Changing cigar industry: How alternative marketing strategies are driving the industry forward

The cigar industry is changing. The cigar has a long history and is closely linked to tobacco and the people who process it. Rising costs and legislation are having an impact on the industry and consumers. The ban on tobacco advertising in Switzerland from 2024 will change the industry, but it will still be possible to enjoy cigars.

A brief review

The history of the cigar is closely linked to the history of tobacco and its use by mankind. The origins of the cigar can be traced back to the 10th century, when the Maya and Aztecs began to cultivate and smoke tobacco. However, the cigar as we know it today only emerged in the 19th century, when tobacco was exported from Cuba to Europe and the USA. Since then, the cigar industry has developed into a global industry worth billions.

The impact of inflation on the cigar industry

Rising inflation is also having an impact on the cigar industry. The cost of tobacco and the production of cigars has risen. This has impacted the entire industry, from producers to retailers to consumers. Rising costs lead to higher retail prices and can result in consumers turning to cheaper alternatives. Cigar manufacturers need to adapt. They must find new ways to reduce their costs and make their products more attractive. This is the only way they can survive in a highly competitive market. It remains to be seen how inflation will affect the future of the cigar industry.

Smoking bans in the EU and Switzerland - restrictions for cigar lovers

Around the world, as well as in the EU and Switzerland, there are legal regulations that restrict the consumption of cigars. In the EU and Switzerland, smoking has been banned in public buildings, workplaces, restaurants and on public transport for many years.

This also has an impact on consumers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to find a suitable place to enjoy a cigar.

As a cigar smoker, you still have various options for smoking a cigar despite the increasing restrictions imposed by legal regulations. One popular option is cigar lounges, which are specially set up for cigar smokers and often offer a wide selection of cigars, drinks and snacks. These lounges offer a pleasant atmosphere and an opportunity to socialize with other cigar lovers.

Smoking areas

Another option is specially designated smoking areas in bars or restaurants, which are offered by the operators. However, such areas are now rare in many countries and cities due to smoking bans.

In some countries, there are also outdoor smoking areas provided by local authorities. These are often equipped with seating, ashtrays and other amenities and offer smokers a way to enjoy their cigars outdoors.

However, it is important to note that in some countries and cities, even outdoor smoking is restricted or prohibited, especially near public buildings or squares. Cigar smokers should therefore inform themselves in advance about local laws and regulations in order to avoid possible fines or penalties.

Finally, there is also the option of smoking cigars at home or in the garden. Many cigar lovers set up their own smoking rooms or use their terraces or balconies to enjoy their cigars in peace.

Switzerland bans tobacco advertising - a cut in the cigar industry

Another change in the world of the cigar industry is the ban on tobacco advertising in Switzerland. This will come into force on January 1, 2024 and will mean the end of tobacco advertising on posters, in newspapers and on the internet. However, it is more likely that it will not come into force until 2025. This was stated by National Councillor Gregor A. Rutz in March 2023 at a business meeting with 9 representatives of the Swiss cigar industry (Zigarren.Zone was also present).

This will have a major impact on small retailers and cigar manufacturers in particular, as they will no longer be able to advertise their products as easily.

While consumers will still be able to buy and smoke cigars, it will be more difficult for them to discover new and unusual varieties, as advertising for tobacco products will be banned in Switzerland.

How publishers and editorial offices must react

This decision not only has an impact on the tobacco industry itself, but also on cigar magazines and online magazines that deal with the subject of cigars. But what are the consequences of the ban?

First of all, the publishers of journals and magazines need to rethink their strategies. Until now, it was common practice for tobacco manufacturers to advertise in the publications. Now publishers need to find new sources of income to ensure the continued existence of their publications. This may mean placing more advertisements from other industries in the future or charging readers more for subscriptions.

Editorial content

The ban on tobacco advertising will also have an impact on editorial content. This is because many cigar magazines and online magazines work closely with tobacco manufacturers. They not only supplied advertisements, but also information and image material. In future, it could become more difficult to obtain such material. Publications may have to rely more on independent research to fill their content.

How the publications can then finance themselves is the subject of new strategies and the development of new content formats. Zigarren.Zone, for example, will increasingly focus on the production of documentary films to present content about cigars.

However, there are also positive effects for cigar magazines and online magazines. This is because the ban can strengthen their credibility and independence. As they are no longer dependent on the financial support of the tobacco industry, they can report more independently and question more critically. However, they will have to find new sources of income in order to survive and be able to report on cigars.

It remains to be seen how the publications will react to the new challenges and how the ban will affect the industry in the long term.

New marketing strategies in times of the tobacco advertising ban

The cigar industry will therefore have to reinvent itself and develop alternative marketing strategies to attract attention.

This could mean, for example, that the industry will have to rely more on the remaining cigar magazines and online cigar magazines (such as Zigarren.Zone) for text and video productions to advertise its products.

In addition, other marketing strategies such as events, trade fairs or tastings could also be increasingly used to attract the attention of potential buyers. It is currently unclear whether photos of cigars on social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook will continue to be permitted by retailers and producers.

Another approach would be to establish exclusive members' clubs or lounges, which could serve as a meeting place for cigar enthusiasts and at the same time serve as a platform for new products.

Retailers will also have to adjust to the fact that they will no longer be able to rely on advertising to support their sales efforts. Instead, they will have to focus on convincing their customers by offering a wide selection of cigars and excellent advice. Overall, the tobacco advertising ban in Switzerland will pose a challenge for the cigar industry, but it will also open up new opportunities to drive the industry forward.

Overall, however, it remains to be said that the world of cigar lovers is changing. The history of the cigar continues to be written and it remains to be seen what developments the future will bring.

Resources on the topic

Find it on Google: Tobacco advertising ban Switzerland