CWNews
Joya de Nicaragua Choose Drew Estate as Distributor
Since their recent break with Manuel Quesada, Joya de Nicaragua has been in negotiations with other cigar manufacturers to reach a distribution agreement. Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca, CEO and owner of JdN stated that the relationship with Manuel Quesada's SAG will end by mutual consent on April 28, 2008. "For seven years we have been working with SAG as our distributor in the US, and I must say it clearly and loudly: it has been a gratifying experience having had the opportunity to work together with Sr. Manuel Quesada and his team; theyare all wonderful people. However in order to increase our market share and strengthen our position in the US market, we felt it was imperative to introduce changes in our marketing and distribution strategies." He continues adding, "JOYA DE NICARAGUA is an exemplary Nicaraguan puro which has earned a privileged place with experienced cigar smokers. The task before us now is to achieve a market presence which is consistent not only with its value, but more importantly, its soul."
In the company's just promulgated announcement, Cuenca named Drew Estate as the new distributor. "Drew Estate's commitment to adopt my vision of JOYA DE NICARAGUA and its goals was the key factor in my decision," states Dr. Martinez Cuenca, "The fact that they have their own in-house sales force and marketing department were important ingredients also. Plus the most obvious factor is the success they are having in increasing their own market share within the highly competitive US market. We feel an alliance between our two companies will be a win-win situation for all including cigar stores and consumers nationwide."
Dr. Martinez Cuenca cited Drew Estate's 25% growth in 2007 as a contributing factor in the decision as well. Meanwhile Steve Saka, president of Drew Estate welcomed the decision. "We are deeply honored to have been chosen to represent JOYA DE NICARAGUA and
other JdN made brands in the US and look very much forward to working with Dr. Martinez Cuenca. JdN is a brand with tremendous historic significance in our industry and the cigars themselves are exceptional in quality and flavor, one of my own personal favorites. Our job is simple: get them in the mouths of cigar smokers, because these cigars speak for themselves."
In the company's just promulgated announcement, Cuenca named Drew Estate as the new distributor. "Drew Estate's commitment to adopt my vision of JOYA DE NICARAGUA and its goals was the key factor in my decision," states Dr. Martinez Cuenca, "The fact that they have their own in-house sales force and marketing department were important ingredients also. Plus the most obvious factor is the success they are having in increasing their own market share within the highly competitive US market. We feel an alliance between our two companies will be a win-win situation for all including cigar stores and consumers nationwide."
Dr. Martinez Cuenca cited Drew Estate's 25% growth in 2007 as a contributing factor in the decision as well. Meanwhile Steve Saka, president of Drew Estate welcomed the decision. "We are deeply honored to have been chosen to represent JOYA DE NICARAGUA and
other JdN made brands in the US and look very much forward to working with Dr. Martinez Cuenca. JdN is a brand with tremendous historic significance in our industry and the cigars themselves are exceptional in quality and flavor, one of my own personal favorites. Our job is simple: get them in the mouths of cigar smokers, because these cigars speak for themselves."
Drew Estate product lines include Acid, Drew Estate Natural, Java, Chateau Real, La Vieja Habana, and the widely acclaimed Liga Privada #9. The company was founded in 1996 by Jonathan Drew, it is still privately held and is considered to have broken tremendous ground with their infused cigars, Acid, Natural, and Java.
Both companies own and operate factories in Esteli, Nicaragua. Joya de Nicaragua opened there in 1968, and are still a family-held organization. All blending, development and manufacturing of JdN cigars will remain under family control at their Esteli factory.