Casa 1910 has announced a strategic investment and equity partnership with Smoker Friendly, giving the U.S. retailer an ownership stake in the Mexican cigar company as both businesses look to expand the presence of Mexican-made premium cigars in the American market.
Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. According to the companies, the partnership includes both an investment and a long-term retail alliance centered on growing the market for cigars made with Mexican tobacco.
Founded five years ago, Casa 1910 produces cigars using tobacco grown in Mexico’s San Andrés Valley and has expanded distribution into 39 countries along with duty-free retail locations in airports throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. The company also noted that it has previously raised more than $3 million from investors and maintains a partnership with Proximo Spirits, the distributor behind Reserva de la Familia tequila.
For Smoker Friendly, which operates more than 1,000 retail locations across the United States, the investment represents a deeper commitment to the growing popularity of Mexican tobacco. Terry Gallagher, CEO and owner of Smoker Friendly, also serves as chairman of the Cigar Association of America.
“We built Casa 1910 to bring something real to a category that has too often settled for imitation. Partnering with Smoker Friendly is a milestone we’re incredibly proud to announce — and a reflection of the trust the Gallagher family has placed in this brand. Terry and Dan have long been ahead of where this industry is heading, and we’re grateful to welcome on board such respected partners,” said Casa 1910 co-founders Jamie Baer and Serge Bollag.
Terry Gallagher added, “Smoker Friendly is thrilled to make a strategic investment in Casa 1910 and excited to be a part of the vision Jamie and Serge have to grow the brand in the US and globally.”
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