How Long Does It Really Take to Launch a Cigar Brand?
For many aspiring cigar brand founders, the vision is clear: your name on a beautiful band, your cigars on the shelves, and your story in the hands of customers across the country.
But what’s often not clear?
How long it actually takes to get there.
Most new cigar entrepreneurs—understandably caught up in the passion and creative energy of the dream—don’t realize just how many moving parts exist between idea and execution. The result? Missed deadlines. Lost money. Frustrated partnerships. And in many cases… a brand that never fully launches.
If you’re just starting out, check out our article on cigar launch timelines here.
Here’s the truth: building a cigar brand isn’t just about choosing a blend.
It’s a coordinated operation—and the timeline is dictated by more than you might expect.
Let’s break down the Big Three Timeline Anchors:
Production Timelines
Choosing your blend may feel like the fun part—but it’s also where your patience gets tested.
Factories operate on backlogs, and you’re not their only client. Rolling tens of thousands of cigars takes time. If you don’t know what to expect from production schedules, it’s easy to fall behind before you even start.
Packaging
Packaging isn’t just aesthetic—it’s logistics.
Bands, boxes, inserts, quality checks, vendor delays… they all eat up time. Overlook this, and your cigars may be ready long before your presentation is—which means delays, frustration, and lost momentum.
Import & Distribution
Once your cigars are finished, they still need to cross borders, clear customs, hit the warehouse, and be distributed to retail partners.
This isn’t a one-click process. It requires coordination, documentation, timing—and a strategy.
The Harsh Truth (and a Better Way)
There are a dozen places along the timeline where your project can stall. As the saying goes in military circles:
Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
And that’s exactly what Legacy Leaf Consulting is here to help with.
We guide you through every stage of the timeline—from the first call to the first box on a retailer’s shelf. We help you set expectations, plan resources, and anticipate the inevitable hiccups with confidence.
Because launching a cigar brand isn’t easy.
But with the right guidance, it’s absolutely possible—and incredibly rewarding.
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.
