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Tabacalera El Artista has entered into an international cooperation agreement with China Tobacco, with the two companies planning to collaborate on cigar development, manufacturing, and distribution.

The agreement was signed during InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, Germany, where the companies also introduced their first joint project, Taishan · Artista.

Interestingly, Taishan · Artista will consist of two cigars using the same blend but produced at factories in different countries. A Toro will be manufactured by Tabacalera El Artista in the Dominican Republic, while a Pyramid will be produced at China Tobacco Shandong’s factory in Jinan, China.

The blend itself was developed in China by Radhames Rodriguez of Tabacalera El Artista alongside China Tobacco Shandong’s blending team. According to El Artista, all of the tobaccos used in the blend are being supplied by the Dominican company.

The first Taishan · Artista cigars are scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong and Macau in December 2026, with CTIHK overseeing distribution in those markets. The companies then plan to introduce the cigars at China Duty Free locations in mainland China beginning in spring 2027.

A broader expansion is expected in summer 2027, including China Duty Free locations throughout the Asia-Pacific region and the domestic Chinese market.

Meanwhile, the Dominican-made Toro is scheduled to reach the Americas and Europe in late spring 2027. Distribution in those markets will be handled by TCD Logistics and Tobacco & Cigar Distribution.

Beyond Taishan · Artista, the agreement establishes a framework for the two companies to continue working together on tobacco, cigar development, manufacturing, technical exchange, and international distribution.

Product Details

  • Name: Taishan · Artista
  • Manufacturer: Tabacalera El Artista / China Tobacco Shandong
  • Toro: Made by Tabacalera El Artista in the Dominican Republic
  • Pyramid: Made by China Tobacco Shandong in Jinan, China
  • Blend: Same blend for both formats
  • Tobacco: Supplied by Tabacalera El Artista
  • Hong Kong/Macau Release: December 2026
  • China Duty Free Release: Spring 2027
  • Asia-Pacific/Mainland China Expansion: Summer 2027
  • Americas/Europe Release: Late Spring 2027 (Dominican-made Toro)