PCA Magazine Show Issue 2021

THE BUSINESS LAUNCHED ITS OWN CIGAR BRAND IN 2017. HAVE YOU BEEN HAPPY WITH THE BRAND’S GROWTH? I am extremely happy with the success of the brand and its growth, as we are achieving what we had set out to do, which is to be closer to the consumer. Hearing how they enjoy our products fills me with great joy. YOU’VE SHARED IN THE PAST THAT SUSTAINABILITY IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. HOW HAS PLASENCIA WORKED ON DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES? Sustainability is at the core of our company, as the magic begins in the field. An excellent cigar cannot be produced without growing excellent tobacco, and to produce excellent tobacco, we have to start with the quality of our soils and our natural resources. This is why we have reforestation campaigns on our farms, efficient irrigation systems, the use of organic fertilizers, multispecies crop rotation systems andmany other practices to ensure that many more generations of Plasencias continue to work in this beautiful industry in the future. WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM SOMEONE IN THE INDUSTRY? I have the joy of havingmy father bymy side, who for me is the person with themost knowledge in tobacco that I know and the best advice I received fromhim is that I have to learn the language of tobacco and this is only achieved with a lot of passion and a lot of patience. I have to admit that I am still in this learning process and I know it will never end, but I amdefinitely enjoying the journey. AS A 5TH-GENERATION TOBACCO GROWER, DOES IT SEEM YOU WERE DESTINED TO BE INVOLVED IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS? WAS THERE EVER A TIME THAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT A DIFFERENT CAREER PATH? IF TOBACCO WASN’T IN YOUR FAMILY, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’D BE DOING? Since I opened my eyes I have been surrounded by tobacco and cigars, and I have always enjoyed seeing people enjoying themselves with a cigar. From an early age I remember visiting the farms with my father and my grandfather and I always really liked being with them. Still, every time I enter a tobacco curing barn and I feel that pleasant aroma, I remember those days. I never thought of dedicating myself to something else, and I believe that if my family had not been involved in tobacco, I would be involved in working with the land—and I am sure that tobacco would have found me. Five Questions Nestor Andrés Plasencia PLASENCIA CIGARS WHAT HAS YOU EXCITED ABOUT PLASENCIA FOR 2021? I am excited to see how so many people are enjoying premium cigars in the midst of this pandemic. Together, with the entire team, we take very seriously what we do so that consumers can relax with excellent quality products. That is why this year we will be introducing a new line within the Cosecha series and as always we are committed to putting our soul in everything that we do. We are also very excited that soon we will be together with our peers in the industry at PCA. Will be very nice to see our old friends and enjoy time together again. 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 1 . 80 PCA The Magazine | SHOW 2021 PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG