The Lázaro Peña Cigars Company in Holguín announced that, due to a shortage of raw materials, the Criollo cigars will be temporarily packaged in Aromas brand boxes.
The measure, which will begin to be implemented this month, will directly impact the image of the product that is part of the regulated basket distributed in stores and that has been absent from many shops.
Maikel Leyva Ricardo, specialist in Organizational Communication at the company, explained that while the content will be the Criollo cigarette, the external presentation will change due to limitations in the supply of specific materials for its original packaging. “We are not escaping the economic reality that the country faces today,” he stated, emphasizing that "difficult" decisions have been made to prevent negative impacts on consumers.
The brand Aromas, originally intended for a light cigar that is no longer being produced, will be repurposed as a contingency solution.
The company assures that this modification is solely in the packaging, and does not affect the quality or the physical or organoleptic characteristics of the product.
Mariela Cables Ferras, Technical and Development Director, stated that "customer satisfaction has always been a priority," which is why a communication strategy was implemented to clarify the situation and avoid confusion at sales points. Additionally, it was ensured that the cigars maintain their flavor and attributes.
For his part, Alexis Heredia, a specialist in Human Resource Management, apologized to consumers and emphasized that, despite the new image, the main objective is to "ensure the supply" of the Criollo cigar.
The company announced that this is a temporary measure and that production is expected to return to normal with the original label by September, thanks to a new import of supplies.
The cigarette crisis
The measure comes against a complex backdrop for smokers in Cuba.
The Lázaro Peña Cigar Company celebrated the achievement of its production plan at the beginning of 2025, but in provinces such as Havana, Matanzas, and Villa Clara a box of Criollo cigars can cost up to 500 pesos, while the sale per unit ranges between 30 and 50 pesos.
The difficulties in production are due to constant power outages and the lack of spare parts for obsolete machinery. Tabacuba has promised to meet the demand; however, the reality in state stores contradicts these claims, with an increasingly limited supply.
In April 2024, the Cuban government announced a rise in the official prices of cigars. According to Resolution 63 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices, packs of Criollos, Titanes, and Popular now cost 30 pesos, while the “Popular Auténtico” increased to 60 pesos.
This increase was justified as a measure to cover production costs, but it has not prevented the rise of the black market nor guaranteed stable production. The high demand has fueled the illegal trafficking of cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shortage of Criollo Cigars in Cuba
Why will Criollos cigars be packaged in boxes of another brand?
Criollo cigars will be packaged in Aromas brand boxes due to a shortage of raw materials for their original packaging. This change is temporary, and production with the original label is expected to normalize in September.
How does the shortage of cigarettes affect smokers in Cuba?
The shortage of cigarettes has caused prices in the informal market to reach exorbitant levels, going up to 500 pesos for a box of Criollo cigarettes in some provinces. This turns cigarettes into a luxury for many smokers in the country.
What has caused the crisis in cigar production in Cuba?
The crisis in cigar production in Cuba is due to constant blackouts and the lack of spare parts for outdated machinery. These challenges have impacted the distribution and availability of cigars in the country.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the rise in cigarette prices?
The Cuban government justified the increase in cigarette prices as a measure to cover production costs and support social expenses. However, this has not stopped speculation or the rise in prices in the black market.
When is the production of Criollo cigars with their original packaging expected to normalize?
The company Cigarros Lázaro Peña has indicated that they expect to normalize production with the original label in September, following a new import of supplies.
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