Santo Domingo.- Liverpool businessmen have launched Kiskeya Cigars, a new brand honoring the Dominican Republic, in partnership with Tabacalera Díaz, led by renowned cigar maker Don Eladio Díaz. This strategic alliance, facilitated by the Dominican Embassy in the UK and spearheaded by commercial advisor Antonio Castillo and ambassador Elnio Durán, aims to strengthen bilateral relations and promote investment.
The agreement includes the development of the Kiskeya Cigars brand and the opening of “cigar lounges” in Liverpool, with plans to expand across the UK. The Liverpool team, comprising Martin Bramley, Denis Gallagher, Dave Anastasio, Perry Ng, Paolo Cillo, John Morley, Craig Greenwood, Otto Mellouki, and Luke Braithwaite, aims to honor the Dominican Republic.
“These spaces will also promote other Dominican brands like La Aurora and Arturo Fuente,” said Bramley. The collaboration is expected to enhance commercial and cultural ties, showcasing Dominican tobacco internationally.
Kiskeya Cigars plans to establish a factory in the Dominican Republic to leverage export incentives and expand its offerings. Initially, investors considered Nicaragua and Honduras, but the Dominican Embassy’s effective promotion of the country’s manufacturing quality, security, economic growth, and political stability was decisive.
“This approach convinced investors that the Dominican Republic is ideal for their new tobacco company,” Castillo stated. Tobacco exports from the Dominican Republic exceed US$1,200 million, mainly driven by cigars, with major markets in the US, Germany, Belgium, China, and Puerto Rico.