If you’ve recently browsed Havana cigars online or in-store, you’ll have noticed a sharp increase in prices. Many UK smokers are asking the same question: why have Cohibas, Trinidads and other favourites suddenly jumped so high?
The answer lies in a new global pricing strategy announced by Habanos S.A., the Cuban state-owned cigar company, and it’s reshaping the market for Cuban cigars worldwide.
What’s Changed?
Last week, Habanos S.A. confirmed that a new global pricing model would be applied immediately across all markets. In plain terms: Cuba has pegged its premium cigar prices to the levels of Hong Kong—one of the most expensive cigar markets in the world.
This means that for some lines, prices have more than doubled almost overnight.
Which Cigars Are Most Affected?
The steepest increases are on Cuba’s prestige brands and premium series:
- All Cohiba sizes
- All Trinidad sizes
- Montecristo 1935 Series
- Montecristo Edmundo line
- Romeo y Julieta Línea de Oro
- Romeo y Julieta Churchills
- Partagás Serie D, E & P
For these cigars, retail prices are now being set within 10–20% of the Hong Kong market. In real terms, that means Cohiba prices have multiplied 2.5 to 3 times, and Trinidad prices 3 to 4 times.
Other core brands—including Montecristo, Hoyo de Monterrey, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, and Partagás—have also risen by 15–20%, while the rest of the Cuban portfolio will increase by 5–10%.
Why Peg Prices to Hong Kong?
For years, European cigar markets were underpriced compared to Asia. Traders took advantage of this, buying cigars in Spain or the UK and reselling them at a huge profit in China.
By aligning prices with Hong Kong, Cuba hopes to cut out this grey market and reposition Cohiba and Trinidad as true super-luxury brands—accessible only to those with very deep pockets.
As one industry insider put it: “Cohiba is no longer just a cigar. It’s being positioned like fine art, whisky, or high jewellery.”
Why Now?
The move has been debated internally for years. The original idea was to raise prices gradually over two to three years, allowing markets to adjust. But with global inflation, rising production costs in Cuba, and relentless demand, Habanos decided to act in one decisive move.
What Does This Mean for UK Smokers?
- Cohiba and Trinidad are now firmly in the ultra-luxury category, with many regular smokers priced out. These cigars may increasingly be seen as collector’s items or special-occasion purchases only.
- Mid-tier Cubans like Montecristo, Hoyo, and Romeo y Julieta remain available, but at 15–20% higher prices than before.
- Everyday smokers may turn more towards New World cigars (from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the Dominican Republic), which continue to offer outstanding quality without the premium Cuban price tag.
Simply Cigars’ Approach
At Simply Cigars, we’ve worked hard to keep our retail price increases lower than those applied by our suppliers. While we must follow the new pricing structure, our aim is always to give UK smokers the fairest value possible on authentic Habanos.
Final Thought
Cuban cigars have always been a luxury, but with Cohiba and Trinidad now repositioned as ultra-premium products, we’re witnessing a historic shift in the cigar world. For UK smokers, it may mean balancing special-occasion Havana indulgence with everyday enjoyment of excellent New World alternatives.
One thing is certain: whether Cuban or New World, the ritual of a fine cigar remains one of life’s greatest pleasures.