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Cuba's cigar fair showcases humidors as the new object of desire

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  • Cuba's cigar fair showcases humidors as the new object of desire
  • March 2, 2025
  • Article Body Text HAVANA — <p>Cuba's legendary cigars, hand-rolled from the finest tobacco leaves, have long captivated connoisseurs, and now a growing number of enthusiasts recognize the vital importance of humidors, those meticulously crafted boxes that help preserve their quality and longevity.  </p> <p>More than mere containers, humidors, some true works of art in wood, regulate humidity and temperature, and can cost thousands of dollars.  </p> <p>&quot;Other countries produce humidors, but we create them with passion, just like in the old days,&quot; said Adrián Morán Lipis, of Humidores Clave, one of several workshops showing off their creations at Cuba's annual cigar trade fair that ran through Friday in Havana. </p> <p>Humidor prices range from $200 for basic 25-cigar models to thousands for exclusive pieces. Humidores Clave, for example, showcased a carved black and white humidor valued at $2,000.  </p> <p>Last year's festival gala featured a humidor auction — with their respective cigars — that raised a staggering $19.3 million, highlighting the high value placed on these luxury items.  </p> <p>Some of the humidors on display at this year's fair resembled iconic buildings, adorned with Cuban flags, intricate train designs, or striking abstract patterns. One particularly eye-catching humidor emulated a shark's fin, soaring over a meter in height.  </p> <p>Innovation was also evident, with features like remote-controlled trunks and hidden compartments. </p> <p>Considered as some of the world's finest, Cuban cigars have solidified their position in the premium tobacco market.  </p> <p>Habanos S.A., a joint venture between Cubatabaco and Altadis, holds the global monopoly on Cuban cigar sales. In 2024, their sales surged to $827 million, a 16% increase over the previous year, with China, Spain, Switzerland and Great Britain as key markets.  </p> <p>The company also hosts the annual Habanos Festival, a key event for collectors, aficionados and distributors worldwide. Attendees tour plantations, participate in seminars and high-stakes auctions, and witness the latest in humidor craftsmanship.  </p> <p>&quot;A humidor is more than a box; it's a special shelter for tobacco,&quot; said José Ernesto Aguilera, a master craftsman whose pieces have been featured in numerous festival auctions. &quot;Tobacco is a prince, and we build the castle it deserves.&quot; </p>
  • Content Type Text
  • Language English
  • NewsML Media Topics Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
  • Subtitles / Dubbing Available No
  • Network VOA
  • Embargo Date March 2, 2025 02:34 EST
  • Byline Associated Press
  • Brand / Language Service Voice of America - English
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