Embracing Change: The Future of Premium Cigars with Leaf by Ramsey®️

LxR Cigars

Estelí, Nicaragua – August 8, 2025 — Leaf by Ramsey®️ proudly endorses the recent U.S. Court of Appeals decision that upheld the 2023 ruling exempting premium cigars from certain FDA regulations. We strongly support the Cigar Association of America’s (CAA) June proposal to expand the definition to include artisanal flavored and machine-finished handmade cigars.

Major manufacturers — including Swisher International, ITG Brands (Backwoods), and others — back the expanded definition. This reflects a growing industry alignment on modernizing standards without sacrificing craftsmanship.

What Makes a Cigar “Artisanal Flavored”?

Artisanal flavored cigars undergo the same meticulous process as traditional premium cigars. Here’s how they stand out:

• Selective Leaf Sourcing: We choose only the best leaves from top crops.

• Extended Fermentation: This step enhances the depth of flavor.

• Expert Hand-Rolling: Skilled torcedores ensure each cigar is crafted with care.

• Rigorous Quality Inspection: Every cigar is thoroughly checked before release.

  
  

The only difference lies in an additional infusion stage. Here, select natural or crafted flavors are introduced, enhancing aroma and taste without compromising quality.

Industry Growth by the Numbers

The cigar industry is thriving, and the numbers tell the story:

• Global Cigar Market: Valued at US $26.3 billion in 2025, projected to reach US $35.6 billion by 2032 (4.4% CAGR).

• Premium Cigar Segment: Expected to grow from US $1.426 billion in 2025, with a projected 3.6% CAGR through 2033.

• Luxury Hand-Rolled Cigars: From US $11.6 billion in 2023 to a projected US $22.2 billion by 2032 (7.5% CAGR).

• Flavored Cigars: Grew from US $1.2 billion to US $1.5 billion (2017–2022), now representing 32.4% of the global cigar market.

• U.S. Imports: 430 million premium handmade cigars in 2024, up 6.7% year-over-year; Nicaraguan exports increased by 11.4% in the first five months of 2025.

  
  
  
  

Economic Impact

The impact of the premium cigar industry is significant:

• Nicaragua: Over 40,000 direct jobs in the premium cigar sector, plus thousands more in farming, logistics, and packaging.

• United States: Tens of thousands of retail, distribution, and hospitality jobs tied to the premium cigar trade.

• Tax Revenue: Millions annually in excise taxes, import duties, and local tax contributions from manufacturers and retailers.

• Exports: Nicaragua remains the largest supplier of premium handmade cigars to the U.S., with record shipments exceeding 320 million units in 2024.

  
  
  
  

Did You Know?

Here are some fascinating facts about premium cigars:

• A premium cigar may pass through more than 300 pairs of hands from farm to finished product.

• Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras account for over 95% of U.S. premium cigar imports.

• The U.S. is the largest premium cigar market in the world, consuming hundreds of millions annually.

• Flavored premium cigars have the highest growth rate of any category in the segment.

  
  
  
  

“Our industry thrives when we honor tradition but also embrace the reality of today’s market,” said Stephen Ramsey Wray Toledo, Founder of Leaf by Ramsey®️. “Premium should be defined by quality — from seed to smoke — not by arbitrary exclusions.”

Why the Expanded Definition Matters

The expanded definition of premium cigars is crucial for several reasons:

• Growth in Flavored Cigars: This means new revenue streams and market sustainability.

• Machine-Finished Handmade Cigars: They offer consistency and affordability while maintaining premium standards.

• Broader Protections: These shield more brands from excessive regulation, ensuring industry unity and resilience.

• Inclusion Drives Innovation: It preserves jobs and cultural heritage in producing countries.

  
  
  
  

Leaf by Ramsey®️ — More Than a Manufacturer

At Leaf by Ramsey®️, we are committed to mentorship and partnership. We guide new brands step-by-step through:

• Blend Creation and Flavor Development: Crafting unique profiles that stand out.

• Packaging and Brand Design: Ensuring that every product looks as good as it tastes.

• Regulatory Compliance and Logistics: Navigating the complexities of the industry.

• Domestic and International Market Entry: Helping brands reach their audience effectively.

  
  

“One of our recent partners went from concept to first shipment in just 90 days, and is now exporting to three countries,” Wray Toledo shared. “We take new brands by the hand and make sure they’re set up for success.”

Looking Ahead

In light of the expanded definition, Leaf by Ramsey®️ is preparing to launch new artisanal flavored lines alongside our traditional blends. We are expanding into markets where consumer demand for variety is on the rise. The company also plans to enhance its private label program, giving more small and emerging brands access to world-class production.

“Premium cigars are about people, tradition, and pride — and that doesn’t change whether the blend is classic or infused,” Wray Toledo concluded. “When quality is the foundation, everything else becomes an expression of the craft.”

About Leaf by Ramsey®️

Founded in the early 2020s in Estelí, Nicaragua, Leaf by Ramsey®️ produces world-class premium cigars rooted in Nicaraguan tradition. With a focus on small-batch craftsmanship, exceptional flavor profiles, and sustainable practices, the company serves a growing global clientele through wholesale, private label, and direct brand offerings.

Media Contact:

Email: rw@leafbyramsey.com

Phone: +505 5768 4927

Website: www.LeafByRamsey.com

As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of the cigar industry, our commitment to quality and craftsmanship remains unwavering. We invite you to join us on this journey, celebrating the rich heritage of premium cigars while embracing the exciting innovations that lie ahead.