The Craft and Commerce of Cigar Manufacturing: How CAA Supports an Industry Tradition

Cigar manufacturing is more than a centuries-old craft. It is an economic engine linking farming communities, skilled artisans, distributors, and retailers across the globe. As the leading national trade association representing cigar manufacturers, importers, and suppliers, the Cigar Association of America (CAA) plays a vital role in advocating for policies that sustain this complex and dynamic industry.

From Field to Factory: The Foundation of Cigar Production

Cigar production begins long before a leaf is rolled. In the United States, companies import premium cigar tobacco primarily from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, countries known for fertile soils and generations of expertise. According to recent CAA import reports, in 2024 alone, Nicaragua shipped more than 211 million premium cigars to the U.S., underscoring its leadership in global supply.

Once harvested, tobacco leaves undergo fermentation and aging, a process that can last months or years. Manufacturers blend filler, binder, and wrapper leaves to create the distinct profiles consumers expect. Many CAA member companies, such as J.C. Newman Cigar Co. and General Cigar, invest in both heritage hand-rolling techniques and advanced machinery to meet diverse market demands while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.

The Role of Manufacturers in Sustaining Local Economies

Manufacturing facilities, whether large-scale factories or boutique operations, support tens of thousands of jobs worldwide. In the U.S., the cigar sector employs over 300,000 individuals throughout the supply chain, from logistics and warehousing to packaging and retail. Many CAA members operate distribution centers that serve as hubs for regional economies, providing stable employment and contributing significant tax revenue.

For example, Swisher International, a longstanding CAA member, operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in Jacksonville, Florida. Their presence demonstrates how American communities benefit from the cigar trade not only through jobs but also through philanthropic initiatives, such as educational grants and workforce development programs.

Navigating Regulation and Trade Policy

Cigar manufacturing does not happen in a vacuum. The sector faces an evolving regulatory landscape, including the FDA’s tobacco product standards and proposed flavor bans that could impact production and distribution. CAA has worked alongside its member manufacturers to advocate against policies that threaten the industry’s sustainability. In recent years, CAA-led efforts contributed to important legal victories, including the 2023 decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to exempt premium cigars from certain federal regulations due to their distinct usage patterns and economic impact.

A Nexus of Innovation and Heritage

While production methods vary across regions and companies, the balance between innovation and tradition is a defining characteristic of modern cigar manufacturing. Some CAA members have introduced new fermentation techniques and quality-control technologies to enhance consistency. Others focus on preserving hand-crafted methods passed down for generations.

This commitment to both heritage and progress reflects why cigar manufacturing remains resilient despite shifting consumer trends. Whether made in small rural factories in Estelí or high-volume facilities in Santiago, every cigar carries the story of farmers, blenders, rollers, and distributors working together to create a product enjoyed around the world.

CAA’s Commitment to Manufacturers and Distributors

As the trade association uniting every link in this supply chain, CAA continues to:

• Advocate for policies that protect manufacturers and distributors from overreaching regulation.
  
  
• Educate policymakers and the public about the economic contributions of the cigar sector.
  
  
• Support member companies in navigating compliance requirements and global trade issues.
  
  
• Promote industry data and insights that help members make informed business decisions.
  
  

Through these efforts, CAA reinforces the shared success of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, ensuring that the tradition of cigar making endures for generations to come.