Just when I was lamenting the fact that I haven’t been getting news today, a late email comes in from my friends at Island Lifestyle Importers:
Island Lifestyle Importers is proud to announce an exclusive marketing and distribution relationship with Ventura Cigar Company. The official kick-off will take place at this year’s International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Convention in Las Vegas. Ventura will be responsible for the national marketing and distribution of the Tommy Bahama brand of luxury cigar accessories and Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve line of cigars.
Island Lifestyle Importers has been the exclusive designer and manufacturer of Tommy Bahama luxury cigar accessories since 2010 and the exclusive world-wide licensee of Tommy Bahama branded accessories since 2015. These accessories are known for their innovative designs, cutting edge technology and island theme inspired art. The Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve line of cigars has received rave reviews and consistent 90+ ratings from both cigar industry print and electronic media outlets. They have been the source of much acclaim at cigar shows and festivals across the country.
Ventura Cigar Company is a unique cigar brand born in sunny Southern California that is on a mission to create memorable, complex cigar blends that excite the senses and reward discriminating palates. Their Archetype, Case Study, Project805, and PSyKo SEVEN brands offer multiple award-winning blends that earned 90+ ratings in Cigar Aficionado, Cigar & Spirits, and Cigar Snob. Archetype Axis Mundi won the distinction as the #13 Cigar of the Year for 2017 from Cigar Aficionado.
The Ventura Cigar Company’s national sales team will build upon the existing network of authorized Tommy Bahama cigar accessory dealers across the country. In addition, parent company Phillips & King International will assist with internal wholesale marketing efforts of the Tommy Bahama and Island Lifestyle brands. Both Ventura Cigar Company and Phillips & King are wholly owned subsidiaries of Kretek International.
“We feel this is the perfect alignment of strengths.” stated Rick Louis, CEO of Island Lifestyle Importers. “We design and manufacture exceptionally high quality products that encourage the relaxing enjoyment of the finer things in life, while Ventura and Phillips & King bring decades of experience and strong relationships within the tobacconist community. Together we believe this will establish Tommy Bahama & Island Lifestyle as one of the preeminent lifestyle brands within the cigar industry.”
“We’re really excited to work with Island Lifestyle Importers,” says Michael Giannini, General Manager of Ventura Cigar Company. “Tommy Bahama and Island Lifestyle are well-known brands that jive well with Ventura Cigar’s Southern California lifestyle. We’ve long-admired their attention to detail and the top-notch cigars and accessories they’ve been crafting. We’re pleased to be their partners and look forward to successfully growing their presence in the cigar industry.”
The Tommy Bahama and Island Lifestyle brands will be on display and available for purchase in both the Tommy Bahama/Island Lifestyle Cigars booth (1631) and the Phillips & King booth (1115) at this year’s show.
Tommy Bahama/Island Lifestyle Cigars was the recipient the IPCPR “Best in Show – New Exhibitor” award in 2016.
