Internet Cigar Group (info@cigargroup.com)
Cybersmokers... The worlds largest cigar group!

from the webmaster (Bob Curtis)...

The Cigar Wars of 1999...

Well, after a five-year rise in popularity, 1998 was the year the bubble burst for many entrepreneurs in the cigar industry, and we saw signs of a return to "normal" in the consumer markets. "Don Nobodys" were once again relegated to the close-out corner of our local tobacconist's humidors as name-brands became available once again. Prices are dropping as tobacconists find more competition in a shrinking market. Consumers are once again demanding value - in both pricing and quality.

1998 began a "Buyer's Market" in the cigar industry - one which continues to this day. Although a few new brands are still appearing, it takes a lot of promotion, good pricing, and top-quality tobacco to catch a battle-scarred consumer's eye! Quality, name-brand smokes are everywhere again! Manufacturers have been forced to lower their prices to remain competitive, and retailers are lowering their margins to more traditional levels.

Good news? Yes, but with a warning. Every drug store and gas station with shelf space jumped on the band-wagon over the past few years, stressing your local tobacconists market by selling discounted, often poorly-kept cigars. Poor quality products from non-professional sources have begun to give cigars a bad reputation among those who can't distinguish a premium from a dog-rocket. Traditional tobacconists find themselves competing with these sources.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TOBACCONIST! Why buy cigars from opportunists? Do they know their products like your tobacconist? Do they have the selection? Are their products even premium cigars? Many of these El Cheapo bundles appearing in non-traditional outlets are short-filler, and processed with chemical additives. They're products that your tobacconist wouldn't put on his shelves. Knock-offs, off-brands, and low quality is what you can expect from these outlets. With name-brands availability better than we've seen in 5 years, why buy anything else?

Your local tobacconist is not only knowledgeable about cigar brands, storage, and accessories, he's also working hard for you to keep this country cigar-friendly. Most belong to trade organizations such as the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America, Friends of Tobacco, and our own Internet Cigar Group. Organizations striving against further government infringement of our right to enjoy quality cigars. Last year, California passed it's "Proposition 10", further restricting smoker's rights in that state. Don't let this happen where you live!

Meanwhile the anti-smoking crowd, having won their battles against cigarette smokers, have turned their sights on the cigar industry. With little more than speculation and scare-tactics, they have begun an aggressive campaign to restrict your right to smoke cigars. The US Surgeon General, an ardent anti-smoker, has approved new warning labels on cigars - ignoring the scientific studies which demonstrate that there are few detrimental affects from moderate cigar smoking. For the truth about the health affects of regular cigar smoking, look into our updated Cigar/Health FAQ.