"Birds of feather flock together I thought"

Have you ever had a feeling that you arrived at the parade a day late - or that you got excited over a new song, to only discover that it hit the top 40 last year!

Well thats kinda how I was feeling with the "Resurgence of the Cigar, and the Women who love to smoke them"

Women smoking cigars has been on the rise longer than I had first realized. It surprised me to discover that articles posted on cigar web sites date back as far as the early 90's. Archived postings are available, but finding more recent news, or woman's forum on cigar smoking was rather limited.

So, I asked "Where are all the Cigar Women at?" - did I catch onto this craze a day late?

But alas, and according to Smokeshopmag.com they were all at a Women's Cigar forum in Esteli, Nicaragua!

"...the first annual Women's Cigar Forum held in May in Esteli, Nicaragua woke up a number of cigar manufacturers to a growing number of women who've come to appreciate the fine luxury, romance, and simple pleasure of the cigar." (article published, Aug. 2007)

The forum set out to "quantify" the potential of the female cigar market and provide the manufacturers an insight to this underestimated market segment.

"...the 21st century women cigar smokers: women who have opinions about what particular ring gauge cigar smokes best and preferences for certain wrapper tobacco....I was impressed by the professionalism and the women's knowledge of tobacco and cigars as well as their suggestions and recommendations to cigar manufacturers regarding their preferences," says Carlos Toraño."

 In 2002 the Cigar Association of America estimated that half a million women are cigar smokers. Acknowledged by Christian Eiroa of Camacho Cigars, "We already know this market is diverse and complex", and goes onto say, "I've been saying it for years. Women cigar smokers are a real and viable market. I am proud of these women, for their interest in cigars in a male dominated industry. Watch out, we are a growing market."

Women not only buy cigars for themselves, but they buy cigars for their husbands, boyfriends, business acquaintances, and for dear old dad.

Demographic information researched by Cigar Babes:
  • Women make up 85 percent of all buying decisions. Women purchase over 50 percent of all products classified as "male products."
  • Women are the single largest spending block in the world.
  • Women control $7 trillion in purchasing power in 2006. By 2010, they'll control over $13 trillion in private wealth, and that's just in America.
  • 70 percent of all new businesses are started by women.
  • Women predominantly buy based on trust, value and loyalty. They are more brand loyal than men. Women need to feel a connection in order to build brand loyalty in purchasing.
  • Women say relieving stress is the single greatest need in their lives.
Inspired by the article, I realized my late arrival at this parade does not mean it's passed me by - on the contrary, the best is yet to come, and I've only chipped at the tip of this iceberg.

Founded in 1998, the Cigar Babes celebrate cigar smoking for all women: professionals, stay-at-home moms, women of all ages who enjoy lighting up a cigar for the purpose of fun and relaxation. Today the Cigar Babes has grown in number to about 150 women and is growing their membership via a their website at www.cigarbabes.org. Last year the Cigar Babes raised over $37,000 for workers in the cigar industry and have a fund-raising goal of $325,000 for 2007.


A Life in Transition, Cigar Anyone?

Shop Tinderbox.com for Premium Cigars!