DONA FLOR CIGARS ADDS NEW TEAM ASSOCIATES RIGHT BEFORE IPCPR

DONA FLOR USA CONTINUES TO MAKE STRIDES BUILDING AWARENESS, SALES

AND MORE BRAND EQUITY

(Miami, Florida)July 16, 2012— Dona Flor U.S.A. has been hard at work since their announcing the return of Dona Flor Cigars to U.S market. Creating new ads which can be seen in current cigar publications and flooding the media with reviews and news is just one aspect of the return of Dona Flor Cigars. Chris Edge, President of Dona Flor USA has been active behind the scenes and is proud to announce the hiring of three new sales associates who will join the Dona Flor U.S.A. team.

“While we at Dona Flor U.S.A. have received a ton of response coast to coast from interested distributors, we want to make sure that we work with the right team for our line of cigars, said Chris Edge. Our mission is to partner with, promote and support the brick and mortar stores. They are the backbone of the business and we aim to do everything that we can to keep their business thriving. “

Covering the great state of Florida, Mark Patterson of Naples, Fl. has been in the cigar business for close to 15 years. Mark began in the industry working in the largest retail store in South Carolina and soon found himself working for one of the major manufacturers in Florida. After six years he started his own business as an independent representative, which allowed him more flexibility to work with boutique lines. “There are a lot of great cigars out there and I am excited to work with Dona Flor U.S.A. as it allows me to offer a truly unique product to my customers,” says Mark. “It’s these unique brands that the store owners are looking to offer to their customers.” Mark travels the entire state of Florida from Pensacola to Key West and offers his customers unmatched service.

Dona Flor U.S.A. has found another passionate cigar enthusiast in Terrence “Terry” McLoughlin who services the great Midwest area of Ohio, Michigan, and Western Pennsylvania. Located in Toledo, Ohio, Terry travels this vast area bringing along with him almost 40 years of experience and knowledge of the cigar business. Terry has worked on the tasting panel for Smoke Magazine in 96 & 97 and the only thing Terry enjoys more than a Dona Flor Gran Corona, is smoking it while standing in the middle of a river with a fly rod in hand.  Terry is a perfect fit for the Dona Flor U.S.A. team.

The majestic mountains and coast line of the Pacific Northwest has produced another passionate enthusiast. Cary Bischoff of Northwest Cigars in Des Moines, Washington, spends his time covering Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Cary’s cigar enthusiasm began by spending his vacations working with a brother who owns his own cigar label. After 10 years of being around his passion, he struck out on his own and now carries several boutique cigar brands. Cary loves the uniqueness of flavor that only comes from a Dona Flor cigar and has positioned it as one of his top brands. “The attention to detail means everything,” says Cary, “and this Dona Flor Cigar is the perfect example.”

Dona Flor U.S.A. is currently searching for other motivated distributors in other parts of the country who possess the qualities that embody the Dona Flor line – a passion for promoting a unique cigar experience and embracing the good life as do Brazilians such as our namesake - the fiery Dona Flor. Chris Edge said, “We have established some solid independent distributors who bring not only a wealth of experience to the team but also a passion for the business. To find a passion for the business that matches the passion of the Dona Flor brand is indeed a difficult task, but attainable.”

Dona Flor U.S.A. is looking forward to a strong showing at the IPCPR in Orlando where they unveil Dona Flor cigars which have garnered ratings from Cigar Aficionado Magazine of 92, 89, and 88. With the exception of the Connecticut wrapper blend Dona Flor’s cigars are 100% “puro” with filler, binder, and wrapper all grown in Bahia which makes the final product one of the most unique and flavorful premium cigars in the world. You can find Chris at the IPCPR booths 401 & 403 along with his Brazilian counterparts from Menendez Amerino.