NETHERLANDS. Henri Wintermans Cigars has responded to the increased shopper allowances for cigars announced in UK Customs guidelines last October.
After the duty paid “allowance” increase in the UK, a clear demand with Registered Mobile Operators (RMOs or airlines, ferries and cruiseships) arose. In line with cigarette packaging and their increased quantity offerings, Henri Wintermans Cigars recently launched a 400 pack for its world-wide leading cigarillo brand Café Crème.
The improved packaging (pictured) is provided with a top handle, so the 400 cigarillos can be carried easily. The side gives product information to the consumer, such as the actual size of the cigarillos inside. The backside shows three world scenes to highlight the brand’s international position, not only in travel retail but also in domestic markets around the world. The three world scenes are part of the current Café Crème advertising campaign and are perfectly suited to travel retail.
The retail pricing of the 400 pack will be €90 (equivalent to US$99) and based on an average currency exchange rate, this produces a saving for the UK traveller of almost £59 (US$96) versus UK domestic recommended retail prices.
Due to the EU descriptor ban, Café Crème Mild is also being renamed Cafe Creme Blue. This variant as well as the full flavour variant will be offered in 400’s. The 400’s packaging is available with most RMO operators and all have shown interest according to Henri Wintermans area marketing manager travel retail Erwin Broeren.
“Eurotunnel introduced the packaging from 1 August and first results are very satisfying,” said Broeren. “Hoverspeed accepted and will introduce Café Crème and Café Crème Blue 400’s soon. Apart from RMO, the new packaging is selectively distributed in Spanish tourist areas as well.”
Note: Since last October, apart from the new cigar allowance, returning UK cross-Channel shoppers have been allowed to take 3,200 cigarettes back into the country. The hand-rolled tobacco allowance also rose from 1kg to 3kg.
The UK Government said the new levels were “indicative” of how much shoppers could take into the country. The guidleines are also intended to make it easier for Customs to identify smugglers, who often take in far more than these amounts.
