Casa 1910 has entered into a strategic investment and equity partnership with Smoker Friendly, a move both companies say is aimed at expanding the presence of Mexican premium cigars in the U.S. market. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The partnership gives Smoker Friendly—one of the nation’s largest tobacco retail chains with more than 1,000 retail locations—an ownership stake in Casa 1910 while aligning the two companies on long-term growth initiatives for the Mexican cigar category.
Founded five years ago, Casa 1910 produces cigars using tobacco grown and processed in the San Andrés Valley of Veracruz, Mexico. The company said it has established distribution in 39 countries and more than 55 airport retail locations worldwide while raising more than $3 million in investment capital since its launch.
The agreement also strengthens Casa 1910’s U.S. retail strategy through Smoker Friendly’s national footprint. Terry Gallagher, CEO and owner of Smoker Friendly and current chairman of the Cigar Association of America (CAA), said the retailer views the investment as part of the brand’s long-term growth strategy.
“Smoker Friendly is thrilled to make a strategic investment in Casa 1910 and excited to be a part of the vision Jamie and Serge have to grow the brand in the U.S. and globally,” Terry and Dan Gallagher said in a joint statement.
Casa 1910 co-founders Jamie Baer and Serge Bollag said the partnership reflects the company’s efforts to expand the reach of authentic Mexican cigars while building relationships with established industry partners.
“We built Casa 1910 to bring something real to a category that has too often settled for imitation,” the co-founders said. “Partnering with Smoker Friendly is a milestone we’re incredibly proud to announce and a reflection of the trust the Gallagher family has placed in this brand.”
The announcement also highlighted Casa 1910’s existing collaboration with Proximo Spirits, the distributor of Reserva de la Familia tequila. According to the company, the partnership has supported more than 200 cigar-and-spirits events around the world over the past year and will continue as the brand expands its retail presence.
The investment comes as interest in Mexican tobacco—particularly San Andrés—continues to grow across the premium cigar industry. While San Andrés wrappers have become increasingly common in blends from manufacturers around the world, Casa 1910 is positioning itself as a brand built entirely around Mexican-grown tobacco and production.