Ivory Coast has a new Habanos Specialist and Habanos Lounge. The shop Zino Rue des Jardins lounge is now the first official Habanos lounge in Ivory Coast. It is located at Deux-Plateaux, Vallon Rue des Jardins, Abidjan. The show has a retail space, including a lounge, of 150m2. The walk-in humidor measures 10 m2 and the contents are 70% Habanos cigars. That is about 75 different brands and sizes. Phoenicia is the official Habanos distributor in Ivory Coast. 

Ivory Coast

The tobacco laws are strict in Cote d’Ivoire as the correct name is. Even though the climate and soil make it possible to grow tobacco, the local government prohibits it. Packaging needs warning labels covering a minimum of 70% of the total, front and back. And they need a sticker that the product is sale authorized in Côte d’Ivoire. Internet sales and vending machines for tobacco are prohibited as well. And tobacco retailers require a permit from the government to sell tobacco.

Côte d’Ivoire is also one of the few countries that have a zero allowance for duty-free tobacco purchases. Advertising is illegal, just as giving away a sample. And if you’re a cigar enthusiast in Côte d’Ivoire, forget about swag. The government doesn’t allow it, even if it’s free swag. Pregnant women are not allowed to smoke at all. The country also has very strict anti-smoke legislation when it comes to smoke-free zones. 

Phoenicia

The distributor in Côte d’Ivoire is Phoenicia. A well-known distributor in the world of the Habanos cigars. Phoenicia probably covers the largest territory of all official Habanos distributors, although Pacific Cigar Company is a contender for that title as well. Phoenicia covers almost the whole of continental Africa, with the exception of three countries. As well as the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. 

The company is best known for its Ramon Allones Phoenicia cigars. The Phoenicia exclusive edicion regional Ramon Allones Phoenicia 30, 35, and 40 are modern-day legends within the Habanos community.