tcW: The 1964 Anniversary line of cigars has experienced several changes since its 1994 launch. What can you share with us about the reason behind those changes? Where there any blend changes along the way, or only serial number band to address counterfeiting?
Jorge: The 1964 Anniversary series was introduced to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. From its inception the cigar was released as a box-pressed cigar. The box pressing was used because my father was reminiscing on the cigars that were manufactured in Cuba when he was growing up in the forties and fifties. To my knowledge, there were no other box pressed cigars in the marketplace, at the time of our introduction.
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Jorge: You are correct. Our sales representatives and brokers are the thousands of loyal Padron customers scattered throughout the world. We do not employ any sales representatives or brokers in the field. The Padron brand has consistently rated as one of the top selling brands in tobacco retail stores, an accomplishment we are all very proud of. Our philosophy has always been that it takes years and years to build a strong loyal customer base but it only takes a few bad cigars to lose it. With this in mind, we do not lose sight of what it is that has made Padron successful… our products… not a fancy marketing campaign or story.
Over the years we have developed loyal customers that believe in us and our products. This has taken time and commitment to achieve. When my father began his company with $600, he had no money for marketing or salesmen. The only thing he had was his name, which he proudly put on his product. His intent was to manufacture cigars that the most discerning cigar smoker would be proud to say he smoked.
Today, forty-one years later, I am proud to say that all of us at the Padron Family have always understood the sacrifices my father has made to get us to this point. We accept and acknowledge the responsibility that comes with embracing the philosophies and commitments made by my father and making sure they are never compromised. (continued...)
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