Oliva Takes Over Padilla Distribution

Only a few months after a near entire revamp of the Padilla portfolio, distribution of the Ernesto Padilla’s cigar brand is now in the hands of long-time partner Oliva Family of Cigars. Padilla’s distribution—both domestic and international—will be in the hands of Oliva within the next two weeks.

Earlier this morning, both representatives at Oliva and Ernesto Padilla hinted at a major announcement set for today which came later in the day via G. Clay Whittaker

When Padilla announced the shake-up of his brands in May, he announced two new projects that would be made at Oliva, one for the U.S. market and another for the international market. Last year, Oliva’s STUDIO TOBAC brand partnered with Padilla for the Padilla/STUDIO TOBAC Figurado. In addition, the two brands once were set for a Padilla NUb, a project announced in late 2008 that never made it to shelves.

In addition to the Oliva-made lines, Padilla has cigars made at El Titan de Bronze in Miami, something that will continue after the distribution change.

Ernesto Padilla told halfwheel he is excited not only what the partnership will do for his company, but also for Sandra Cobas’ factory.

“They will get to do things they’ve never had the ability to do before,” said Padilla. “It’s all positive.”

Oliva will begin holding separate Padilla events later on in the year. Padilla said Susana Aragon, who has been with the company for the last few years, will serve as the brand ambassador and assist Oliva at events.

Much like Oliva, Padilla indicated he was already working on new cigars solely for events amongst other new things.

Padilla also told halfwheel that in addition to his B&M portfolio, his catalog offerings will be undergoing a major revamp, something he acknowledged would be vital for the brand’s success on a national level. At least one major catalog retailer told halfwheel they were informed of the move prior to the public announcement.

This is believed to be the first time Oliva has distributed a non-Oliva brand.

A representative for Oliva had no comment, but indicated a press release would be issued tomorrow.