PCA 2025 Recap: Great Packaging, Bold Colors, and High-Altitude Innovation

27 Apr PCA 2025 Recap: Great Packaging, Bold Colors, and High-Altitude Innovation

By Humberto Areas, Creative Director at Cigar Package Design

While walking the show floor at PCA 2025 in New Orleans, I had the pleasure of catching up with two longtime friends and collaborators in the cigar industry—Reinier Lorenzo of HVC Cigars and Yasser Reyes of Villiger De Nicaragua. These conversations always leave me inspired, and this year was no different.

From the craftsmanship behind the cigars to the precision in their branding, it was clear that packaging design continues to evolve in exciting ways. We saw incredible examples of this at the Villiger and HVC booths—where color theory, typography, and cultural heritage played a key role in brand storytelling.

Another standout moment from PCA 2025 was attending the unveiling of “Alma del Cielo” by Plasencia Cigars. Marketed as the world’s highest elevation cigar, this new blend is made from tobacco grown at 1,300 meters (over 4,200 feet) above sea level on Finca San Julián in Condega. The story behind the cigar, as shared by Nestor A. Plasencia, added emotional depth to the launch—reminding us all that cigars are more than products; they’re personal legacies wrapped in artistry.

This video recap highlights what we believe were some of the most compelling packaging executions and color applications at this year’s trade show. It’s also a snapshot of emerging design trends that are influencing the next chapter in cigar branding.

About PCA 2025

Held from April 11–14 in New Orleans, the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show remains the premier B2B event for the premium cigar and pipe industry. With attendees from over 25 countries and more than 250 manufacturers, it’s the place where the industry gathers to network, launch products, and support advocacy efforts.

Whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, distributor, broker, or media, PCA is the one event you can’t afford to miss. Every dollar raised through the show supports initiatives that protect and promote premium tobacco retailing.

🔗 Learn more at https://premiumcigars.org

Until next time,
Humberto Areas
Creative Director, Cigar Package Design