InterTabac 24 exclusive: Carlito Fuente, the soul of a cigar and the heart of the people

There are few people in the cigar industry who are as passionate and warm-hearted as Carlito Fuente. A man whose name is inextricably linked to the Fuente cigar brand, but whose true passion is not just the cigars, but the people who enjoy them. In my conversation with Carlito, one thing became clear: for him, cigars are not just a product. They are the medium through which he reaches, inspires and connects people.

5 minutes

The author behind these articles is Oliver - survivalist, winter griller, TV fuzzie from Bonn. He constantly fails at trying to stay sporty, loves cigars, rock'n'roll, barbecues, bad jokes and single malt whisky. He is now too old to grow up.

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Carlito's gratitude: cigars as a bridge to long-standing friendships

„For me, it's not about cigars, it's about the people,“ he says. Carlito is bursting with energy and joie de vivre as he explains that he didn't come to Germany for InterTabac to open new accounts or have big business meetings. „I'm here because there are so many people who have become my friends throughout my life, and we're here to embrace and support all those who have believed in us over the years.“ His gratitude is not just an empty phrase. It is deeply rooted in his being and his emotions are palpable when he talks about the friendships he has built up over the years.

For Carlito, cigars are more than just a pleasure: they mean family and culture

This gratitude is reflected in his view of the cigar industry, which is a „family“ to Carlito. With over 3,000 people in his organisation, Carlito has close ties to his employees, who are more than just workers to him. „I say family because I've been with them for so many years that they've become my family.“ When he talks about his daily encounters with his colleagues, you realise how much these relationships fulfil him. „They don't say Mr Fuente, good morning, they say: ‚Carlito, how are you?‘ And I ask them: ‚How are your children?‘

Cigars, Carlito explains, are much more than just a luxury item. They are a symbol of the community and a centuries-old tradition. He remembers his childhood and how he was taught about the cultural significance of tobacco back then. „Tobacco was used for medicine, it was religious and part of the culture of the indigenous people.“ For Carlito, cigars have a spiritual component. They connect people across generations, they bring friends and strangers together and create an atmosphere of togetherness and respect.

Cigars are freedom: Carlito on regulations and preserving a tradition

But despite his deep love for people and his philosophy of giving, Carlito also recognises the challenges facing the cigar industry. He sees the regulations imposed by governments such as the FDA in the US as a threat to the freedom and culture that cigars represent. „The government doesn't understand that, they just want to tax, tax, tax, be strict.“ For Carlito, this is not about economic interests, but about protecting a way of life and the pleasure of enjoyment that is jeopardised by excessive regulations.

This passion for life and people drives Carlito to still be full of energy and enthusiasm at the age of 70. „I am blessed to have so many people around me. Even if my body sometimes tells me that the shock absorbers aren't working so well anymore, the love of the people keeps me going.“ It's admirable how Carlito still seems like a young man despite his age - full of plans, full of vision, full of creativity.

Carlito's philosophy: Life is a story that should be read again and again

The conversation ends on a philosophical note: Carlito talks about his „last chapter“, which has not yet been written. He still has a lot planned, many ideas that he wants to realise. But he hopes that when this last chapter is written, readers will be invited to „go back to page one and read it again.“ Carlito's life story is undoubtedly one you would want to read again and again - a story of love, gratitude and the unshakeable belief that life is best lived when you give and embrace people.

In a world that is often characterised by conflict and challenges, Carlito reminds us of what really matters: „We don't sell cigars, we sell love.“

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