Scandinavian Tobacco Group to Discontinue Select Cigar Lines from Forged Portfolio
In a recent announcement, the Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG)—the parent company behind prominent cigar brands like General Cigar Co., Forged Cigar Co., and Cigars International—has revealed plans to discontinue several cigar lines within its Forged portfolio. This news marks another strategic decision by STG, reflecting its ongoing efforts to refine and restructure its diverse brand offerings.
STG recently informed retailers via email that three lines—Bolivar, El Rico Habano, and Helix—will no longer be part of the Forged Cigar Co. collection. Notably, this discontinuation affects only the regular Bolivar line, as the company plans to continue production of the Bolivar Cofradia and Bolivar Gran Republica under Forged. With the discontinuation, the affected lines are no longer subject to minimum pricing requirements, which may lead to significant discounts at retail. This change could present an excellent opportunity for consumers to purchase these brands at reduced prices before they disappear from the market.
STG’s decision to discontinue these lines is not isolated. Just a few months ago, the company made cuts to other brands in the General Cigar Co. portfolio, signalling an industry-wide trend toward product consolidation and portfolio streamlining. The discontinuations could reflect a larger industry movement towards focusing on core brands and new, innovative lines that align with evolving consumer preferences.
STG’s portfolio in the U.S. includes well-known names like Cohiba (non-Cuban), Partagas, Alec Bradley, CAO, Macanudo, and Room101, managed across two sales divisions: General Cigar Co. and Forged Cigar Co. This dual-portfolio approach enables STG to tailor its offerings to a broad spectrum of cigar enthusiasts, from casual smokers to dedicated aficionados. The recent adjustments to its product line-up suggest a proactive strategy to strengthen its core brands while refining market positioning.
As STG implements these changes, cigar enthusiasts will want to keep an eye out for these soon-to-be-discontinued cigars, which may soon become harder to find.
