October 21, 2024 Charlie Minato Weekly News

Weekly News (Oct. 21, 2024)

Report: Cigar Imports Slightly Up in First Half of 2024

The headline is that the premium cigar imports are tracking slightly ahead of last year’s record-setting year. One weird quirk: the CAA’s estimated numbers showed that the Dominican Republic exported more than 9 million cigars to the U.S. in June, which would be nearly double its monthly average. I reached out for an explanation and haven’t heard back though I suspect it’s an accounting quirk.

Oliva Recalling 60,000 Lighters

While most cigar smokers are unaware, there are restrictions for most torch lighters sold in the U.S. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires most lighters to go through a testing protocol to make sure children can’t accidentally injure themselves by using the lighter. Oliva had a promotional lighter that didn’t go through this protocol and, therefore, is being recalled. While Oliva never intended to sell the lighters, many retailers are selling the lighters to consumers. Unfortunately, if you bought one of these lighters, you aren’t entitled to a refund.

PCA Adds Consumer Memberships But No Trade Show Access

The PCA has added $99 memberships for consumers. In return, consumers will get access to some of the secondary services that PCA members get—like a quarterly magazine, emails and access to some discounts—but won’t get access to the organization’s annual trade show. To be clear, the main selling point is that this gives people a way to support the PCA, but I’m fascinated to know how many consumers sign up for this on their own. While I can see some consumers signing up as part of promotions or events, I just don’t know how enticing this will be.

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  • Palm Springs, Calif. Considers Expanding Smoking Ban in Public and Private Areas — via NBCPalmSprings.com
  • Rock Island, Ill. Considers Capping Tobacco Licenses — via KWQC.com

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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.

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