Robert Caldwell, who co-founded Wynwood Cigars alongside Christian Eiroa, has left the company. Eiroa confirmed to halfwheel that Caldwell made the decision to leave the company. Wynwood was one of the three initial offerings from Eiroa, when he returned to the industry last year. Since then, the company has become best known for its Factory Fresh line, which are shipped to retailers immediately after being rolled in the Miami-based factory.
The Wynwood Cigars website describes the origins of the company:
Wynwood Cigar Factory a part of the Fabricas Unidas family has opened its doors in the Wynwood art district of Miami. The concept of the Wynwood Cigar Factory came from the minds of Robert Caldwell and Christian Eiroa and features a unique environment for cigar smokers and art lovers alike.
Robert has been a pioneer in the cigar industry for over 5 years. He started The Hotel Humidor Company to service the cigar needs of the hospitality industry and grew to be the industry’s leading providor (sic). Currently, The Hotel Humidor Company works with W Hotels, The James Hotels, The Four Seasons Hotels, Kimpton Hotel Group and Michael Mina to name a few. Robert has visited practically every farm and factory accross (sic) the world to further his tobacco education and continued search for unique tobaccos. He co-founded The Wynwood Cigar Factory with Christian Eiroa with a dual purpose of educating consumers and manufacturing only the finest, most unique cigars possible. Eiroa joined together with Caldwell with a purpose of building a luxury cigar brand different than any other.
The brand will remain under the Fabricas Unidas banner, Eiroa told halfwheel that he (Eiroa) owns the brand outright. In addition, Eiroa said Caldwell is free to pursue other ventures in the cigar business, confirming that Caldwell does not have a non-compete clause.
Caldwell has not responded to request for comment.