By Brian Desind, Founder of Privada Cigar Club and The Limited Cigar Association
I’ve traveled to some places that would make most men reconsider their life choices. But Ecuador, with its cloud-covered mountains and rich, volcanic soil, has always been different. It’s the unsung hero of the cigar world, especially for its wrappers. If you’ve smoked a cigar with a Sumatra , Habano or Connecticut shade wrapper in the last decade, chances are it came from the lush valleys of Ecuador. In fact, nearly 70% of all premium cigar wrappers are grown there.
But now, a storm’s brewing.
Crime is surging in Ecuador. The quiet farms that once rolled out ton after ton of delicate tobacco leaves are now caught in the crossfire of something much darker—cartels, criminal syndicates, and a shadow war that’s gripping the nation. You see, the tobacco business here is no longer just about sun-grown leaves. It’s about survival.
Farmers from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Honduras—they used to come here every year, lured by Ecuador’s perfect growing conditions. They would bring their expertise to grow their wrappers, watch over their investments, and ensure the quality was up to snuff. But recently, many of those farmers found themselves kidnapped, ransomed, and released—at least, most of the time. It was always a dance with danger, but the stakes rarely escalated beyond that. No one ever really got hurt, or so we thought. That is, until one man’s wife didn’t make it home.
This year, things are different. I talk to farmers who are too scared to return. The risk outweighs the reward. And if you think that doesn’t matter to you as a cigar smoker, think again. Fewer farmers in Ecuador means fewer cigar wrappers. That’s a problem. When you smoke a cigar, you’re not just tasting the filler, you’re tasting the wrapper. It’s the wrapper that gives you those first notes of cedar, cinnamon, cocoa, or cream. Without Ecuador’s crop, you’re left with fewer options, higher prices, and the looming threat of shortages.
The prices of wrappers are already creeping up as supply tightens. In a few months, what used to be readily available might start to disappear from factory floors. And if you’re wondering why that $12 cigar is now $16, well, you can thank the chaos in Ecuador for part of that.
Some of the best cigars you’ve ever smoked owe their greatness to Ecuador’s perfect blend of climate and altitude. But with kidnappings, rising violence, and cartels choking the lifeblood out of the industry, those wrappers might just become the next rare commodity.
I’ve always believed that cigars are a labor of love—a culmination of time, tradition, and people. But when the people can no longer tend the fields, what happens to the tradition?
The simple truth is this: If Ecuador falls further into criminal chaos, we’re looking at a wrapper crisis. It’s going to change how cigars are made, how they’re priced, and whether or not you can get your hands on those favorite sticks you’ve come to rely on. This isn’t just Ecuador’s problem; it’s the cigar world’s problem.
And here’s the kicker—many are saying this is just the beginning.