Davidoff of Geneva

Davidoff of Geneva stands as one of the world's most prestigious premium cigar brands, embodying over a century of Swiss precision and tobacco craftsmanship. The brand crafts premium cigars and accessories that have set standards for many years, with more than 700 appointed merchants and 65 flagship stores worldwide. Known for their philosophy of "Time Beautifully Filled," Davidoff represents the pinnacle of luxury in the cigar industry, combining traditional European sophistication with meticulous attention to quality. When you light a Davidoff cigar you set aglow the richest tradition of cigar making in the world, releasing craftsmanship that could only be achieved by investment in that most precious of commodities: time. The brand has become synonymous with exclusivity, attracting discerning aficionados who appreciate the finest tobacco experiences.

Background

Zino Davidoff was born in Kiev in 1906 to a long line of tobacconists, and when political factions rose, the family moved to Switzerland when Zino was just five, where his father Henri opened Davidoff of Geneva, a fine tobacco shop. Zino traveled to the lush hillsides of Central and South Americas and the Caribbean, where he immersed himself in the tobacconist's rites of passage. The store attracted luminaries including King Farouk of Egypt, Baron Rothschild, writer Orson Welles and actress Gina Lollobrigida, transforming Davidoff of Geneva into Davidoff of the World. In 1970, Zino asked his friend Dr. Ernst Schneider to join him in business, and the two encouraged each other to create progressively exceptional cigars and accessories. In 1989, dissatisfied with Cuban quality, Zino dramatically lit fire to over 130,000 Cuban cigars in front of officials, ending the Cuban relationship in 1991. The brand then successfully transitioned to Dominican Republic production, maintaining its reputation for uncompromising quality.

History

In 1911 Henri Davidoff opened a cigar store at the Rue du Marché in Geneva which would later become the world's leading cigar boutique under the helm of Zino Davidoff. With the arrival of peaceful times, Zino unveiled the first Davidoff branded cigars including the Chateau Series and the acclaimed Grand Cru, named after a joyous evening enjoying Bordeaux wines. The iconic oval white cigar ring heralded the birth of the Davidoff cigar brand, created in Cuba by Zino Davidoff. For 30 years the company produced cigars in the Dominican Republic (1991-2021), marking the start of their 'Crop-to-Shop' philosophy through which they steer quality and consistency along the entire value chain.

Reputation

Zino Davidoff was known as the 'King of Cigars' and is referred to as 'the tobacco emperor who made the cigar a status symbol'. Davidoff became a brand linked to Epicureanism, synonymous with good life and high social status, particularly in Europe. The brand continues to innovate with limited editions such as their yearly Zodiac series and Chef's Editions, with these limited offerings often selling out before they hit the shelf. Davidoff Cigars celebrates 50 years of heritage, pioneering, innovation and craftsmanship in cigar making in the spirit of Zino Davidoff. The brand maintains its position as the ultimate luxury cigar experience for connoisseurs worldwide.