HAVANA - exclusive seller and exporter of Cuban cigars Monday said that sales of the island coveted smokes rose recovering 2% in 2010, easily after a fall for two straight years amid the global economic crisis.
Were $ 368 million revenues last year Habanos SA Vice President Javier Terres reporter, until 2009 told US$ 360 million a year.
"We are moderately satisfied" Terres said Festival on the opening day of the 13th International cigars.
It is included the first positive growth in two years, but still down significantly from $402 million in 2007. Sales decreased 3 and 8% respectively in 2008 and 2009.
Also sales tell company officials by increasingly strong anti-smoking regulations in Spain, no. 1 market for the premium Cuban cigars are hand-rolled been injured.
Recently a law makes illegal 2 adopt, Jan. to light up in the European nation tapas bars, restaurants, discos, casinos, airports and even some outdoor areas.
However, Terres Spain said the top buyers in 2010, followed by France and China replaced Germany as the third largest importer.
In Latin America that largest cigar result came in Cuba - mainly from the sale to tourists, followed by Brazil and Mexico.
Washington's half century old trade embargo prevents that Cuban cigars being sold in the United States
Terres, officials said sales similar to its expected this year.
He added that the company is working to develop potential markets in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and intends, further "Casas del Habano" or "Cigar houses," open where the aromatic Stogies lovers can sample.
There are currently 142 "Casas" around the world.
Habanos SA made its first public recognition also Monday a corruption investigation, the four top executives last year. The probe long been the subject of rumors that increased recently as the designation of origin a new Cuban Vice President of the company.
Marketing Director Ana Lopez said the case is ongoing and no conclusions were reached.
"We do not think that this (the image of the company) has influenced." We continue with the same effort ", said Lopez.
Habanos SA, a joint enterprise consisting of British-owned, Madrid-based Altadis and Cuban State company Habanos S.a., sold 27 premium brands including Cohiba and Montecristo.
More than 1,000 people from 80 countries, including tobacco executives and experts expected the cigar Festival, which runs through Jan. 25.
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