German Engineered Cigars Announces Price Increase

German Engineered Cigars, the company behind the RVGN Rauchvergnügen brand, has announced that it will be implementing its first increase since RVGN was introduced in 2018.

“Unfortunately, exploding transport and shipping costs, rising prices for tobacco, some significant changes in our supply chain, and the engagement of a sales team leave us no choice but to raise prices for the first time,” said Oliver Nickels, co-founder and chief cigar engineer.

As of Jan. 1, 2022, the company will be increasing the MSRPs of its RVGN Rauchvergnügen line as follows:

• #18 Half Corona from $4.50 to $6
• #36 Short Torpedo from $7.50 to $9
• #42 Robusto from $9 to $10
• #62 Gran Toro from $10 to $11.50

The company’s NN01 cigar will retain its current MSRP of $8.90.

“We were determined to keep the price increase reasonable, but we also need to stay profitable,” Nickels told halfwheel. He added that retailers have been given the opportunity to fill their stock under the current prices in order to smoothen the transition.

As part of the plan to minimize the price increase, the company is changing its packaging concept. Beginning in January, the company will start supplying all RVGN cigars in bundles, which will be available at a reduced cost to retailers. “This is a great option for dealers who don’t require the boxes,” Nickels said. The #42 Robusto and #62 Gran Toro will still be able to be ordered in newly designed boxes, while the #18 Half Corona and #36 Short Torpedos will come in bundles only.

As part of this change, the company is offering its retailers a branded display tray free of charge in which they can present RVGN cigars. Nickels added that this option will provide German Engineered Cigars with an even stronger brand presentation, and allow them better wholesale conditions.

The following chart is a live look at what companies have announced price increases or no price increase for 2022.