take me to your dealer...

[Kdot]

sup ppl,

I've managed to convince a friend, who runs a marketing company in London, to let me help with a cigar brand that plans to launch early next year. (sadly non cuban, but i'm still chuffed to bits)

I'm guessing ill be asking for the boards collective wisdom over the next few weeks regarding this, so consider this a heads up.

They dont have much knowledge about the market here, so im helping out where i can...so, does anyone know of a distributor in the UK apart from hunters and frankau?

[PoohBore]

I'm sure we can provide assistance with the marketing strategy particularly if a few samples were to be distributed ! Not quite National but youings of Barnstaple are the distributor and wholesaler for the south west if that s any help.

[cj121]

What an interesting project, and nice opportunity eh KD No doubt you're excited mate.

How's about a UKCF endorsement from members? Might be worth suggesting (as Pooh) a selective sampling (not just looking for a freebie!)

Worth a thought. Re distributors, I'm sure someone like Stevie or Whisk can help out there and will be along on here soon.

[daverave999]

Well who better to provide their feedback than the UK cigar forum, considering the target market?

Why can H&F not be used as distribution? Could be worthwhile speaking to the main UK internet sellers directly? There aren't many really-Cgars, mysmokingshop and simplycigars would probably give you a pretty good coverage.

Do they have a unique selling point?

[whisky77]

great project

sup ppl,

I've managed to convince a friend, who runs a marketing company in London, to let me help with a cigar brand that plans to launch early next year. (sadly non cuban, but i'm still chuffed to bits)

I'm guessing ill be asking for the boards collective wisdom over the next few weeks regarding this, so consider this a heads up.

They dont have much knowledge about the market here, so im helping out where i can...so, does anyone know of a distributor in the UK apart from hunters and frankau?

Kdot, what a great project to be involved in.There is a distributor for tobacco/cigar products who supply some of the cash and carry outlets and wholesalers.I think they based in Stockport and will distribute nationwide.Should not be difficult to track them down.

Have they thought indepth about the marketing campaign.Very difficult I would imagine, given the current political climate in relation to smoking and advertising within the UK.

Let me know if I can help you out with anything, and i`m sure the other BOTL will also assist.

You have come to the right place to get feedback, and your contact/friend should take that into consideration.

Marketing 101;"the best advertising and marketing is by word of mouth."

Here endeth the lesson.

[Deano]

Blimey sounds excellent!

First thing's first. Nicwing. He will introduce you to EVERYONE in the business, seriously, he is VERY well connected. You can't believe the people I've met already.

You need to attend the H&F events - there's one coming up on the 20th July - me, panto and cohibaIV will be there. This is where you can network to the max. The Cuban Cigar Walk will help you with the London independents too.

[Kdot]

I love you guys...not sexually, it's nothing personal

Thanks for the feed back guys, really appreciate it. I'm happier than a pig with watermelons to have this opportunity.

The first thing I asked for was a few (dozen) boxes of samples to test the water with my fellow BOTL. However they don't have any ready yet. they haven't even decided on what blend or signature to go with.

At the moment they produce bespoke cigars for celebrity client?le, mainly stateside. I'm not allowed to give too much away at this early stage but their long term company aim is to be like davidoff, more of a lifestyle brand. Not sure of their unique selling point but they are going for aged tobacco (5 years, i think) and novelty boxes, with a high price point.

The reason I was looking into distributors other than H&F is so we can compare options and not put our eggs in one basket.

I'll hit up Nicwing as Deano suggested and try to get down to some of these meet and greets in London, would be good to meet some you guys. but the one on the 20th is unlikely due to a new job that I started last week and I think it's a bit early to be asking for a day off (already took one to attend a funeral).

Thanks again for all the suggestions , keep the marketing ideas coming too, the more the better.

[Kdot]

Kdot, what a great project to be involved in.There is a distributor for tobacco/cigar products who supply some of the cash and carry outlets and wholesalers.I think they based in Stockport and will distribute nationwide.Should not be difficult to track them down.

Hey Whisk, is it anderson wholesale your'e on about?

[whisky77]

Digging

Hey Whisk, is it anderson wholesale your'e on about?

Kdot, not sure of their name at the moment.I remember doing some digging previously, and there were two main distributors excluding H&F who dealt with smokes nationwide.Fairly sure I have the info at home.

Let me get back to you when i am back in the UK mate.

[Kdot]

Kdot, not sure of their name at the moment.I remember doing some digging previously, and there were two main distributors excluding H&F who dealt with smokes nationwide.Fairly sure I have the info at home.

Let me get back to you when i am back in the UK mate.

No probs Whisk, when u back home?

[deltawhisky]

There used to be a forum on the Hunters and Frankau website, entitled cigar smokers club. I have not checked that forum for yonks -- perhaps someone on there might have some advice about branding etc for you. Sounds interesting!

[Deano]

It's still there www.cigars.co.uk and SDavies on this forum redeveloped it and launched it recently.

[Kdot]

It's still there www.cigars.co.uk and SDavies on this forum redeveloped it and launched it recently.

thank you gents, will check it out...i feel like i'll be cheating on you guys by going there.