SO YOU WANT TO START A CIGAR BRAND: WHAT COMES FIRST?
We all know someone who’s said, ‘I want to launch my own cigar line.’ It’s a common conversation if you spend time in cigar lounges. Cigars inspire passion and vision and those of us who genuinely appreciate the craft and artisanship want a piece of that legacy. If you’re one of these enthusiasts, have you considered the real questions you need to ask.
Thinking about your own cigar brand? Here’s what comes before the band.
Brand or Blend?
Many cigar enthusiasts immediately brainstorm about the blend — but branding is what gets it sold! If you are aspiring to start the journey of building a cigar brand you need to consider your long term vision before contemplating the myriad blends of tobacco you want to bring to market. It’s fun to think about this aspect for all cigar lovers, however, success and longevity are derived from thinking about your brand as just that, a brand.
At Legacy Leaf, we help founders map out their market niche before heading to the factory.
What Should You Be Asking Yourself
• Who is your cigar for?
• What story will your brand tell?
• What are your realistic goals?
Avoid these Common First-Time Pitfalls
• Rushing into a factory deal without a roadmap
• Underestimating the time and capital required
• Ignoring packaging, compliance, or shelf presence
That’s why we guide brands from day one — to save you from costly mistakes.
I’m here to tell you that YES, you absolutely can start a successful cigar brand. At Legacy Leaf Consulting we will help you implement your vision with expert strategy, quality production guidance, navigate compliance, and launch with confidence!
If you’re serious about building a cigar brand, start with clarity and Legacy Leaf Consulting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a cigar brand if I’ve never worked in the cigar industry before?
You absolutely can! All you need is passion, vision, and patience. Many successful cigar brands were built by passionate enthusiasts who wanted to take their love of the leaf to the next level. Legacy Leaf Consulting has the insider knowledge and experience to help you navigate the industry.
How do I find cigars to try?
I love that you’re thinking ahead. This step is one of the more fun aspects of building your cigar brand and requires cigar manufacturer relationships and specific strategy. Legacy Leaf Consulting has these relationships and will help you not only choose cigar blends, but find the right blends for your brand.
How long does it take to go from concept to having cigars in hand?
A crucial question to ask, and it depends. Every cigar manufacturer operates with a multitude of priorities, tobacco stock, resting, and then packaging timelines. Thankfully, Legacy Leaf Consulting works with top tier partners and we are able to help you navigate timelines with precision.
What should my cigar brand focus on — blend, story, or packaging?
Blends can change over time, packaging can be altered, but story is crucial to understanding how your cigar brand will be received. If you have a story that you want told through your brand, it’s an excellent place to start. At Legacy Leaf Consulting, we will guide you with blends, packaging, and strategic storytelling as well as trusted marketing partners who understand the value of your cigar story.
