If you’ve been to Cuba you know that their tobacco industry is the most robust in the world. Per acre crop density is higher here than anywhere else in the world. For islands smaller than most states it is astonishing that it produces what is considered the most exclusive and best tobacco in the world. There are many reasons for this, one of the most important reasons is local knowledge. The people cultivating the land in Cuba have far more knowledge about this crop than anywhere else. They use this knowledge to produce some of the most fragrant and robust varieties. Some farmers wait for years to get the right properties to rent, to grow their crop. Cuban tobacco is often considered by it’s vintage, or the year in which it was grown. Some tobacco is aged for several years before it is rolled and used in a premium cigar. much like fine wine, aficionados will swear by the Cuban teroir and vintage system. The drying houses are a true marvel of the modern agricultural age. Massive halls kept at precise temperature and humidity twenty-four hours a day, allow the tobacco to dry without growing mold.

The American tobacco industry has a virtue in the opposite sense. The American tobacco industry does not have great quality tobacco, but it does have the machinery to process vast quantities of tobacco. American companies have used this to there advantage for decades, but now as smoking becomes less socially acceptable appreciation for quality rises.

If trade embargoes with Cuba were lifted American tobacco companies could utilize premium Cuban tobacco and could use that as a selling point for much more expensive cigarettes. The fewer smokers there are, the more expensive cigarettes will have to be deliver profit to shareholders. It’s likely rebranding with Cuban tobacco could be the only thing to save the failing tobacco industry. As the world becomes more health-conscious smoking will need to be a more occasional treat. GM tobacco one day could give a rush without cancer and stink. Here’s hoping’.

Tags: knowledge, properties to rent, Tobacco