Earlier today, Imperial Brands, plc announced that it was putting its premium cigar business up for sale. While cigarettes are Imperial’s main business, its premium…
Tobacco 21 is Here, What Else Comes With It
Twice in the last five days, I’ve written about efforts from powerful lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum announcing bills that seek to…
Six Parting Thoughts on Scott Gottlieb’s Resignation
I wasn’t planning on doing this explainer type post, but given that I keep receiving text messages and emails about the subject, here we are….
