Cigar Industry Resources
16.1.09
Twin Hurricanes Ravage Cuba
First came Gustav, then just eight days later it was Ike's turn. Two powerful hurricanes slammed Cuba and left the cigar industry reeling from massive damage. The government has estimated the losses at approximately $5 billion. Thousands of drying barns loaded with tobacco leaves were destroyed, and thousands of homes belonging to the cigar industry workers are also wiped out. Hundreds of tons of tobacco were destroyed.
While forbidden in the US, Cuba dominates the rest of the world's market for cigars with an approximately eighty percent share. Experts expect prices for Cuban cigars to rise in the wake of the shortages resulting from the damage. Additionally, prices for cigars from competing countries like the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua are also likely to rise as some of the world's demand switches away from the even more expensive Cubans.
While forbidden in the US, Cuba dominates the rest of the world's market for cigars with an approximately eighty percent share. Experts expect prices for Cuban cigars to rise in the wake of the shortages resulting from the damage. Additionally, prices for cigars from competing countries like the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua are also likely to rise as some of the world's demand switches away from the even more expensive Cubans.
Permanent link to Twin Hurricanes Ravage Cuba.
Torcedors and Torcedoras
Did you know that a person who rolls cigars is known as a torcedor or torcedora (these days most are women)? It's a highly skilled job and torcedors are usually the highest paid workers in a cigar factory. There are several classifications or grades of torcedor, and it takes at least a year of training and practice just to attain the first level. Highly experienced master torcedors can make approximately 70-150 cigars per day, depending on their skill and the complexity of the cigar.
Sample cigars are tested by a "catador" who smokes them to ensure quality is being maintained. What a tough job!
Sample cigars are tested by a "catador" who smokes them to ensure quality is being maintained. What a tough job!
Permanent link to Torcedors and Torcedoras.

