J. Cortès will showcase an innovative virtual reality concept at this year’s TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes (Marine Village S6).
Seated in a cigar-shaped ‘theatre’, visitors will be invited to view, via virtual reality (VR) technology, a video underlining the impact of the company’s acquisition of US-based Oliva Cigars. The video details the story of the two families.
Through the acquisition, the company aims to diversify its product portfolio and consolidate its position in the worldwide cigar market. Premium handmade Oliva and Nub cigars will debut at the show.
J. Cortès will also highlight its Neos Selection 50 cigars. The travel exclusive cigars are presented in a sleeve wrapped tin and include a gift-with-purchase.
The brand will also present its Neos Flavor Collection, which targets markets for flavoured and non-flavoured cigars and cigarillos in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
J. Cortès said the cigar category is still “under the radar” in duty free but some retailers are taking time to rethink how to integrate cigars in their shops through humidors and dedicated corners.
“The shift in trend from mainly Cuban brands to more New World cigar brands gives the retailers a chance to make the category more attractive.
J. Cortès noted growth for its duty free business in 2015 in the Middle East and Asia. Sales in the Americas also increased through listings with World Duty Free Group and DFS.
The brand also commented on the challenge presented by stricter tobacco regulations including advertising bans, dark market and smoking bans.
“This affects the motivation of retailers to create a cigar corner with products for every cigar lover. The retailers are always looking how to rationalise their product range and this means that we have to be innovative and make the product category more attractive, not only for the consumer but also for the retailer.”
