La Aurora’s U.S. Distribution Opens for Business

Less than five months after it announced plans for its own American distribution company, La Aurora is now responsible for selling its cigars in the U.S.

La Aurora USA, LLC—the brand’s new U.S. distribution company—is now officially open. The company has a warehouse in Miami and more than a half dozen employees. Ed McKenna, previously of General Cigar Co., is the ceo of La Aurora USA and John Ferrigan, who also once worked at General Cigar Co., is the company’s director of sales. Ferrigan will also handle sales in the central region and key accounts nationally.

In addition to McKenna and Ferrigan, La Aurora USA has announced the following staff members:

• John Gaglio — Brand Manager
• Dominico Magaña — Account Executive (Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas)
• William Marante — National Events Manager/Account Executive (Florida, East Coast)
• Greyci Tineo — Director of Operations
• George C. Zaglifa — Account Executive (West Coast)

A press release from the company hinted at further hirings in the future.

“La Aurora was founded in 1903 with a humble creed to work for the common good, maintaining integrity, authenticity, frankness, perseverance, honesty, and a passion for excellence,” said Guillermo León, president of La Aurora. “Today La Aurora USA sets forth our ‘New Dawn’ in the U.S. premium cigar market and in our consumer’s humidor. With our in-house distribution and expanded team, we will bring that same level of quality that you find in every facet of La Aurora cigars and continue to build long-lasting relationships with retailers and consumers across the states.”

This new company is a major change for the brand, which was distributed by Miami Cigar & Co. for roughly three decades. The two companies will still have a relationship as La Aurora will continue to make cigars for Miami Cigar & Co., most notably Tatiana.

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.