InterTabac 24 exclusive: Without a target group, but with heart - an interview with Melissa Meerapfel
I'm standing in front of Melissa Meerapfel, a lady I should have known a long time ago, but somehow my mind was somewhere else. "What are you doing here?" I ask, almost a little too naively. Melissa smiles slightly and starts to talk about her family and their long history in tobacco growing.
4 Minutes
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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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There is more going on here than just business
She talks about Cameroon tobacco, about her father, who saved this tobacco, and I sense that there is more going on here than just business. "This is my father's pride and joy," she says, and I realize that someone is speaking with passion.
I want to sound clever and ask about their own Meerapfel cigars, which they produce again. But before I can really ask, she goes on to talk about her brothers and the family, which has been in the tobacco industry since 1876. I begin to realize that I'm talking to a real insider, someone who has the business in her blood. The word "tobacco" seems to run through her veins the way she talks about it.
I do not have a target market
"I don't have a target market," she says at one point, and I'm taken aback. "What? No target market?" I think, but Melissa explains. She wants everyone, really everyone, who appreciates the finer things in life to have access to her cigars. No matter whether it's cheap bundle cigars or expensive premium pieces: Quality always comes first. And that's what I feel, this passion to offer everyone the best, regardless of price.
I say to her enthusiastically: "Why haven't I heard of you before? I've smoked a few cigars in my life, and here is someone who puts so much heart and soul into this world."
Do you fish?
I was about to finish when she asks me a question I don't see coming: "Do you fish?" I laugh, look at her and briefly consider whether I should start thinking about fishing for cigars. But somehow it fits. After this intense conversation about tobacco, tradition and the future, it's just the right moment to relax.
So, Melissa, let me put it this way: maybe I'll take one of your cigars to the lake and try my luck. Let's see what I catch - hopefully more than just smoke.
What do you think?
We look forward to your opinion - discuss this blog post with us in the forum!
Resources on the topic and buying cigars
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Meerapfel contributions at Zigarren.Zone
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