Carlos Fuente

Carlos Fuente Jr. has become one of the most recognizable people in the cigar business. While at the helm of Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia., he has seen the company rise to one of the preeminent positions in the industry.

Marvin R. Shanken
From the Print Edition:
John F. Kennedy, Nov/Dec 98

(continued from page 14)

CA: What is the next biggest brand?

Fuente:The next one is Cuesta-Rey, which should come in at slightly more than 12 million.

CA: And Ashton?

Fuente:Maybe up to 5 million this year.

CA: Montesino?

Fuente:Montesino is a brand that we're growing at a higher percentage than other brands. Montesino this year should be close to 3 million cigars.

CA: Tell me more about Montesino.

Fuente:It's a brand that doesn't have a very high visibility. And yet, it's a well-made cigar and it's very reasonably priced.

CA: What's the history behind it, and what is your plan?

Fuente:Montesino was a brand that used to be made with Cuban tobacco in Tampa, and my father bought it from Antonio Suarez, who was an old friend of the family. We've now owned it for many, many years. My dad has always believed that Montesino someday was going to be a very, very big brand.

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