As of today, Black Label Trading Company (BLTC) is taking over the branding and marketing of Emilio Cigars. Going forward, all cigar production will move to BLTC's factory, Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua. A lot of the Emilio lines are already rolled there including Cavatina, LJZ, Papa Joe and Grimalkin. Scott Zucca, owner of Emilio Cigars, will continue to be involved and will distribute cigars for both companies through his distribution company L.J. Zucca Inc.
James Brown, owner of BLTC and Oveja Negra says, “I'm very excited to take the Emilio brand to the next level. I believe this merger is the natural progression of things as we have been working closely with Scott Zucca over the past few years to expand the Emilio portfolio. We have big plans for the brand and I think it will fit well with our customer base. AF1 and AF2 will be releasing from Oveja Negra in the spring with Suave to follow. The Emilio portfolio gives me a lot of new blends to work with and as a cigar maker this is what keeps me inspired.”
