Rocky Patel is expanding his cigar manufacturing operations with the introduction of a new factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
The announcement of the forthcoming Rocky Patel Premium Cigars S.A. factory is set for today, with the opening anticipated by the latter half of 2026. Positioned on approximately 14 acres (eight manzanas) in Estelí, Nicaragua, the facility will comprise eight buildings with the capacity to produce up to 60,000 cigars daily. The factory will encompass comprehensive cigar production processes, including tobacco fermentation in pilones, sorting, stripping, and storage.
The premises will also house office spaces, a cafeteria, medical services, and an innovative “cigar entertainment” feature, providing a lounge area reminiscent of a man cave.
This development signifies an integrated operation for Patel, benefitting from its proximity to the company’s Finca Villa Cuba farm. Located in Miraflor, the new complex is strategically placed near AJ Fernandez’s principal factory and Oliva Tobacco Co.’s facility in Estelí.
Rocky Patel initiated his Nicaraguan manufacturing journey in 2008 with the establishment of Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. (TAVICUSA) in Estelí. Patel shared with halfwheel the insight that the new factory’s rolling area will dwarf TAVICUSA’s by 15 times. Beyond its own Nicaraguan production, Patel has outsourced manufacturing to notable names like the Plasencia family, Scandinavian Tobacco Group, and Drew Estate. With the operation of the new factory, plans are in place to cease operations at TAVICUSA, further centralizing production efforts.
