CubaPLUS Magazine

The XXII International Habano Festival was inaugurated at the Convention Center of the Cuban capital with the presence of some 2,200 participants from more than 70 countries of all continents.

This important gathering, which is held every year in Havana, brings together specialists, businessmen and fans of the art of smoking Habanos and has become an almost obligatory date for those interested in Premium tobacco.

At a press conference, Leopoldo González, commercial Vice President of Habanos, said the also known as Havana cigars, continue as market leaders for premium or handmade cigars, evidenced in the sales recorded last year of about 145 million units, sold for 531 million dollars, a growth of two percent.

He later said that Corporación Habanos S.A. sells cigars in some 140 countries while Spain, China, France, Germany and Cuba are among the main markets. In that context, he added that last year, the European market registered 53 percent of sales, while Spain had a four percent growth.

Other activities that marked the inauguration day was the opening of the Trade Fair, by Ana Teresita González Fraga, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, who said the wide participation of exhibitors - a total of 239 from nine countries – is evidence of the international business confidence in Cuba.

A total of 84 stands occupy an exhibition area of ​​almost 950 square meters occupied by Germany, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia and Cuba, present with 54 stands.

This meeting, considered the most important in the world of Premium cigars, will extend for five days, with numerous activities which will include tours of the plantations of San Antonio de los Baños, in the province of Artemisa, visits to factories La Corona and Partagás, practical sessions for learning how to roll cigars, keynote conferences and the International Seminar.

The highlight of this festival will be, as usual, the gala night, during which the traditional auction of humidors will take place, this time dedicated to the Romeo and Juliet brand. The revenue from the auction will go to Cuban health.