PCA Magazine Summer 2022

34 PCA The Magazine | VOLUME 3 2022 PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG (PCA, Cigar Rights of America and theCigar Association of America) that the FDA ignored relevant data and completelymishandled the decision concerning premiumcigars. (See additional information on the decision on page 16.) With the court’s decision, the PCA cannow set its sights on the future and the panel discussed Vision 50, a plan focused on a proactive approach to spearhead policy and legislative advocacy to benefit specialty tobacco retailing. Part of that vision is developing a Council of State Associations that will allow state associations to collaborate and share strategies on defending the industry fromstate andmunicipal laws, regulations and bans. “We’ve got somany great workingmodels now, somany great, active state associations,” saidGlynnLoope, director of state affairs for the PCA. “NewYork, for example, created a plan for how to effectivelymake the case for a tax cap inNewYork andwhen they sent it tome they said, let this be a working document to help other states in the future.” While the industry’s court victories are significant, the panel did stress the need for vigilance and “responsible retailers.” This responsibility includes diligence in preventing youth access to premiumcigars and sensible marketing efforts. “We have to watch for the ‘gotcha’ moments,” warnedLoope. “We don’t want to give the FDA any fodder.” On the showfloor, as business deals abounded over the course of four days, themuch-anticipated unveiling of the ArturoFuente/ Padron collaborationwas celebrated on July 11 to amassive crowd. Two cigars weremade, one by each company, to honor the two patriarchs who have had such a profound influence on the industry. The 7 x 50Churchills—Fuente’s Carlos Fuente Jr. honoring JoseO. Padron, andPadron’s Jorge Padron honoring Carlos A. Fuente— feature a primary band that incorporates the Padronhammer andFuente clock. The cigars are believed to be packaged in a 40-count collectable box, butmany details on the sale and distribution of the cigars are pending. Celebrated chef Guy Fieri also had the PCA showfloor buzzing. Espinoza Cigars invitedFieri to the trade show to celebrate their Knuckle Sandwich cigars, which they collaborated onwith the restaurateur. The cigar line offers two different blends, a Sumatra madurowrapper and a habano wrapper. The 2022 PCATrade Show signaled the industry’s drive to move forward. PCA’s inclusion ofmanufacturers on the board (see pages 14-15 for its newestmembers) and overall transparency, its growing advocacy on the state level and sweeping success on the federal level, as well as its continued march toward a trade show that offers equal parts entertainment and business value, signify a bright future for all of us. A B R I G H T F U T U R E Bottom right, Restaurateur Guy Fieri signs hats and other merch at Espinoza Cigar's booth to promote Knuckle Sandwich.