Made in France or China? The truth about S.T. Dupont production
S.T. Dupont and Alain Crevet. He is the president of the company and I spoke to him. S.T. Dupont was founded in 1872 by Simon Tissot Dupont. At that time, leather goods were manufactured. During the Second World War, the production of leather goods was discontinued due to a shortage of raw materials. Instead, the lighters we know today were produced. After the war, production of the old range was resumed. However, the successful lighters remained an integral part of the product range. This shows the adaptability of a company.
12 Minutes
Please name one word that spontaneously comes to mind when you think of these three terms:
- Alain Crevet: Evergreen
- S.T. Dupont: Phoenix
- Habanos: Cigar perfection
What story can you tell us about your experiences with S.T. Dupont customers or suppliers, perhaps a funny, exciting or dramatic one?
Shortly after I joined S.T. Dupont as CEO in 2008, a major fire broke out at our plant in Faverges, France, destroying half of our production halls. I went there immediately and we found that some lighters had miraculously survived the extreme temperatures of the fire. So we quickly rebuilt the workshops and created a special limited edition of lighters, pens and accessories that we called 'Phoenix', after the mythical bird that can be reborn from its ashes. It was a huge success and since then we often refer to the image of the 'Phoenix' when we talk about S.T. Dupont; the flame of the lighter, the flame of passion!
In 2008, some lighters survived a fire in the French factory. A special limited edition of lighters, pens and accessories was therefore created and named 'Phoenix', after the mythical bird that can be reborn from its ashes.
I would like to find out a little more about you as a person. What drives you? What do you like about your work? When do you freak out?
I'm a cool and relaxed guy, I don't freak out often 😉 I'm a "creative" type of CEO. What drives me is developing cool new products and accessories with our teams at Dupont (I've always been a team player) and making sure we can offer them to our discerning customers around the world.
Alain Crevet is a musician in his spare time. He plays guitar and sings regularly with some good friends in a rock/blues band called "The Managers".
I am also a curious mind (that's why I said "evergreen") who loves to travel, meet new people and discover new places, new food, drinks, cigars, music, art, etc. Finally, I am a musician in my spare time, playing guitar and singing regularly with some good friends in a rock/blues band called "The Managers".
Every now and then I hear from Dupont customers what they don't like about their lighters:
For example, that you have to buy special gas capsules to refill the lighters. Why don't you make all your lighters so that they can be filled with normal gas cartridges?
S.T. Dupont gas has been specially developed to ensure maximum efficiency and purity and to minimize clogging of our lighters. If the customer prefers to use a standard gas, that's up to them... but the ignition quality of the lighter may suffer.
There are claims that your lighters are not made in France, but in China. Is that true?
To be clear: firstly, all our historic and iconic lighters (Line 2, Le Grand, etc.), which cost around 1000 euros and more, are made in France. They account for the majority of our sales and are made entirely in France in our workshops in Faverges in the Haute Savoie, the place where the lighter was invented.
Secondly, only our entry-level lighters (the "Jet" range), which represent only a small part of our sales, are designed and developed in France but assembled in China for obvious cost and price reasons (they sell for less than 200 euros).
DUPONT has started a new kind of collaboration with Habanos S.A.. You have designed a wonderful collection for the Montecristo cigar brand. Why Habanos and why Montecristo?
The collaboration between S.T. Dupont and Habanos S.A. is indeed very important and exciting for both brands. The decision to work with Habanos and design a collection specifically for the Montecristo cigar brand has several compelling reasons.
"Montecristo is the epitome of Cuban cigar excellence."
Habanos is the exclusive worldwide distributor of premium Cuban cigars known for their exceptional quality and rich history. By joining forces with such a prestigious and respected company in the cigar world, S.T. Dupont aims to further strengthen its position as a provider of luxury lifestyle accessories.
Montecristo in particular has a long history in the world of cigars. It is one of the most prestigious and iconic cigar brands, appreciated by cigar aficionados around the world for its craftsmanship and unique flavor profile. The choice of Montecristo as the focus of our collaboration was a natural decision, as it is the epitome of Cuban cigar excellence.
In summary, the collaboration with Habanos S.A. and the focus on the Montecristo cigar brand represents the coming together of two iconic companies that share a passion for craftsmanship, luxury and tradition. We are convinced that this partnership will not only delight connoisseurs of both brands, but also all those who appreciate the finer things in life. It is a testament to our commitment to provide our customers with exceptional products and experiences created from the skill and dedication of S.T. Dupont and Habanos.
What can we expect from the collaboration with Habanos (or other cigar manufacturers) in the coming years? Can you tell us a little secret for S.T. Dupont fans?
Well, we have developed a great collaboration with Habanos in recent years, first with Cohiba in 2021/22 and then with Montecristo in 2022/23. As you know, Habanos has an amazing portfolio of iconic cigar brands, so you may soon see another cool collaboration between Dupont and, let's say, Partagas in 2023/24. Indeed, it is a very logical and natural collaboration between the leading premium/luxury cigar group from Cuba and S.T. Dupont as the market leader in luxury lighters and accessories.
(Editor's note: This refers to Partagas Linea Maestra).
What developments can your customers expect from your products in the future?
I am very proud of our brand's history and its ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to our heritage of craftsmanship and excellence.
Looking to the future, our customers can expect S.T. Dupont to continue to push the boundaries of innovation and design in all categories of our luxury accessories. Our goal is to move with the times while preserving the essence of what makes our products so unique.
"Indeed, it is a very logical and natural collaboration between the leading premium/luxury cigar group from Cuba and S.T. Dupont as the market leader in luxury lighters and accessories."
Our commitment to craftsmanship will remain unbroken. Our customers can rest assured that our products will continue to reflect the finest materials, attention to detail and craftsmanship of our artisans. We will continue the traditions that have made S.T. Dupont a symbol of luxury and sophistication - from fine leather goods to lighters, pens and much more.
We will continue to draw inspiration from our heritage and combine modern design with elements from our rich past. In this way, we can ensure that our products have the timeless elegance and craftsmanship that our customers have come to appreciate.
When you think of S.T. Dupont in general, what fascinates you about the brand's products?
My first luxury item was a Dupont lighter, which I received as a gift when I graduated from university.
When it comes to S.T. Dupont and its brand products, there are many things that fascinate me. First and foremost, it's the simple elegance and craftsmanship that goes into every single creation. S.T. Dupont has a long tradition of producing luxurious products, and that fascinates me.
The attention to detail is amazing and you can feel the passion behind the work in every stroke of the pen, every seam and every design element. S.T. Dupont weaves a story into every product, making it not just an accessory, but a work of art in itself.
In addition, S.T. Dupont's commitment to using the finest materials gives its products a level of sophistication that is difficult to match. From exquisite leathers and precious metals to premium lacquers and innovative technologies, objects are created that exude both class and functionality.
But perhaps what fascinates me most is the heritage and legacy of the brand. S.T. Dupont has been around for over 150 years, and over the years it has maintained its reputation as a symbol of French elegance and sophistication. This is a remarkable achievement and speaks to the timeless appeal of the products.
In conclusion: What advice would you give to cigar lovers?
I would give the following tips to all cigar lovers:
Explore and discover:
- The world of cigars is vast and varied, so take the time to discover different brands, blends and sizes. Each cigar is a unique experience, and discovering new cigars will broaden your palate and enrich your enjoyment.
Quality is important:
- Always pay attention to quality when choosing your cigars. Choose reputable brands and trustworthy sources to get authentic and well-made cigars. Also invest in a high-quality humidor to preserve the freshness and flavor of your cigars. The right humidity and temperature are crucial for the shelf life of the cigars and the overall smoking experience.
Enjoy the ritual:
- Smoking a cigar is more than just a physical act; it is a ritual that invites you to take a step back, relax and enjoy the moment. Take your time and enjoy the aromas.
Pairing pleasure:
- Experiment with different drink combinations to round off your cigar experience. Whisky, cognac, rum, coffee and even certain wines can enhance the taste and aromas of your cigar.
Respect your cigar:
- Treat your cigar with care and respect. Use a suitable cutter and be careful not to damage the wrapper. Let the cigar rest between puffs so that it does not get too hot.
Share the joy:
- Smoking cigars is an excellent opportunity to socialize and exchange ideas with others who share your passion. Share your knowledge and experiences with other cigar lovers and enjoy the sense of community that comes with a love of cigars.
Remember that enjoying a cigar is a personal experience and that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a cigar. So savor every moment, cherish your memories and explore the world of cigars with an open mind and a passionate heart.
"But perhaps what fascinates me most is the heritage and legacy of the brand. S.T. Dupont has been around for over 150 years, and over the years it has maintained its reputation as a symbol of French elegance and sophistication. This is a remarkable achievement and speaks to the timeless appeal of the products."
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