Young, dynamic, full of power: an interview with Stefano Nett from Compañía de Tabacos
„My name is Stefano Nett and I am the Managing Director of Compañía de Tabacos.“ Stefano is a man with a clear vision: young, full of energy - and enthusiastic about the world of cigars. Compañía de Tabacos is familiar to many in Switzerland - a cigar importer with an impressive brand portfolio. „Over ten brands,“ says Stefano. From My Father and A.J. Fernandez to Notorious by Conor McGregor - there is diversity and passion behind it all. Cigar enthusiast Stefano Nett founded the Cigar Club Chur and has revitalised cigar culture in eastern Switzerland with great commitment in recent years.
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10 years 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 city is transformed into MANUEL'S into a lively forum of enjoyment: talks, tastings, innovations and encounters - all centred around the cigar. An anniversary that is not only celebrated, but savoured.
Cigar enthusiast Stefano Nett founded the Cigar Club Chur and has revitalised cigar culture in eastern Switzerland with great commitment in recent years.
A traditional company in new hands
Previously, the company had been in the hands of Claude Guggenheim. In May 2025, Compañia de Tabacos set the course for the future: The former sole proprietorship became Compañia de Tabacos AG. Claude Guggenheim handed over the management of the company to Manuel Fröhlich and his team.
Stefano now runs Compañia de Tabacos - with a breath of fresh air and new ideas. „We want to bring new brands to Switzerland and have a greater presence - at events, with partners, simply everywhere in the country. We are young, dynamic, have power and want to step on the gas.“ And you can feel it immediately: Stefano doesn't speak like an administrator, but like someone who wants to shape things.
Which brands are in focus?
„Now the novelties for sure,“ he explains. „My Father Blue, New World Decenio and Notorious by Conor McGregor.“ But he emphasises: „Every brand has the same priority for us. Even Cuervo y Sobrinos, Escobar and the others - everyone is respected and supported.“ Compañía de Tabacos only supplies the Swiss specialised trade. It does not sell directly to end customers.
My Father Blue - Homage to Honduras
My Father Blue
The new My Father Blue symbolises an important step: „My father was always at home in Nicaragua,“ says Stefano. „But around three years ago, they bought fields in Honduras. They have been producing cigars there since spring this year - and the Blue is a tribute to Honduras. Hence the blue design, inspired by the Honduran flag.“ The wrapper leaf comes from the USA (Connecticut Broadleaf), the filler comes entirely from Honduras. A real treat that combines two worlds.
New World Decenio - 10 years of success story
New World Decenio
The second innovation is celebrating an anniversary: „The New World has been around since 2014,“ explains Stefano. „At the time, it was even Cigar of the Year. Then came Connecticut, Cameroon, Puro Especial, Dorado - and now, for the 10th anniversary, the Decenio.“ A worthy birthday boy with wrapper from Mexico (San Andrés), binder from Nicaragua and filler from Honduras and Nicaragua.
Notorious by Conor McGregor - cigars with fight spirit
Notorious
And then there is Notorious - the cigar brand of MMA legend Conor McGregor. „We did the release at the Sparta Academy,“ says Stefano with a laugh. „There were two kickboxing fights and even a show fight with MMA fighters at the end. It was something completely different - and went down really well.“ McGregor himself was not there. „If he had come, we would probably have needed bodyguards and barriers.“ He has over 50 million (!) followers on Instagram.
The cigar has an Ecuador wrapper, a San Andrés binder from Mexico and fillers from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. It is produced in the Dominican Republic.
„Try as many cigars as possible!“
„Try as many cigars as you can - it opens your horizons,“ says Stefan, already engrossed in the next customer conversation.
Finally, I ask Stefano what he would like to pass on to the readers. „Always cut the cigar before you light it,“ he laughs. „No, seriously - try as many cigars as you can. It opens your horizons. You quickly recognise the little quality finesses. And you realise which cigars you like - or don't like so much. That's the most important thing: keep an open mind, discover new things and enjoy them.“
Stefano Nett epitomises what characterises the new generation of cigar importers: passion, curiosity and the will to make a difference. Compañía de Tabacos is on course for the future with him - with strong brands, exciting new products and a clear goal: more presence, more enjoyment, more life in the Swiss cigar scene.
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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