If you’re a cigar enthusiast or someone curious about the cigar industry, you may have come across the term Premium Cigar Association (PCA). But what exactly is it, and why is it important to cigar lovers, retailers, and manufacturers alike? In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Premium Cigar Association—its history, mission, impact, and why it plays a central role in protecting the premium cigar industry.
Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just starting your journey into the world of cigars, understanding what the PCA does is crucial to appreciating the culture and commerce of premium cigars.
What Is the Premium Cigar Association (PCA)?
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is a non-profit trade organization that represents premium cigar and pipe tobacco retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and industry partners. Based in Washington D.C., PCA is the leading voice for the premium cigar industry in the United States, advocating for its members through legislative and regulatory lobbying, education, and promotion.
Formerly known as the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), the organization rebranded in 2019 to better reflect its mission and focus on premium cigars specifically.
History of the Premium Cigar Association
The roots of the PCA date back to 1933, when a group of tobacconists and retailers banded together to form a coalition that would advocate for their businesses. Over the decades, the association grew in size and influence, eventually encompassing the broader tobacco industry.
In response to increasing government regulation and a shifting landscape, the organization narrowed its mission to specifically support the premium cigar industry, leading to the 2019 name change to the Premium Cigar Association. The PCA’s evolution reflects a need to protect an industry that is distinct from mass-produced, machine-made tobacco products.
PCA’s Mission and Core Objectives
The Premium Cigar Association exists to:
1. Advocate
One of the PCA’s primary functions is government advocacy. The association works tirelessly to:
- Oppose excessive regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Support fair taxation policies
- Protect the right of adults to enjoy premium cigars without unnecessary restrictions
The PCA employs lobbyists and legal teams who work closely with lawmakers and agencies to protect the interests of the premium cigar industry at the federal, state, and local levels.
2. Educate
The PCA provides its members with tools, research, and educational resources to better understand:
- Compliance requirements
- Industry trends
- Consumer preferences
- Best business practices for retail tobacconists
3. Promote
Through various campaigns and events, including its annual trade show, the PCA promotes:
- Premium cigar craftsmanship
- Small and family-owned cigar brands
- Retailer success stories
The organization fosters a community that helps businesses grow and strengthens consumer appreciation for premium cigars.
What Makes a Cigar “Premium”?
The PCA is specifically concerned with premium cigars, not all tobacco products. So, what makes a cigar “premium”?
According to the PCA and FDA guidance, a premium cigar is typically:
- Handmade using long-leaf filler tobacco
- Wrapped in natural tobacco leaves
- Free of flavors or additives (in most definitions)
- Sold individually or in small quantities
- Priced above a certain threshold (often $12 MSRP or higher, depending on policy arguments)
This distinguishes premium cigars from machine-made cigars, little cigars, or cigarettes, which are often subject to different regulations.
PCA’s Role in Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy
One of the most critical roles the PCA plays is its active involvement in public policy. The premium cigar industry has faced increasing scrutiny from regulators, including:
- FDA oversight under the Tobacco Control Act
- Proposals for flavor bans, retail display restrictions, and advertising limitations
- Tax hikes at both the federal and state levels
- Smoking bans in public places
The PCA provides a unified voice to push back against these efforts, arguing that premium cigars are a niche, artisanal product enjoyed by informed adult consumers—not part of the youth tobacco epidemic.
For instance, the PCA has successfully lobbied for premium cigar exemptions in FDA regulations and continues to work toward science-based, risk-proportionate policies.
PCA Trade Show: The Industry’s Biggest Event
Each year, the PCA hosts the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show, the largest gathering of premium cigar professionals in the United States. This event draws:
- Retailers
- Manufacturers
- Distributors
- Media
- Industry influencers
The trade show features:
- New product launches
- Educational seminars
- Legislative updates
- Networking opportunities
- Special deals and promotions for attendees
For many in the industry, this event is a highlight of the year and an essential opportunity to connect, learn, and growtheir business.
Membership Benefits for Retailers and Manufacturers
The PCA offers a variety of membership types, including options for:
- Brick-and-mortar retailers
- Cigar manufacturers and brands
- Wholesalers and distributors
- International partners
- Industry service providers
Key benefits include:
- Legislative advocacy and representation
- Access to the PCA Trade Show
- Retail resources and business tools
- Networking opportunities
- Member-exclusive content and training
- Inclusion in consumer-facing campaigns like #SupportLocalTobacconists
By joining the PCA, members align themselves with a powerful organization dedicated to the long-term health of the premium cigar sector.
PCA’s Public Outreach and Consumer Education
While primarily a trade organization, the PCA has also made strides in educating the public. Its campaigns often emphasize the art, culture, and tradition of premium cigars, challenging the stigma that often surrounds tobacco use.
The association advocates for responsible adult consumption and aims to highlight the differences between handcrafted premium cigars and other tobacco products.
Recent Wins and Ongoing Challenges
Wins:
- Court victories that delayed or rolled back FDA regulation timelines
- Greater awareness among lawmakers about the uniqueness of premium cigars
- Creation of a distinct regulatory category for premium cigars in proposed federal legislation
Challenges:
- Ongoing pressure for flavor bans and advertising restrictions
- Navigating complex state-level regulations and taxes
- Educating policymakers about the low-risk nature of premium cigar use compared to other tobacco products
The PCA continues to lead the fight with research, legal strategy, and coalition-building.
Why the PCA Matters to Cigar Enthusiasts
Even if you’re not a retailer or manufacturer, the PCA’s work affects you as a cigar lover.
Without the PCA:
- Regulations could make cigars more expensive or harder to find
- Flavor bans could eliminate variety from your humidor
- Retail shops might face closure from excessive red tape
- Events and lounges could be targeted by anti-smoking campaigns
By supporting local PCA-member tobacconists and staying informed, you’re helping to preserve cigar culture for future generations.
How to Support the PCA
Here are a few simple ways to support the PCA and its mission:
- Shop at PCA-member retailers – These are the brick-and-mortar shops that the PCA represents.
- Stay informed – Follow PCA updates on their website and social media.
- Contact your lawmakers – Let them know you support fair regulations for premium cigars.
- Attend events – Visit PCA trade shows or local cigar festivals that align with PCA goals.
- Spread the word – Share information about the PCA with fellow cigar enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
The Premium Cigar Association is much more than just a trade group—it’s the backbone of the premium cigar industry in the United States. By advocating for smart regulation, promoting education, and bringing together the community through its trade show and resources, the PCA plays an essential role in safeguarding the culture, commerce, and future of premium cigars.
Whether you're a shop owner, a manufacturer, or simply someone who enjoys a good cigar, the PCA’s work directly impacts your ability to access and enjoy the products you love. Supporting the PCA means supporting freedom of choice, artisan craftsmanship, and small business vitality in the cigar world.For more information, visit the official PCA website at premiumcigars.org.
