- Habanos Awards The Top Recognition.
THE HABANO AWARD OF THE YEAR IS ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITIONS IN THE UNIVERSE OF SMOKERS. IT PRAISES BOTH THE ENDEAVOR AND DEDICATION OF MEN AND WOMEN COMPLETELY DEVOTED TO THE WORLD’S FINEST PREMIUM CIGARS
Instituted by Habanos S.A. in a bid to recognize those people who spent the previous year dedicated to highly notable activities or actions, exerting a positive influence on the habano’s legitimate image both in the domestic and international markets, the Habano Award of the Year is always presented during the corresponding Habano Festival. It’s currently delivered in three categories: Business, Communication and Production. Awards in the Retail category were delivered in the early editions of the festival, before it was finally removed.
Nominees for the Habano Award of the Year stem from proposals made by Habanos S.A. exclusive dealers across the globe, the presidents of the Casa del Habano franchised store chain, as well as other national institutions linked to the world of Cuban tobacco.
Several women from Cuba and other countries have nabbed the magnificent silver-and-marble statuette that depicts the image of a sleek medieval knight on his shining armor and crown, elements that add a touch of distinction and stylishness to this exclusive artwork created by Cuban silversmith Raul Valladares.
A trophy, the annual and life delivery of a box of habanos of their favorite brands and vitolas, coupled with a certificate, are the three gifts taken back home by those who have won the Habano Award of the Year since 1995.
Mr. Gary Heathcott
U.S.
HABANO AWARD WINNER IN THE COMMUNICATION CATEGORY
For more than 25 years I have been writing and producing documentary films about Cuba, her people and many of the wonders of this unique island nation. To be recognized in Cuba by Habanos and to be named a Habanos Man of the Year for Communications is one of the greatest honors of my lifetime.
Mr. José María Cases
Andorra
HABANO AWARD WINNER IN THE BUSINESS CATEGORY
Having the chance to represent Habanos has always been a great honor and a tremendous responsibility. From the moment you decide to focus your professional efforts on an industry, nothing compares to having all those people you’ve worked with say that you deserve a recognition for what you’ve done; letting them decide that the job you’ve been asked to do has been successful.
Mr. Walid Saleh
Lebanon
HABANO AWARD WINNER IN THE BUSINESS CATEGORY
The 2006 year was remarkable for me, as it sealed my passion for Cuban cigars, by the recognition I received with this award. I was deeply touched to have been one of the few who marked the international cigar business throughout the past two decades. Though, it wouldn’t have been possible without the inspiration, devotion and support of my colleagues and family.
This award is dear to my heart and it always reminds me that passion and commitment have a special taste; the taste of a Habano.
Mr. Samuel Menzi
Switzerland
HABANO AWARD WINNER IN THE RETAIL CATEGORY
The award “Hombre Habano del Año Detallista 1998” was a great honor for me and a recognition of my commitment to the best cigar in the world. At the same time, the award was an encouragement to go even further, to continuously develop one›s knowledge, to annually inform me in Cuba over the state of the plantations and the production. I am happy to be allowed selling the noblest cigar in the world.
Mr. Heinrich Villiger
Germany
HABANO AWARD WINNER IN THE BUSINESS CATEGORY
Mr. Mohamed Zeidan
Lebanon
HABANO AWARD WINNER IN THE BUSINESS AND RETAIL CATEGORY
Having won the Habanos Man of the Year Award has transformed my interest in cigars, from a hobby to a business concern, which then transitioned to professionalism. It transmits a motivation for me to continue with the cigar business and to expand successfully worldwide. My loyalty solely to the Cuban cigar has only grown stronger.
Mr. Georges Fereos
Cyprus
HABANO AWARD WINNER IN THE BUSINESS AND RETAIL CATEGORY
It was a noble reward throughout my 58 years of involvement in smoking and selling Cuban cigars, as well as utilizing exceptional marketing concepts to bring both markets for which I was responsible to the top of the scale of Habanos important markets. I consider myself a very lucky and blessed man as these long years were flooded with the unique and divine Habanos flavor.
Mr. José Ribagorda
Spain
HABANO AWARD WINNER IN THE COMMUNICATION CATEGORY
For me this is the Award that has filled me up with more illusions in my entire lifetime; not only for its global scope, but also for the majestic scenario it was presented to me and the boldface names that gave them out. I brag about it and I’m honored for good. At the same time, it makes me commit myself to further spreading out, eternally, the culture of habano. I’ll be forever thankful.
Mr. Maximino Gutman
Mexico
HABANO AWARD WINNER IN THE BUSINESS CATEGORY
When you work on something you’re passionate about, that makes you a happy man. As a habano lover and collector for 30 years, I’ve got to say I’m so proud of this nomination for the Habano Award in the Business category. It’s not just only about smoking habanos, but also the fact that we can offer them, share them and promote them, as well as be a part of international chains designed for habano lovers. That gives me tremendous satisfaction. Thank you, Cuba; thank you Habanos, S.A.!
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