There’s no one in the cigar industry quite like Erik Espinosa. He’s a businessman but not the type you’ll find sitting behind a computer all day wearing a suit and tie. Instead, the 55-year-old has been in the cigar business for over 23 years and has built a reputation and cigar brand that’s been recognized for numerous years by Cigar Aficionado for making some of the best cigars—and it even got the attention of celebrity chef Guy Fieri when he was looking for someone to help him make a cigar. Espinosa describes himself as being the “cool dad.” He listens to rap music and considers the song “Hate it or Love It” by The Game and 50 Cent to be not only his company’s anthem but also a good summary of his approach to business.

" The vision is something I take very seriously. It's very scary sometimes, but the amazing amount of great people, knowledge and professional team we have has allowed us to introduce products that have been very well received."

Nick Perdomo, President of Perdomo Cigars, is sharing his tips on how to properly smoke cigars to get the most out of every stick. From proper cutting, lighting, and ash size to puffing intervals and best time of day to smoke, check out the video so you can help your customers enjoy their experience so they keep coming back to your store for more.

It’s a journey through time with a nod to the past and a taste of the future as Michael Herklots takes us through the Ferio Tego Limited Ten Year cigar, the latest addition to the Timeless Collection. Limited in release but unlimited in enjoyment, this is a cigar you’ll want to watch for.

Meet Willy Herrera. Crafter, Creator, and Master Blender of Herrera Esteli, a flavorful, creamy blend with the perfect balance of sweet and spice. A cigar designed for the beginner, the casual enjoyer, or the aficionado, “the blend just shines,” says Herrera, “and hits me from all the right angles.” Check out the video below to hear more about Herrera Esteli, and what he’s bringing to the table at Drew Estate.

TPE, the tradeshow that brings together the buying power of thousands of independent retailers, local distributors, brands, and manufacturers, is pleased to announce an exciting change this year. In addition to the hundreds of tobacco, alternative, and tobacco-related exhibitors, TPE23 is expanding its show floor and focus to include new exhibitors that fulfill the independent retailer’s multi-category inventory needs. As such, TPE23 will be officially changing its name from Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) to Total Product Expo (TPE).

Phillips & King International, Inc. is kicking off 2022 with a new brand identity and the announcement of a forthcoming new wholesale e-commerce platform. A distributor of thousands of diverse products since 1906, Phillips & King has a long, successful history serving independent and small chain convenience, tobacco, and liquor retailers across the United States...

It used to be that a retailer built a solid reputation with quality merchandise, friendly service and a charming smile. Today’s world is more complicated. Customers are sharing their good and bad shopping experiences on internet review sites such as Yelp, Google and Angie’s List, and on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The power to polish or tarnish a business image has largely been handed over to a horde of faceless reporters...

Tobacco Media Group (TMG), parent company of the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE), is excited to confirm that TPE21 will be held in-person May 12-14, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). On Feb. 11, 2021, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak unveiled his state’s re-opening plan...

The Cohiba Blue demands attention immediately on account of its bold blue band design, a visual “tell” proclaiming that the parent company wants to show us something quite new. You won’t have any trouble picking this cigar out of a big inventory in your local retailer’s humidor...