Some of the most expensive tobacco in the world comes from the African nation of Cameroon. While Kenya also produces tobacco, the nation of Zimbabwe as begun producing wrapper quality tobacco for the cigar market.
According to AllAfrica.com farmers in the Burma Valley in Manicaland have signed a deal to clinch a market in Germany with plans to make their tobacco available to manufacturers in America and the United Kingdom.
Tobacco growing isn’t new to the country as they have been producing flue-cured tobacco used in cigarettes since 1894, but this marks the first time they have grown tobacco that could be used for the cigar market. According to published reports there are currently 13 small farmers taking part in the venture to grow Cubra which is also grown in Brazil.
The first crop was grown in 2014 on one hectare of land. After a successful trial run the growth area was expanded to 11 hectares with plans to increase to 20 hectares during the next growing season.
The project is currently being financed by Von Eicken a manufacturer of cigars, cigarillos, and pipe tobacco. They also secured the first crop for use in Germany, so whether or not it is seen in other markets remains to be seen. According to the Senior Buyer, Andrew Edmondson of Von Eicken, the Burma Valley was selected due to its climatic conditions which are ideal for the growth of cigar tobacco.
