Indian smokers rapidly graduate to cigars

The cigar industry in India is growing rapidly at over 25 per cent a year, according to industry sources.

Over 1.70 million cigars are sold in India annually. Of this, premium cigars account for over 70 per cent of the business in terms of revenue, the sources said.

The cigar industry in India is estimated to be worth over Rs 10 crore and volume-wise, popular cigars account for around 90 per cent of the market.

However, in comparison with sales of other tobacco products, this industry is yet in a nascent stage, but industry observers believe that it is now hotting up.

"Cigar awareness has increased in India. More people want to try out cigars. Appreciation is increasing too. However, cigars are still considered an exclusive or add-on product, to be smoked on special occasions," Arun Joshi, general manager, cigars, Godfrey Phillips India, said on Wednesday.

A few companies have recently entered into import and distribution of cigars in the country in an organised manner. Earlier, Cuban hand-made cigars were imported to cater exclusively to select demand and some cigars also found their way through the transit route only.

"Cuban cigars are the latest rage among the rich in India. Cuban cigars have become the trendiest among politicians, businessmen and even youngsters. Cigar smoking is growing in India and it has become a lifestyle thing. The cigar market is an exclusive, niche market for rich Indians. Many novices, who now talk like cigar aficionados with years of expensive puffing behind them, had never even smoked before. Cuban cigars are in demand and the popularity is growing in the Indian markets," said a stockist of Cuban cigars.

Even a 'cigar club' is proposed to be set up in the country. It will be similar to the ones that have mushroomed across the United States since the early nineties.

Negotiations are reportedly at an advanced stage with one of Delhi's posh hotels where members will drink malt whisky, exotic coffees and smoke Romeo y Julieta.

Specialist cigar magazines too will be available as will be a host of paraphernalia like cutters and ashtrays.

Cuban cigars are the most preferred while many do not even know that there are at least a dozen local brands available, all from Trichunapalli in south India.

For decades, genuine cigar lovers have been sending out for boxes of well known Trichy brands like Java Dawson, Churchill or Tiger that are also despatched directly by the manufacturers by mail.

And, even if one Trichy cigar turns out bad, the entire box is replaced free of cost. In the premium segment, the brands are available in the country include Cohiba, Romeo Y Jullieta, Montecristo, Don Diego, Santa Damiana and Davidoff, while in the popular segment, brands like Phillies, Hav-A-Tampa Jewels, King Edward and Cafe Cream are available in the country.

Brands like King Edwards and Cafe Cream come in the country through the transit route only, industry sources said.