Release your next product with PCA Launchpad!
PCA Launchpad is a new collaborative program between the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and its manufacturer members. Through PCA Launchpad, the PCA will help market and promote unique product releases to its retail membership. In return, manufacturers will agree to include the PCA’s logo on the product’s packaging and its band artwork. As part of this collaborative project, the manufacturer also agrees to donate a portion of the proceeds from each cigar sold under this co-branding agreement to the PCA’s Industry Defense Fund.
PCA Launchpad was developed in response to the interest in PCA’s Product HUB and PCA Exclusive program. PCA Launchpad utilizes the PCA’s marketing and promotional abilities to help bring unique and rare releases to its retail membership.
PCA Launchpad program details:
- PCA Launchpad: Premium cigars and accessories that use the PCA logo or name in the naming, packaging, and marketing. This program requires approval from the PCA and is often a collaboration project between the association and associate member. PCA Launchpad approved projects come with marketing benefits but require a donation per unit or $5,000 contribution to the PCA legal advocacy fund.
- PCA Trade Show Exclusive: Products launched at the annual PCA Trade Show. PCA Exclusives are often used as an incentive for retailers to attend the show. These products can be ordered by PCA members that attend the annual trade show in person. If the PCA logo or PCA name is used these exclusive products, manufacturers must go through the PCA Launchpad process/program before the product’s official release.
Manufacturers taking part in the PCA Launchpad program will receive the following:
- A customized press release will be sent to PCA’s membership and industry media
- Promotion of the release in a feature in PCA The Magazine and on premiumcigars.org.
- Social media campaign promoting the release, including the posting of photo(s) and reels of the release to PCA’s thousands of followers
Those manufacturers interested in collaborating with the PCA and launching a product within the PCA Launchpad program are asked to inquire with Maria Cervantes maria@premiumcigars.org. Premium cigars, pipe tobacco, and associated smoking accessories are currently being sought for this new program. Manufacturers that take part in the PCA Launchpad program will be asked to submit a proposal for the use of the PCA’s Logo that PCA’s Membership Committee will review. Proposals must include the design of co-branded cigars and details of the manufacturer’s plan for the product release. Prior approval from the PCA must be obtained before launching the product and using the PCA logo in any branding or marketing.
If you plan to use the PCA name or logo in your product’s band or packaging artwork, please review details of the co-branding agreement.