Quality Importers Adds TAA Exclusive XIKAR Xi2

There’s a new colorway of the XIKAR Xi2 that will only be offered to retailers that are members of the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA).

The XIKAR Xi2 – The Tobacconist is an exclusive design of the Xi2 that features the TAA logo with a tobacco leaf underneath on the body of the cutter. It will have an MSRP of $64.99 and is expected to begin shipping in May.

Functionally, the cutter is the same as other Xi cutters. It features the trademarked teardrop shape with two blades that extend out from the body with handles attached. The user closes the handles to cut a cigar, which locks the blades back into place.

“QI has always been a strong supporter of the TAA, and we sought to grow our partnership by developing our first TAA Exclusive Series – The Tobacconist Xi2 cutter,” said Joe Gro, director of marketing and communications for Quality Importers Trading Co., in a press release. “These retailers will have yet another tool that helps differentiate their business and grow their sales.”

The TAA is a membership group, which also includes approximately 40 manufacturers, that gathers annually to discuss issues facing the industry and retailers, as well as to have its annual trade show, a unique event that works on a group buying format in order to secure exclusive deals for these generally high-volume merchants.

During the event—which takes place March 26-30 at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic—the organization holds two selling events, one known as the Dream Machine where the retailers collectively order to secure larger discounts, while the other is a more traditional trade show. Typically, around a dozen manufacturers release new exclusive cigars for the retail members of the organization under the TAA Exclusive Series Program banner. Those manufacturers agree to give a portion of the proceeds to the organization, a minimum of 50 cents per cigar. This is the first TAA exclusive from XIKAR.

So far, CLE, Crowned Heads, Ferio Tego, Gurkha, Joya de Nicaragua, Miami Cigar & Co., My Father, Quality Importers Trading Co., Tatuaje and Villiger Cigars North America have announced their TAA 2023 releases.