Changes in Cubao’s Distribution (Updated)

Rocky Patel confirmed that EO Brands’ Cubao line is now being sold exclusively through mail-in order retailer Thompson’s. There’s a slight caveat in that the official word from a representative from Rocky Patel was, “it’s still available to (brick and mortars) that want it.” We last reviewed Cubao as part of Lancero50 here. Rocky Patel bought a 50% stake in EO Brands/United Tobacco last year in a deal that saw them take over national distribution. Despite Thompson’s exclusivity there are no changes in price. In addition, there are no changes to any other Rocky Patel or EO Brands, including 601. — el niño diablo.

Update (September 23, 2011): Statement from Erik Espinosa reads:

Cubao is still available to B&M’s. Thompson’s is the only major internet/catalog retailer that will have Cubao. I hope this clarifies everything.

I spoke with Erik yesterday and he confirmed that the only retailers that were going to be prohibited from carrying Cubao were those in the “big four” that were not Thomson’s, i.e., CI/Cigar.com, JR and Famous.

That still hasn’t stopped many retailers from blowing Cubao out, including site sponsor Atlantic Cigar.

In addition, the Cubao No. 6 (5 1/2 x 52 Parejo) has been discontinued. — el niño diablo.

Charlie Minato

I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media, LLC. I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed, one of the two predecessors of halfwheel. I have written about the cigar industry for more than a decade, covering everything from product launches to regulation to M&A. In addition, I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff here at halfwheel. I enjoy playing tennis, watching boxing, falling asleep to the Le Mans 24, wearing sweatshirts year-round and eating gyros. echte liebe.