What secrets does the Cuban tobacco hold that makes it a worldwide preference? More than experience, trade and skill, the manufacture of these cigars is accompanied by the dedication and effort of those who make them. A completely manual elaboration, together with rhythms, smells and unique flavor, give the finish to the product, appreciated by the Cuban and foreign smokers.

Puerto Padre, Las Tunas.- From the north of this eastern Cuban province, at the Vidal Navas Fernández export cigars factory, a group works with a commitment guarantee that does not allow it to give up its objectives of exceeding the plans and guarantee their cigars an authentic Cuban flavor so that they are on the podium of choice in all countries.

Will, quality and speed converge in manufacturing processes, in order to guarantee the goals set for the day, even a little more, an effort that has not been abandoned by these tobacco twisters despite the current epidemiological crisis.

The successes are evident, the economic and efficiency results guarantee its status as a prominent one on the national map, manufacturing cigars for eight brands recognized in the international catalog.

This year the entity has also had favorable indices, says Luis Enrique Parra López, director of this export factory. "May is going to close in physical units at 113 percent, and in values at 118, with more than 86 thousand tobaccos above what was planned."

In the accumulated to date, the director refers that they already add about 72 thousand cigars in advance and in values around 150,100 pesos, “favorable prospect to fulfill the 2020 plan, which is one million 830 thousand units.

“We produce 21 types cigar bands, divided into eight brands, among them, the preferred ones such as Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Partagás, H. Upmann and José Luis Piedra, each with different versions, but all destined to the Habanos SA Group, which is in charge of marketing to the world.”

HABANOS MADE IN PUERTO PADRE, QUALITY CIGARS

"This product demands extreme quality, it is one of the symbols in the world market and as a recognized brand it must honor that seal," says Parra López.

“We have about 10 years of experience in exporting, which is why we have strengthened the working algorithm for these conditions. Although most of the workers are young, they have not stopped preparing themselves, as they receive constant training. Habanos S.A. is very demanding, it reviews the order in its entirety and if it has any deficiency, they reject it.

"The results in this section are also encouraging, because as another efficiency meter, we can mention the rejection rate, which is minimal, a result guaranteed by the inspection point of the Habanos Commercial Group."

It is a process that needs expertise because the selection of the raw material for the different assortments is made at a glance, essential elements that give the cigar the characteristics of color, size and manufacture.

Iraida Almaguer closes the tobacco boxes that will travel anywhere in the world geography. She knows what her mission is in the production chain and she responds with proficiency and care.

“We put the seal that distinguishes them, but it is also a guarantee mark. The work must be done with quality, when they pass through my hands I give them the finish, I notice that everything is as it should be in size, shape, nuance; if we do not do it well, the process cannot be completed, the cigar has to be in optimal conditions for trade.”

NO FEAR OF COVID-19

Parra López predicts good results for the year. "If in these months with the presence of the new coronavirus, which has been the most difficult, since about twenty twisters cannot come to the factory, we have succeeded, nothing will stop us.

“The other workers, with a lot of sacrifices and a sense of belonging, have mitigated these absences with an increase in their performances. And it is not a little above their daily deliveries; because 21 workers out of their jobs mean to stop twisting almost three thousand cigars daily and, in the month, almost 66 thousand, figures that we have not noticed thanks to the doubled effort of those who work here," he said.

For this contingency, the unit created a strategy to guarantee production and implement the measures ordered by the country's leadership.

"Ten fundamental actions are carried out, within which there is first the commitment to exceed the daily production by 120 percent, although many members of the group reach 130, which gives us the possibility of complying, without difficulties, with the foreseen.

"In this sense, measures have been applied and we are already seeing the results, since we have exceeded production parameters and no one has been infected with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus," said the director.

Jorge Luis Cera Rodríguez is a young twister, 30 years of age, who attests to this. He has been working in cigar making for almost six years and knows very well what is being asked of him in the face of this crisis.

“I have had to over-fulfill my production, and that is not easy. We have sacrificed ourselves a lot to guarantee the plans, even to exceed them. Some workers are vulnerable to the COVID-19 and cannot come, and production cannot go down because of it,” he explains, sure of his task.

“Our effort is needed and that is why I strive. Normally I twisted about 150 cigars per day without wasting time, now I give a little more of myself and I sacrifice free hours until I twist about 170 many times.

“Those results, of course, are not only favorable in quantity, but also in quality. To twist tobacco you have to like it, because it requires effort and dedication. Otherwise, you do not achieve the objectives. I really like what I do and I want to continue working here," he added.

Ana Margarita Moronta, has been in the "Vidal Navas" for 28 years, assumes the tasks of destemming and classification together with other colleagues. The leaves pass through her hands, which will later become exquisite cigars to the delight of many smokers. “I like, appreciate and respect my profession; this is my house,” she highlights.

And so, with those good vibes, they mark every day, positive energy that impregnates with their hands in the Habanos, so that these, in addition to bringing dividends to the national economy, also contribute to the show of who we are, of our Cuban culture and traditions in many regions of the world.