Awards Ceremony for the Contest and Trade Fair of the 24th Habano Festival
The first part of the last day of the 24th Habano Festival 2024 concluded with the awards ceremony for the 5th Habanos World Challenge Contest and the Trade Fair, which has been taking place in Cuba since Monday.
Throughout the festival, six teams from Colombia, Canada, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Lebanon gathered to compete in the 5th Habanos World Challenge Contest, showcasing excellent skills and knowledge about Habano. The winners of this edition were Philp Ramos and Aaron Ignacio from Canada, who will receive their trophies on Friday night during the closing gala.
The trade fair, inaugurated at the beginning of the event, provided an ideal space for interaction among various companies dedicated to the world of Habanos.
Photo: Alberto Riesgo
As is customary each year, awards were given in several categories: In the Modular Design Stand category, the Tobacco Packaging Company Arca received an Honorable Mention, and the award went to Artema for a proposal highlighting the use of its identity signs.
In the Free Design Stand category, Honorable Mentions were awarded to the company Cubacafé and the Chinese company Guojiao 1573. Meanwhile, the award for the Havana Club International S.A. stand was for the successful conceptualization, reproducing the exquisite environment of its cellars and making optimal use of space and natural light, creating a unique and unrepeatable sensation.
In the category of Comprehensive Communication for new economic actors in Cuba, Plan H received an Honorable Mention, and the award went to Brascuba S.A. for the timely alignment of the majority of its strategic marketing actions in the fair space and positioning a sui generis discourse of its institutional structure, where opinions contribute to the development of new productions.
And finally, an Honorable Mention for the most visited stand was achieved by the company Cubaron. The distinguished prize was awarded to the company Cigarte Ibérica, S.L, for its successful communication strategy, order, and conceptual clarity in its objectives and actions through traditional and digital media, as well as on-site initiatives to stimulate customers and followers, along with their personalized services.
Executives from Habanos S.A., the institution responsible for marketing Premium Habanos cigars, and which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, presented the awards. The co-presidents Maritza Carrillo and Luis Sánchez-Harguindey Pardo de Vera; Jorge Pérez Martell, Commercial Vice President; José María López Inchaurbe, Development Vice President; Lisbeth Alonso, Logistics Vice President; Borja Casanova, Financial Vice President; Rodrigo González Jiménez, Director of Strategic Marketing; and Beatriz Garrido García, Director of Operational Marketing.
The closing remarks were delivered by co-president Luis Sánchez-Harguindey Pardo de Vera, who confessed that it had been a very intense week of learning and unique experiences centered around the cherished Habano. All of this occurred in a very special year, as it also marked the thirtieth anniversary of the Habanos S.A. corporation.
He expressed gratitude to the experts who participated in the international seminar, sharing their knowledge and further enhancing the admiration for this product. His gratitude also extended to the 79 national and international companies from eleven countries that delighted with their offerings in cuisine, craftsmanship, fashion, culture, and articles related to the world of Habano. He invited everyone to the 25th edition of the Habano Festival next year and proposed that the passion for Habano never cease.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
