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December, 2004 |
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Montecristo Official Cigar for Republican Convention, USS Virginia, "Apprentice 2"
Ft. Lauderdale, FL - When former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani hosted a cigar and cocktail reception for 400 guests at the Grand Havana Room following his opening night speech at the Republican National Convention on August 30, Altadis U.S.A. provided custom Montecristo cigars imprinted with Giuliani's name and the words, "2004 Republican National Convention." The event was attended by many celebrities, including former New York Giant Jason Sehorn, comedian Joe Piscopo, and actor Andy Garcia. Montecristo was also the exclusive cigar at the September and October press galas launching "The Apprentice," Season 2 and Trump World, Donald Trump's new magazine celebrating the luxury lifestyle. And, on October 23, Altadis U.S.A. joined 5,000 dignitaries, guests, senior Navy leadership, and the ship's crew at the commissioning of the USS Virginia at the Naval Station, Norfolk, Va. The USS Virginia is the first of the new Virginia-class attack submarines. The commissioning marks the "beginning of the history of a ship" during which the crew boards the ship to "bring the ship to life." As an official sponsor of the USS Virginia, Altadis was the sole provider of cigars- Montecristo White - at the evening gala hosted by Captain David Kern, Commanding Officer of the USS Virginia. Altadis made a special presentation of Montecristo White cigars to Capt. Kern, and commemorative packages to each member of the Virginia's crew. |
Tropicana Casino Adds New Havana Honeys Slot Machines
Las Vegas, NV - The "Havana Honeys" game is the latest themed slot machine to hit the casino floor at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, prominently featuring Havana Honeys flavored cigars. The new bank of six Havana Honeys machines is located directly across from the Tropicana's cigar lounge, Havana Hideaway. "These machines are a great tie-in to our new and hip Havana Hideaway cigar lounge," says Tropicana vice president of slot operations, Pat Hutchins, who custom designed the Havana Honeys machines to play off the Cuban hideaway theme.
The 25¢ denomination game is played similarly to the popular "Blazing 7's" slot machines with a three-pay line winning combination. The machines feature special Cuban cigar-themed pay line symbols such as the Havana Honeys logo, individual Havana Honeys cigars, and honey pots filled with cigars. |
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Net Sales Jump 6.3% at UST
Greenwich, CT - For the third quarter of 2004, consolidated net sales at UST, Inc. increased 6.3 percent to $462 million, operating income increased 5.4 percent to $232.5 million and net earnings increased 7.3 percent to $133.1 million, compared to the corresponding 2003 period. For the first nine months of 2004, net sales increased 5.5 percent to $1.36 billion, operating income increased 6 percent to $687.9 million and net earnings increased 10.7 percent to $402.6 million, compared to the first nine months of 2003. The consolidated net sales increases in both 2004 periods were primarily due to higher selling prices for moist smokeless tobacco products, as well as improved case volume for premium wine. |
Smoking Cigars with the Pros; Davidoff Shops Host NYC ProCigar Event
Manhattan's two Davidoff of Geneva retail shops - Davidoff Madison Avenue and Davidoff Columbus Circle - joined forces to host some of the biggest names in Dominican Republic cigarmaking at the first-ever ProCigar event at the rooftop bar of the Hudson Hotel on October 4.
Amid stunning views of midtown Manhattan and the Hudson River, ProCigar - the Dominican cigar industry's manufacturing association charged with protecting the quality of member companies cigars - was represented by five of the country's most prominent cigar makers: Hendrik Kelner of Davidoff; Guillermo Leon of Leon Jimenes; Benjamin Menedez of General Cigar Co., Manuel Quesada of Matasa; and Jose Seijas of Altadis. Attendees received a special gift pack containing cigars from each manufacturer, created just for the occassion, as well as complimentary spirits and hors d'oeavres. Guests were able chat at length with any of the cigar makers while enjoying their cigars. David Kitchens, general manager of Davidoff Madison Avenue, joined Paul Del Rossi, managing partner of Davidoff Columbus Circle, and George Brightman of OneOff Cigars, in welcoming attendees. It marked the first time all five cigarmakers appeared at a consumer event. |
SMOKESHOP - December, 2004