CigarsLover Magazine I 2023

CIGARS
cho brands and factory in 2007, you could have easily
retired, but you and your father decided to build
a new company from the ground up. What was the
drive behind it?
Growing tobacco and the farm are essential to our local
community as well as a priority for us to keep employment.
It's my father's passion, and he needs to be
active. After we lost the supply contract with our raw
materials vendor, we were forced to start from scratch.
Compared to the past, the company is closely tied to
you and your family. Why did you decide to put more
emphasis on it this time around?
With the new generation and interest in cigars, it all
seemed to come together. It is an industry that requires
human resources, and what could be better
than that to have several generations involved.
How is the dynamic between you and your father
when it comes to working together and creating new
blends, for example?
My father Julio's palate and mine are very similar. We
like medium-bodied cigars with lots of aroma and flavors.
Most of our differences come when it is time to
talk about packaging and presentation.
What do the brands, such as Aladino, offer the cigar
lover that separates them from other cigars?
Today Aladino is a brand that offers many options to
consumers. It is full of flavors and aromas to satisfy
any palate, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned
smoker. From mild and creamy to bold, there's something
for everyone.
You are a vertically integrated company. What is the
most challenging part of an operation that oversees
everything from crop to shop?
Crops are always the most challenging since we are
always exposed to natural climates that can bring us
excess rain or drought. We are also facing many difficulties
when it comes to box manufacturing since the
supply chain and cost have been very challenging. Finally,
we also have to train new rollers constantly.
Over the last two years, you have started expanding
to other markets outside of the US. Which market
has surprised you the most regarding the reception
of your brand, and why do you think that is?
Vivi, who lives in London, has done a wonderful job in
starting our international market. We had the opportunity
to team up with Mitchell Orchant, who has been
a wonderful partner in the British market. It definitely
surprised me to see how quickly the brand has gained
traction and popularity in less than a year. After the Intertabac
trade show in Germany, Vivi has also opened
up the Swiss, German, and Belgian markets – all of
34 #1-2023 CigarsLover Magazine