Just ahead of InterTabac 2024, the premier trade show for international distributors, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Inc. has announced a significant change in its distribution strategy for the German market. The company is moving its German distribution from Kopp Tobaccos GmbH & Co. to M. K. & Söhne. This shift aligns with another recent move in the industry, as Ashton announced earlier this week that it too would be switching its German distribution from Kopp to M. K. & Söhne.

Previously, Rocky Patel had been distributed by Kohlhase & Kopp, a well-known name in the cigar world, now operating as Kopp Tobaccos GmbH & Co. The move comes after a pivotal transition within the Kopp company. Last summer, Adam and Daniel Kohlhase, longstanding figures in the company with nearly 30 years of experience, announced their departure. Along with their sister, Katharina, the brothers launched a new venture, M. K. & Söhne, which has since been gaining traction in the cigar distribution industry.

“We are thrilled that Rocky Patel has entrusted us with representing the brand in Germany, one of the most important markets outside the USA,” said the Kohlhase brothers in a press release. “We are committed to fulfilling this trust and are eager to get started.”

The timing of the announcement is notable, coinciding with the start of InterTabac 2024 in Dortmund, Germany, from September 19-21. This event serves as a major gathering for international cigar distributors and manufacturers, and Rocky Patel’s decision to switch distributors right before the show signals a fresh chapter for its operations in Europe.

M. K. & Söhne is expected to begin shipping Rocky Patel cigars to German retailers in early October, marking the start of what both companies hope will be a successful partnership in one of Europe’s key cigar markets.