Cigar Weekly

December 4, 2007

Also, more developments in the cigar industry, CAO International has announced a distribution partnership with Carlos Toraño, Inc. Both concerns, "are pleased to announce that the companies have entered into a strategic distribution agreement whereby CAO will become the exclusive U.S. distributor for all Carlos Toraño Cigar brands. At the same time, CAO will also become the exclusive distributor for all Dunhill Cigar brands. The agreement will be effective January 2, 2008." CAO was purchased by European tobacco giant Henry Wintermans in early 2007.

Citing "increased demand for all three brands" and a "need to expand production capacity...to strengthen distribution channels through enhanced sales and service support" Toraño believes they'll be able to spend more time in the manufacturing aspect of their business. Says one industry insider, "Now the factory can concentrate on producing CAO products along with Toraño products." Both companies' executives call to mind the partnership that already existed between the two. " 'Toraño and CAO share the same company values,' said Toraño Cigar President Charlie Toraño. 'A passion for cigars, consistent quality, innovation, and unparalleled customer service are the bedrock fundamentals that drive both companies.' CAO Chairman Gary Hyams added, 'The Toraño family has been a wonderful friend of CAO for many years, supervising and managing our cigar operations in Nicaragua and Honduras.'" This was also reiterated by CAO President, Tim Ozgener, son of company founder and namesake Cano A. Ozgener. He states ""My family has been working with the Toraño family since 1994, and we are both passionate about our industry,"

The new partnership with Dunhill, also increases the companies prestige and adds a historical dimension to a company that many consider to be one of the most "edgy" companies out there. CAO aggressively markets its products and places them in many aspects of popular culture, having a strong presence at many A-list parties in Hollywood, New York and Las Vegas. Much of this has been accomplished by CAO's director of Public Relations/Marketing Jon Huber and his staff in Nashville. "CAO is also very proud to have the Dunhill range on board, as the brand has a distinguished heritage in our industry and will further enhance CAO's premium cigar presence" says Gary Hyams.

Thomas Bender (TommyBB) is a moderator and Editor-in-Chief of Cigar Weekly. He hails from Greater New Orleans where he resides with his family and contributes his share of the air pollution of the area with cigar smoke as well as running his mouth online more than any human being should. He enjoys gathering with friends and family to partake of good cigars, good food and camaraderie when not coaching youth sports, or playing Church music. He's also been known to wear a good hat from time to time.