Davidoff Leaves ProCigar

Davidoff is no longer a member of ProCigar, the Dominican Republic’s principal association of cigar manufacturers.

The company belonged through Tabadom Holdings, Inc., its Dominican operation, which includes two cigar factories, tobacco processing, and farms. Tabadom was a founding member of ProCigar in 1992 and stayed in the group for 34 years. The membership ended earlier this year.

Davidoff said Tabadom had been an active member, but that the company’s current priorities no longer include remaining in the association. It cited its work in about 130 markets and the regulatory demands in those markets. The company said it will focus that work in the markets themselves and will continue to represent the industry before authorities in the countries where it operates.

Davidoff also said it will keep working with the Dominican government on industry matters and on the sector’s growth. It thanked ProCigar and the group’s members and said it hoped customers, aficionados, and people involved with the ProCigar Festival would understand the decision. ProCigar confirmed the departure. It has not issued a further public comment. Neither side named a single event as the reason.

ProCigar’s main public event is its week-long festival each February. At the 2026 festival, Davidoff’s participation was reduced.Hendrik “Henke” Kelner led ProCigar for many years. He headed Tabadom and later served as a Davidoff brand ambassador before leaving the company in 2021. ProCigar has since changed leadership. In April 2026, Ciro Cascella of Arturo Fuente became president for a term through 2028. Tabadom was still listed as a member at that time. The exit leaves ProCigar with 11 full members.

Source: Davidoff’s statement and ProCigar’s response were first reported by halfwheel.