Our Story
130 Years of Leadership in the Cigar Industry
For more than a century, the Cigar Association of America has united and supported its members while advancing the cigar industry nationwide. What began as a proud American tradition has grown into a vital sector contributing billions to the U.S. economy and sustaining hundreds of thousands of quality jobs.
Our History
Tracing the Legacy of the Cigar Association of America
A Legacy of Leadership
CAA continues its proud heritage as the leading national voice of the cigar industry. With a strong presence in Washington, D.C., and active engagement nationwide, we protect, promote, and strengthen the cigar industry at every level of government.
Relocation to Washington, D.C.
Recognizing the growing importance of government relations, CAA moved its headquarters from New York City to Washington, D.C., positioning the association at the center of national policymaking.
Renamed the Cigar Association of America, Inc.
Reflecting broader membership and a national scope, the organization became the Cigar Association of America, Inc. (CAA).
Incorporation in New York City
Formally established as the Cigar Manufacturers Association of America, the organization set standards for manufacturing, advanced industry welfare, and monitored legislation affecting members.
Formation of the Cigar Manufacturers’ Association of New York
Founded to unite cigar manufacturers for mutual benefit and growth, the association promoted economic progress and industry integrity. It later aligned with the Cigar Institute of America and the Cigar Research Council, laying the foundation for today’s Cigar Association of America.
Helping Our Members Navigate Challenging Times
These are demanding days for the cigar industry, but CAA continues to stand beside our members and their customers. We advocate around the clock in Washington, D.C., and in every state to defend fair regulation and protect your right to enjoy premium cigars.
CAA continues its proud heritage of leadership with a strong presence in Washington, D.C., and active engagement at state and local levels across the nation.
Making a Difference
Popularity And A Changing Focus
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We Are the Industry
Every Sector: Seed to Shelf to Sales
The Cigar Association of America (CAA) represents the full spectrum of the cigar industry from seed to shelf.
Our members include manufacturers, importers, distributors, online retailers, tobacco growers, packaging suppliers, and supporting service partners.
If you are in the cigar business, you are part of a unique, storied industry, and CAA is here to amplify your voice and protect what you have built.
CAA unites every part of the industry under one mission: ensuring the long term success of cigars in America.
Whether crafting premium cigars, managing logistics, or supplying leaf, every role matters, and together, we are stronger.
By bringing sectors together and aligning purpose, CAA builds unity that delivers results in both the marketplace and in government.
Our advocacy is practical, proactive, and relentless.
CAA leads the fight against harmful regulation, unfair taxation, and government overreach.
From defending against state flavor bans to challenging misguided FDA rules, we work on the front lines and behind the scenes to protect your ability to operate and grow.
When you join CAA, you’re not just getting a seat at the table—you’re stepping into a coalition of professionals committed to protecting, preserving, and advancing the cigar industry.
Members benefit from legislative updates, strategic insights, market data, and a powerful network of peers who are serious about the future. This is where connections are made—and results happen.
From the fields to the factories and from retail counters to shipping docks, our industry supports more than 300,000 American workers and generates over 13 billion dollars in economic activity each year.
CAA represents not just products but people and the partners that make success possible. Through collaboration with industries such as shipping, banking, and telecommunications, we ensure that the entire cigar community continues to grow and thrive.
CAA Team
Our experienced advocates act swiftly on state and federal issues impacting the cigar industry.
