Tobacco — DR Free Zones

Tobacco

Cultivating success in the tobacco industry

Leading exporter of world-renowned brands
A robust value chain optimization process ensures the highest quality standards
Today, the Dominican Republic produces and exports the finest handmade, premium cigars in the world

+150 operating companies Global presence Vertical integration

Unveiling the art of cigar

Exploring the rich heritage and economic impact of Dominican cigar production

Dive into the world of Dominican cigars and tobacco production, where centuries-old tradition meets modern innovation. Discover key insights into the industry’s heritage, economic significance, and vertical integration processes that ensure the production of the finest cigars in the world.

Sustainable growth

Cultural Heritage

Global brands

Quality and consistency

Old world’s craftmanship, refine and perfected

Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Dominican cigar production, where tradition, innovation, and unrivaled quality converge to create an experience like no other.

Talk to an advisor

Frequently asked questions

Explore answers to common questions about the dynamic cigar industry in the Dominican Republic, covering topics such as production processes, economic significance, and sustainability practices.

What factors contribute to the Dominican Republic’s dominance in global cigar exports?

The 19th century marks the beginning of the cigar industry in the colonies. By 1959, the outcome of the Cuban Revolution led to a massive exodus of Cubans. This included families whose business were tied to the cigar industry. They fled to countries with the necessary conditions to produce the best tobacco plants. To no surprise, Dominican Republic became home to many of these tobacco crops.

The history of the tobacco plant in the Dominican Republic motivated the founding of the Tobacco Institute. This was created in 1960-1962 to protect and develop tobacco production in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, they focused on promoting the production and export of handmade cigars. Due to the increase in demand for cigars worldwide, Gulf & Western Corporation together with Central Romana opened the first Free Trade Zone in the Dominican Republic, La Romana I. Later, between 1993 and 1997, the cigar boom occurred. The conditions were more than perfect, having good fertile lands, quality products and tobacco tradition put Dominican premium cigars at an advantage in international markets.

How does the cigar industry contribute to the country’s economy and employment?

The history of tobacco, specifically in the Dominican Republic, is very extensive. Over the years we see how it has developed and strengthened the country’s economy. Today we continue to see the fruits of this growing industry more and more internationally. Due to massive exports, we see how tobacco and the production of factories in the Dominican Republic are preferred worldwide. Today, +150 companies operate under the free zone regime, generating 42,450 direct jobs, and exports amounting to $1,208 US million.

What does PROCIGAR stands for?

Procigar was formed in 1992 by a collective of the Dominican Republic’s most storied cigar makers with the intention of protecting the reputation and future of the industry by setting and maintaining only the highest standards of quality and preserving the heritage of the land, exporter of the finest premium cigars in the world.

Its members have collectively committed to the highest standards of quality and consistency which they have set and have contributed numerous blends showcasing their individual styles through their unique nuances of flavor and aroma which have garnered awards and accolades at the highest levels all over the world.

Following the footsteps of those visionaries who first recognized the crystal clear rivers and fertile mountain valleys as ideal tobacco country, building on traditions that have been passed down in meticulous detail from generation to generation, the Association of Dominican Cigars Manufacturers (PROCIGAR) is committed to preserving the consistent quality and unrivaled reputation of Dominican Cigars.