Oettinger Davidoff, leading global producer of handmade premium cigars announces a change in their ownership structure.
Oettinger Davidoff Group, with sales of over half a billion Swiss francs and almost 4,000 employees around the world, traces its roots back to 1875 and remains family-owned to this day. The company is dedicated to the business of producing, marketing, distributing, and retailing premium-branded cigars, tobacco products and accessories. The premium-branded cigar business includes Davidoff, AVO, Camacho, Cusano, The Griffin’s, Private Stock, Zino and Zino Platinum. Oettinger Davidoff Group is also the sole agent of many brands in several countries. Its business is anchored in a strong “crop to shop” philosophy, having pursued vertical integration from the tobacco fields in the Dominican Republic and Honduras to its global network of 65 Davidoff flagship stores/satellites and strong appointed merchants in over 130 countries.
The entire share capital of the family-owned company has been transferred to the direct descendants and thus to the next family generation. The daughters of late company founder Dr Ernst Schneider, Lilian Schaffner-Schneider and Christine Ryhiner-Schneider, have set the course for the future of the family business with foresight. This important step underscores not only their long-term commitment to the company and its employees but also to the city of Basel and to the handmade premium cigar business. The company’s proven leadership team will remain unchanged and the owner families will continue to hold two of the six seats of the Board of Directors.
Domenico Scala, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oettinger Davidoff, commented on the change:
“The handover of the ownership of Oettinger Davidoff to the next generation is an important milestone in the company’s 150-year-history. The goal is to preserve, continue and further drive the legacy, passion and pioneering spirit of the company’s founders, above all Dr Ernst Schneider and Zino Davidoff, and to ensure the company’s continued success. The next generation is already closely connected with the organization and remains committed to continuing the company as an independent family-owned business while further enhancing its leading position in the handmade premium cigar industry. I am pleased to take this opportunity to thank the previous shareholders for their many years of dedicated collaboration. At the same time, I look forward to working with the next generation, continuing to develop our successful strategy and delighting our customers with innovative brand and unique retail experiences.”
The family company Oettinger Davidoff has solidified its leadership in the handmade premium business in the last years. In 2025, the 150-year company jubilee was solemnly celebrated at its global headquarters in Basel. Festivities included three public open-house days, alongside a grand celebration for Swiss employees and distinguished guests, reflecting the company’s rich heritage and ongoing commitment to quality and innovation.
