Price Hike Alert: 13 Iconic Edible Souvenirs Soon to Cost More

Price Hike Alert: 13 Iconic Edible Souvenirs Soon to Cost More - Cuban Cigars Face Tobacco Shortages

Puffing on a Cuban cigar has long been a quintessential part of the island experience for travelers. But obtaining those iconic stogies is becoming increasingly difficult due to tobacco shortages facing Cuban cigar makers.

The origins of Cuba's celebrated cigars can be traced back to the early 1500s when Spanish colonizers began cultivating tobacco on the island. But it wasn't until the 19th century that Cuban cigars gained their international prestige, with Habanos emerging as the global standard of cigar excellence.

Today, Cuba's communist government controls the island's entire cigar industry, from the tobacco fields to the factories rolling each smoke by hand. All cigars produced in Cuba carry the label "Habano" guaranteeing their authenticity and adhering to strict quality control.

That rich tobacco taste relies on Cuba's unique terroir that produces wrapper leaves acclaimed for their silky smoothness. But fluctuating climate conditions have caused havoc for growers in recent years. Too much rain can ruin a tobacco crop by promoting mold growth. Meanwhile, prolonged drought stresses plants and reduces yields.
Cuba's major tobacco-growing regions of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and Mayabeque have experienced both extremes. An unusually wet 2018 growing season required destroying 30% of Cuba's tobacco crop that year. The pandemic also disrupted production, just as demand was rebounding.

Now the island is facing a severe shortage of quality wrapper leaves. Local farms are struggling to keep up with the cigars sought after by smokers worldwide. Even Cuba's own hand-rollers have trouble securing enough top-grade tobacco these days.
Random product shortages have always been a way of life under Cuban socialism. But the current cigar crisis is hitting factories hard. Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, and other premium brands can't find sufficient tobacco to maintain full-scale operations.
The upshot for tourists is purchasing Cuban cigars requires more persistence, yet comes with no guarantee of scoring those iconic Habanos. Expect to visit multiple stores only to find barren shelves or subpar selections. You may have better luck with everyday cigars versus top shelf.