A few weeks ago, retailers all across Europe were informed that Meerapfel Companies would no longer be distributing Arturo Fuente in the European market. This is a partnership that has been in place for quite some time and was a bit shocking to see to say the least.
Meerapfel sent out the following letter:
The Meerapfel family has been in the tobacco trade for over 400 years. Over centuries, our family has overcome countless challenges. That the Meerapfel family continues to operate in the highest echelons of the cigar world is a true testament to our resilience, dedication and professional integrity.
Throughout our history, Meerapfel has been committed to building and honoring trusted, personal relationships with our customers – delivering products and services that are synonymous with luxury and the highest expectations associated with this segment.
The skills we have learned through the trade and agricultural side of our business have been refined to deliver the very best to the end consumer. Meerapfel nurtures its relations in much the same way as we do our plantations, our tobacco and our teams.
For decades, our family has poured investment into our distribution business with a significant emphasis on the Arturo Fuente brands. Indeed our investment has gone well beyond the financial; committing our time, knowledge and passion to building the Arturo Fuente brands.
The two families have a history together spanning three generations and Meerapfel is incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve for the Fuente family.
Unfortunately, Fuente & Meerapfel have ceased trading together. We are disappointed and saddened by this, and it brings an important chapter in our esteemed history to a close.
We now find ourselves at a pivotal point in our story. As we continue growing and supplying one of the world’s finest and rarest wrappers, operating a world class distribution business and curating our Meerapfel Family Reserve Blends and Meerapfel Cigar that set a new benchmark for luxury – we are excited about our future.
We thank our partners, our customers and our aficionados for their unwavering support and loyalty, and we look forward to writing the next chapter of Meerapfel with you.
– Jeremiah Meerapfel, Meerapfel Companies
People have asked why I didn’t cover this news sooner. Part of the reason was because I knew that this was a big story and could see that there are many moving pieces here. It is shocking that these two would split this way so abruptly if I am being quite honest.
In addition, many people have begun to speculate this also could be the end of Meerapfel Cameroon being used by Arturo Fuente, which is something the two companies have become famous for. The way this was written, one could argue that it is possible.
The line above which reads, “Unfortunately, Fuente & Meerapfel have ceased trading together,” doesn’t sound like the end of a distribution deal, but rather business altogether. It is perhaps the most interesting and bold part of the entire press release. While nothing has been put in stone or clarified, a company like Meerapfel doesn’t mince words.
In addition, Arturo Fuente chose not to exhibit at InterTabac in Dortmund, Germany this week. There was a sign that appeared though in what would have been their booth that read;
“Due to unexpected circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to join you this year at InterTabac. We very much look forward to seeing everyone next year. With Love, Carlito Fuente.”
This would make sense, considering currently, there is no distribution in place to replace the existing channel and therefore makes it difficult for a company like Arturo Fuente to attend the European trade show to do business.
When I reached out to Carlito, he simply told me that at this time he does not have any comment. This is a developing story and more updates will be provided when we have more information.
If this is truly the end of the Meerapfel tobacco being used by Arturo Fuente, the first thing I’ll tell you is a company like that has a nice steady supply in their tobacco warehouse. Therefore, any changes in use, probably wouldn’t be noticeable for at least several years, unless of course, for whatever reason they chose not to continue using the tobacco, but that seems unlikely. My only other word of advice is if you like Don Carlos and everything else with Meerapfel Cameroon tobacco, keep an eye on it, and as supply begins to dwindle – buy some to put away.
