The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) continued its active international engagement in Honduras on August 19-20, participating in a series of high-level meetings and industry events in Tegucigalpa focused on strengthening one of the world’s most important premium cigar-producing nations.
The PCA was represented by Ricardo Carioni, Director of International Affairs & Education, at a meeting at Casa Presidencial with President Nasry Asfura and leaders of the Honduran cigar industry. Discussions centered on investment, production, exports, regulation, and the continued international development of the sector. During the meeting, President Asfura announced plans for a Honduran Cigar Festival, beginning in Tegucigalpa and continuing with visits to tobacco farms and cigar factories in Danlí and El Paraíso.
The PCA’s participation reflected its commitment to supporting members operating in Honduras, as well as the wider network of manufacturers, retailers, suppliers and Associate Members whose businesses depend on strong and sustainable premium cigar-producing countries. The Association will continue supporting efforts surrounding the development and international promotion of the festival, alongside new education and professional-development initiatives through the PCA and The Cigar Academy.
Later that day, Carioni moderated the High-Level Panel “The Honduran Tobacco Industry: Challenges and Opportunities” at the historic Centro Cultural Nave Carías as part of the Fuego & Barrica VIII Edición promotional and experiential event. Opened by Tegucigalpa Mayor Juan Diego Zelaya, the discussion brought together Minister Epaminondas Marinakys, Christian Eiroa, Leonel Rivas, Carlos Castillo and Ismael Rodríguez Oliván, connecting perspectives from government, cigar manufacturing and agriculture, finance, tourism, entrepreneurship and international markets.
The discussion examined how Honduras can build upon its deep tobacco heritage while expanding investment, developing tourism, strengthening education, supporting the next generation and improving its position in global markets. It also reinforced the importance of sustained cooperation between government, industry and international partners.
For PCA members, this engagement represents a broader international strategy: strong cigar-producing countries strengthen the entire premium cigar ecosystem. Supporting Honduras means supporting the manufacturers who produce there, the retailers who bring Honduran cigars to consumers, the suppliers and service companies that support the trade, and the international partners whose businesses are connected across borders.
The PCA will continue working alongside its members and partners in Honduras — and throughout the world’s premium cigar-producing nations — to strengthen education, market access, institutional relationships and the long-term vitality of the premium cigar industry.