Aladino, Tabernacle & Gérard: Carlos on knowledge, pleasure and the value of tradition
"I am delighted every time I Manuel's pleasure oasis on Löwenstrasse can visit," says Carlos Andrés with a smile. He is the owner of Cigarmundi GmbH, importer of boutique cigars for Switzerland and an asset to the local cigar scene. As soon as he entered the in-house exhibition, it was clear to him: this is not just about cigars - it's about encounters, exchange and passion. "As always, I'm looking forward to the many visitors and their exciting questions," he says. And, as every year, they were not long in coming.
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10 years of Feria del Tabaco - pleasure meets passion
A unique in-house exhibition in Zurich: MANUEL'S brings together cigar importers, manufacturers and aficionados for an enjoyable meeting of a special kind. For ten years now, the Feria del Tabaco cigar lovers come together in Zurich. What once began as a small in-house exhibition is now a fixed date in the calendar of the Swiss cigar scene. Numerous importers present their exclusive cigars, accessories and new products. For two days, the MANUEL'S into a lively forum of enjoyment: talks, tastings, innovations and encounters - all under the sign of the cigar. An anniversary that is not only celebrated, but also enjoyed.
Carlos Andrés - Owner of Cigarmundi GmbH, importer of boutique cigars for Switzerland and an asset to the local cigar scene.
Three delicacies for aficionados
Three new products were presented at the Carlos stand - all real highlights for lovers of the finest tobaccos:
- Aladino Classic Toro from Honduras
- Foundation Tabernacle Robusto from Nicaragua
- Gérard No. 9 - also from Nicaragua
"Three different brands, three different styles - and yet they share the same passion for quality," says Carlos proudly.
In-depth conversations - and an unexpected question
What particularly impressed him this year was the growing expertise of the visitors. "Aficionados are more informed from year to year. This leads to really exciting conversations about blends, tobacco varieties or growing regions." He laughs as he recalls a moment: "One person even wanted the pH values of the soils of the individual growing regions - that's when I was at the end of my tether!" ☺️
The truth behind Aladino
Anyone who knows me knows that I occasionally ask provocative - but charmingly amusing - questions. And so it is here: "Is it true that the brand owner of Aladino originally comes from a circus family?" Carlos smiles. "Nice idea, but that's not the case. The truth is much more down-to-earth - and yet beautiful: in Danlí, Hondurasused to be a movie theater that Aladino was called. The Eiroa family took over these premises and integrated them into their cigar factory. This is how the name of the brand came about - as a tribute to the old cinema."
Enjoyment as a living tradition
Then Carlos talks about a topic that moves many - the tougher laws against tobacco. His words sound calm but firm: "The cigar is a living tradition and a pleasure for everyone. It has provided hundreds of thousands of people - especially in the Caribbean and Central America - with a stable income for generations."
And then he says the most beautiful sentence of the day: "Don't let anyone take away your relaxed moments of pleasure."
Carlos stands for what the world of cigars is all about: knowledge, passion and respect for the craft. With brands such as Aladino, Foundation Tabernacle and Gérard he shows that cigars are far more than just tobacco - they are a piece of culture, history and joie de vivre.
These were the exhibitors at the Feria del Tabaco 2025
Exhibitors have their say at Feria del Tabaco 2025: Click here for the portraits
Top row, from left to right: Manuel Fröhlich (Manuel's), Stefano Nett (Compañía de Tabacos), Carlos Andrés (Cigarmundi), Dirk Behrendt (Hartl Premium Tobacco), Matthieu Rebjock (Oettinger Davidoff), Toni Galatti (Intertabak)
Bottom row, from left to right: Lajos Horváth (ImpCor), Dominik Mezzomo (The Royal Cigar Company), Yoel Portuondo (La Flo de Portuondo), Salvatore Schaffner (Uniportis).
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