For the past four years, Villiger Cigars North America has taken a unique approach to its annual exclusive release for Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA) retailers. Rather than sticking to one production facility, Villiger has chosen a different factory each year to craft its TAA-exclusive cigars, a trend that will continue in 2024.

The Villiger TAA Exclusive 2024 will be produced at the Fábrica de Puros Maya Selva Cigars, a relatively new factory located in Danlí, Honduras. This year’s release will be a 6 x 52 toro made entirely of Honduran tobacco. The cigars will be priced at $15 each, with a limited production run of 500 boxes, each containing 20 cigars. Villiger plans to begin shipping the cigars to retailers in November 2024.

Fábrica de Puros Maya Selva Cigars is the latest factory to collaborate with Villiger for their TAA releases. The factory, owned by Maya Selva, has long been associated with Plasencia for manufacturing, but Maya Selva opened this new facility in early 2024. This marks a significant milestone for the factory and a new partnership for Villiger in its TAA series.

Villiger’s TAA releases over the past few years have included:
• Villiger TAA Exclusive 2020 (6 x 54) — produced at Tabacalera La Alianza S.A.
• Villiger TAA Exclusive 2021 (6 x 54) — produced at Tabacalera Palma
• Villiger TAA Exclusive 2022 (6 x 52) — produced at La Zona Cigar Factory
• Villiger TAA Exclusive 2023 (6 1/4 x 52) — produced at Aganorsa
• Villiger TAA Exclusive 2024 (6 x 52) — produced at Fábrica de Puros Maya Selva Cigars

The Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA) is a membership group of around 80 retailers and 40 manufacturers. Each year, the group gathers for an annual trade show to discuss industry issues, secure exclusive deals, and showcase new releases. The event includes two key selling formats: the Dream Machine, where retailers collectively place orders to gain larger discounts, and a traditional trade show. During the event, manufacturers often release exclusive cigars under the TAA Exclusive Series Program, with a portion of proceeds—typically $1 per cigar—donated to the organization.

Normally held in the spring, the TAA Meeting & Convention will take place in October 2024 due to a scheduling change for the PCA Convention & Trade Show, which moved to March. The TAA event will be held in Aruba from October 20-24, where Villiger’s latest exclusive offering will be showcased alongside other exclusive releases.