Fratello’s Boxer Series Sampler
Paul Palmer, Max Fernandez-Pujals and Master Blender Arsenio Ramos
You all heard the news first from @fratellocigars and #CigarInsider. Fratello Cigars is set to launch a limited edition box pressed 5-cigar sampler called #TheBoxerSeries.
Omar de Frias, Chief Cigar Smoker at Fratello Cigars, presented us with a challenge we couldn’t refuse. To create a replica of a traditional cigar mold consumers could take home. He wanted a piece that was both functional and educational, but also appealing for marketing purposes.
Above: Omar de Frias, Chief Cigar Smoker at Fratello Cigars and packaging mock-up. Omar photo courtesy of instagram.com/fratellocigars.
The result is a great 5-cigar sampler that resembles a traditional wooden cigar mold, a tool used in the cigar-making process. We created a rustic and authentic look & feel for the limited quantity packaging to add character and personality. The entire crew at Fratello Cigars is eager to start doing in-store events and promotions with the new samplers, which will help to further promote the brand and sales.
Above: first printed mock-up of the 5-cigar sampler.
This goes to show that timing is everything in all that you set out to do. The shoot was scheduled and completed in record time. Photo selection and editing was also done quickly. As a result, we at #CigarPackageDesign were able to work on a couple of layouts, finalize ad and submit final artwork to our friends at #CigarSnobMagazine.
Above: Max Fernandez and Humberto Areas with a 16” x 20” print of final print ad
###
—Below is the press release put out by Cigar Insider this past October 20th, 2015—
FRATELLO CIGARS TO RELEASE LIMITED-EDITION BOXER SERIES
By David Clough
Fratello Cigars, known for its namesake cigar brand Fratello, is preparing to launch a limited-edition, five-cigar set called The Boxer Series next month. The new brand is an offshoot of the popular Boxer size from the original Fratello line, which brand owner Omar de Frias called “The best-selling vitola we have on the original line.” Though technically part of the original Fratello series, the 6 1/4 inch by 52 ring Boxer size is unique, as it’s box-pressed with a slightly different blend from the core line. Because of its popularity, de Frias turned the single size into an entire brand.
“The 2014 release of the Fratello Boxer was a great success for our company,” de Frias said. “We tweaked the Fratello blend, box-pressed the cigar and people loved it.” The new Boxer Series features the same core tobacco components as the original Fratello line, with slightly tweaked proportions, and consists of a Nicaraguan wrapper, Ecuadoran binder and filler tobacco from Nicaragua and Peru. When Cigar Insider asked de Frias to explain what exactly had been tweaked on the original Fratello blend to create The Boxer, and the new Boxer Series, he responded: “Mostly the ratio of ligero versus the Peruvian tobacco we used.” The Boxer Series will only be available as a five-pack wooden box, which resembles a cigar mold that holds one of each size: The original Boxer, at 6 1/4 by 52; Boxeador, 6 by 54; Boxero, 5 1/2 by 50; Boxista, 5 by 48; and Boxerito, 4 3/4 by 46. Only 3,000 boxes have been produced.
The Boxer Series five-pack will carry a suggested retail price of $45 and is set to debut at W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist in Washington D.C. next month before shipping to retailers nationwide immediately after the event. The cigars are made at the Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
###
Creating the package design for #TheBoxerSeries and working with Omar de Frias, Fratello Cigars President, has truly been an honor for us. We at #CigarPackageDesign look forward to collaborating on future projects with the great folks @fratellocigars.
Above: Flor de Gonzalez 20′ x 10′ booth at this year’s IPCPR in Las Vegas
For the second year in a row, we have the privilege of working with Ms. Yadi Gonzalez-Vargas, from Flor de Gonzalez (FDG) Cigars. This year we designed a graphic back drop for their booth space. We created a light and easy to setup 10’ x 8’ fabric banner structure, which reinforced the company’s other line of cigars, with a spotlight on their ’20 Aniversario’ signature blend. We executed an effective design and layout which pulled the entire 20’ x 10’ booth floorplan together. We also designed the logo, cigar band and packaging of their highly anticipated ’90 Millas’ cigar lines, which launched at this year’s trade show.
Above: American Caribbean Cigars’ 20′ x 30′ booth at this year’s IPCPR in Las Vegas
Also for the second year in a row, we get to work with Mr. Damian Tapanes, from American Caribbean Cigars (ACC). This year ACC went big with a 20’ x 30’ booth that housed four cigar brands: 1) La Rosa de Sandiego, 2) Don Gonzalez Cigars, 3) Tabacosta Cigars and 4) Cordoba & Morales. A design and floorpan layout was created in order to maximize the space, while giving each cigar line/brand their own area to shine. A 16’ tower graphic stood tall at the center of the floorplan and helped tie the booth space together. We look forward to helping ACC stand out once more at next year’s IPCPR in Las Vegas.
Above: Duran Cigars’ 20′ x 30′ booth at this year’s IPCPR in Las Vegas
We’ve been working with Mr. Roberto P. Duran of Duran Cigars since 2013. At the 82nd annual IPCPR trade show in 2014, our booth design won ’Best In Show for New Exhibitor’, a recognition we’re extremely proud of. This year, our booth design and approach combines a warm color palette, original and lifestyle images that showcased the art and craftsmanship of cigar making and manufacturing, all anchored by a 16-ft. tower that stands tall in the middle of the booth. In addition, four large display cabinets with custom graphics were positioned around the booth to display product plus served as storage space. In addition to the booth design and layout, we created packaging for the ’Azan Blue Connecticut’, ’Neya Texas Tactical’, ’NicaTabaco Blend No.5 Connecticut’ and a new ‘5-cigar sampler pack’ for Duran Cigars – all new releases at this year’s IPCPR.
So whether is your first year at the show, or the sixth like us, our goal is the same – Creating great work is not complicated, it’s simple. We work smart (and hard), play nice, and make our clients look good. So give us a shout out and let us know how we can help you get ready for next year’s show.