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Cigar Packaging

How to Start a Private Label Cigar Brand: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Label Packaging and Branding.

Cigars have been a symbol of luxury and sophistication for centuries. As the popularity of cigars continues to rise, more and more cigar enthusiasts are looking to start their private-label cigar brand. However, creating a successful private-label cigar brand goes beyond selecting the right blend and flavors. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the packaging.

Packaging plays a vital role in creating an attractive and memorable image for your brand. It not only protects your cigars but also serves as a way to differentiate your product from others in the market. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about private-label cigar packaging.

NOVA Cigar Boxes

How to Start a Private Label Cigar Brand

Before we delve into the specifics of cigar packaging, it's essential to understand the steps involved in starting a private-label cigar brand. These steps include:

  1. Research and Development: Conduct thorough research on the cigar market, including popular blends, flavors, and packaging trends. Use this information to develop your unique blend that will set you apart from competitors.
  2. Branding: Create a compelling brand name and logo that resonates with your target audience.
  3. Production: Partner with an established cigar manufacturer to produce your cigars or invest in equipment to make them yourself.
  4. Packaging: Select appropriate packaging materials and designs that align with your brand image.
  5. Marketing and Distribution: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your brand and secure distribution channels for your products.

While all these steps are essential to success, packaging is most often overlooked. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of creating a unique blend and forget about packaging. However, packaging is often the first impression customers have of your brand and can make or break their decision to try your cigars.

What Goes Into Packaging and Branding?

Packaging and branding are two sides of the same coin. While packaging is the physical aspect, branding encompasses everything from logo design to brand messaging and marketing strategies. Regarding cigars, both elements need to work together cohesively to create an appealing product.

Let's start with packaging. The most common materials used for cigar packaging are wood boxes, paperboard boxes, metal tins, and glass jars. Each material has its pros and cons and can greatly impact the perceived value of your product.

For example, wooden boxes exude elegance and luxury but can be more expensive compared to paperboard boxes. Metal tins give a sleek and modern look, while glass jars provide a more vintage and artisanal feel. When selecting packaging materials, it's essential to consider your target audience and the image you want to portray.

Next is branding. Your brand should be a reflection of your company values and the message you want to convey. For cigar brands, this could mean emphasizing tradition, craftsmanship, or exclusivity. Your logo design should also be eye-catching and memorable, as it will be prominently displayed on your packaging.

What Does Private Label Cigar Branding Look Like?

Private-label cigar branding creates a unique identity for your brand through packaging and other marketing materials. It involves designing the logo, selecting the color scheme, and choosing the font that best represents your brand's values and image. Private-label branding goes beyond just the physical aspect of packaging - it's about creating a cohesive and consistent visual representation of your brand.

Types of Cigar Packaging

Now that you know the basics of packaging, let’s get into specifics: what kind of cigar packaging is on the market that you can use to make your product stand out as a private label?

While a big box factory is going to sway you into a standard cigar box, a custom packaging company like RetailPak has plenty of options to fit your style and will work with you to achieve your vision, whether you’re looking for box manufacturers that offer something a little different or something completely off the beaten path. Below are the options RetailPak has to offer with their own descriptions, which you can learn more about here:

  • Paper Packaging: This includes any type of wrapping paper, tissue paper, paper bags, printed label, or cigar bands. Paper is a highly versatile material and can be printed, decorated, and folded in numerous ways to create the desired brand experience you are seeking.
  • Paperboard Packaging: Paperboard is commonly used to protect and dispense cigars and provides higher perceived quality than paper alone. This includes collapsible cartons, product boxes, and rigid paper mailers. Paperboard is extremely versatile, with many printing, coloring, texturing, and folding options.
  • Cardboard Packaging: Cardboard is a popular choice for collapsible shipping cartons, retail displays, and highly durable rigid mailers. This material has many printing options, and usually, all surfaces can be customized according to brand requirements using double sided printing.
  • Rigid Boxes and Cases: Rigid boxes do not fold or collapse like paper materials and are, therefore, the ideal packaging material for protecting premium cigars and tobacco products. It is also a popular choice for those seeking the highest perceived value for their product. There are almost endless options with rigid materials.
  • Packaging with Glass and Ceramics: In some product categories, the use of glass containers, bottles, and jars is expected. Though glass and ceramics both offer some incredible options if your product can support a higher cost per unit. Ceramics can especially stand out from a product category dominated by wood, paper, and glass.
  • Wooden Boxes and Cases: Wood is one of our favorite rigid box materials. While a popular choice for pallets, crates, and boxes used for international trade, wood can also be used to craft truly exquisite packaging for cigars. Which is why wood is a very popular option for premium cigar boxes and humidors.
  • Packaging with Metal: Using metal in your cigar packaging design is highly rewarding once you see and feel the results in your hand. When almost every product today is made with paper or plastic, the few luxury brands using metal in their designs will always stand out on the retail shelf.

Some of our cigar projects.

Fratello Cigar Packaging

Why Custom Packaging For Private Label Cigars?

Private-label cigars are created and branded by a specific retailer or company rather than the manufacturer. The packaging is an integral part of this branding process, as it allows businesses to create a unique identity for their products.

Custom packaging gives you complete control over the design and appearance of your cigar boxes. You can choose everything from the material, size, shape, color scheme, graphics, and more. This level of customization ensures that your brand stands out on store shelves and attracts potential customers.

Moreover, custom packaging also protects your cigars during transportation and storage. It helps maintain the quality of your product and prevents any damage that can occur during shipping or handling. Additionally, it can also act as a marketing tool by featuring your brand logo and information on the packaging.

Think Outside the Box with Retail Pak

Investing in custom cigar packaging can make a significant difference to the perceived value and desirability of your product. Not only does it create an eye-catching design, but it also allows for personalization and customization according to your brand’s identity.

In today's competitive market, where consumers are constantly bombarded with options, having unique packaging can be the deciding factor in their purchase decision. It can also help build brand recognition and loyalty among customers.

At RetailPak, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovative packaging solutions for the cigar industry. With our expertise and state-of-the-art technology, we can bring your vision to life and create packaging that not only looks great but also protects your product.

How Do I Get Started with Custom Cigar Packaging?

Once you have an idea of what you want, you can start contacting custom packaging companies to discuss designs, materials, pricing, and more. Because this is customized to you and your company, you typically won’t get a cost estimate from packaging companies until you’ve met with them.

Work with us at Retail Pak. We streamline the entire process, delivering your custom food packaging from concept to completion in just 45 days. With our expertise, your product won't just be another item on the shelf—it will become a distinctive and memorable brand.

Drew Estate Custom Cigar Packaging
Retail Pak Design Team

From idea to product in less than 45 days.

So why settle for generic packaging when you can have a custom packaging design that truly represents your brand? Contact Retail Pak today and take your business to the next level. We’ll help you reinvigorate your business with exciting solutions designed to attract your ideal customers.