Luciano Cigars and EMT Launch Constella Group: A New Era for Premium Cigars
Luciano Cigars and Empresa Madeirense de Tabacos S.A. (EMT) have officially launched Constella Group, a new joint venture designed to unify cigar manufacturing, distribution, and tobacco trade. As part of this transition, Luciano Cigars’ U.S. operations will now be known as Constella USA.
A Strategic Partnership with Deep Roots
Constella Group brings together the expertise of Luciano Cigars and EMT, a 142-year-old tobacco company based in the Azores. EMT operates Fábrica de Tabacos Estrela, a large-scale factory producing cigarettes, cigarillos, and handmade cigars. This collaboration will streamline operations across multiple continents, incorporating:
• Premium cigar manufacturing
• Global tobacco trade and cultivation
• Distribution, storage, and compliance
The joint venture was formalised with the support of the Governor of the Azores and the Mayor of São Miguel, highlighting the economic and cultural significance of this alliance.
What This Means for Retailers and Consumers
As part of the restructuring, retailers will now order from Constella USA, which will handle sales, distribution, and financial transactions. The Luciano Cigars portfolio will remain intact, with its existing branding updated to reflect its new parent company. Additionally, Luciano-branded lounges, events, and collaborations will continue as planned.
Luciano Meirelles will serve as President of Constella USA, while Fadi Dagher has been named CEO. Other executive team members, including undisclosed partners, will be announced soon.
Introducing Élevé: A Limited-Edition Cigar to Mark the Occasion
To celebrate the launch of Constella Group, Luciano Cigars will release a special limited-edition cigar called Élevé—a 6 x 54 sublime vitola with an undisclosed blend. Production is limited to 1,420 boxes of 10 cigars, a nod to EMT’s 142-year history.
• Pricing: $22 per cigar
• Packaging: 10-count boxes
• Release Date: Shipping between May 20 and May 30
Expanding Global Tobacco Heritage
Constella’s long-term vision includes the expansion of cigar production in Santiago, Dominican Republic, as well as new tobacco cultivation projects in the Azores, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. Historians working with Constella believe the Azores played a pivotal role in early transatlantic tobacco trade, influencing the evolution of iconic seed varieties such as Habano, Criollo, and Corojo.
A Future Built on Collaboration and Innovation
“Constella is not about size—it’s about meaningful growth built on respect, authenticity, and heritage,” said Luciano Meirelles. José Pedro Trindade, Co-Founder of Constella, echoed this sentiment: “Each partner maintains its identity while contributing to a shared vision of unity and innovation.”
With its bold new direction, Constella Group aims to shape the future of premium cigars while honouring the traditions that have defined tobacco craftsmanship for centuries. Expect more exciting developments from this ambitious new venture in the months ahead.
