El Artista Cigars Adds Distribution in Austria

El Artista Cigars, the Dominican company known for its collaboration with former baseball player David Ortiz, has announced that it has entered into a distribution agreement with Dios Tobaco that will bring the company’s cigars to Austria.

“Despite the challenges of the first half of the year we have continued to sell and develop long-lasting relationships, albeit long-distance relationship style, and Dios Tobaco is evidence of our continued commitment to grow in Europe,” said Ram Rodriguez, president of El Artista Cigars.

The first three lines to arrive in Austria will be Cimarron, Big Papi by David Ortiz, and Buffalo Ten. The two entities anticipate that Austrian tobacconists will be able to order the cigars by June 27, which should have them on shelves not long after.

The agreement between El Artista and Dios Tobaco grew out of the distributor’s relationships with other brands that were being produced by Tabacalera El Artista. “We have known each other for a long time now, they know our quality, how we do business, and we have come to respect one another,” Rodriguez said.

According to a press release, Dios Tobaco was founded in 1999 by Wolfgang and Marlies Held, and then acquired in 2019 by Johaan Gallee. “I continue in their spirit,” he said, adding that he distributes some major brands, boutiques and specialty European producers. “I am always searching for new interesting cigars and brands for our market and I feel El Artista Cigars has a good place in our market”.

Austria becomes the seventh European country where El Artista’s offerings can be found. Rodriguez is expected to visit Austria for in-store events, though dates have not yet been confirmed and are tentatively expected to begin in 2021.