Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group Inc.

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Εγγραφή: Σάβ Φεβ 03, 2018 10:43 am

Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group Inc.

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Αγαπητές φίλες & φίλοι του πούρου στην Ελλάδα και όχι μόνο,

Συνεχίζοντας τις international περιπλανήσεις μας στον κόσμο του γαλάζιου καπνού, σήμερα επισκεπτόμαστε έναν cigar πλανήτη εξωτικό και ασυνήθιστο:
Τον θαυμαστό κόσμο των Gurkha.

Απέναντι μας έχουμε έναν εξαιρετικό κύριο, και μάλιστα με «ελληνικό» παρελθόν, τον κ. Frank Dekok, international director του Gurkha Cigar group inc, τον οποίο ευχαριστούμε ιδιαιτέρως για την αποκλειστικότητα. (Στη φωτογραφία εικονίζεται στην αγαπημένη καρέκλα του Sir Winston Churchill στο JJ Fox Cigars - London).

Ο κ. Dekok μας διηγείται την ιστορία των Gurkha περιγράφοντας την αρχική «έμπνευση» του Kaizad Hansotia και τη μετεξέλιξη της σε όραμα, τα πρώτα βήματα της brand, τις καινοτόμες και πρωτοποριακές ιδέες που εισήγαγε στην παραγωγή πούρων, την καθιέρωση στην αγορά, και το μέλλον που ονειρεύονται οι σημερινοί άνθρωποι της.

Μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζουν επίσης τα όσα λέει για τη φιλοσοφία της εταιρείας, την ανταπόκριση που έχει στην ευρωπαϊκή αγορά, τα περίφημα His Majesty’s Reserve (τα πιο ακριβά πούρα στον κόσμο), τα κουβανέζικα καπνά, και την επιθυμία του για παρουσία της brand στην Ελληνική και Κυπριακή αγορά.

Αγαπητέ κ. Dekok, φίλε Frank, σε ευχαριστούμε θερμά γι’ αυτή την ιδιαίτερη τιμή!

-η συνέντευξη δημοσιεύεται ταυτόχρονα και στο International Section του φόρουμ
-ευχαριστούμε τον Θάνο (Tournesol) για τη συνδρομή του στο project των ξενόγλωσσων συνεντεύξεων


Εικόνα

1. CF: The Gurkha brand is one of the most popular brands in the cigar scene, with a rich a continuously growing portfolio, also holding a huge share of today’s cigar market. Could you give us a brief timeline of Gurkha Cigars progress through the years, including notable milestones since your very early days?

FD: The history of Gurkha Cigars goes back to 1887, when British soldiers in India imported cigars from the Caribbean. To honour the bravery of the Nepalese fighters in their army, they named the cigars after them, Gurkha Cigars were born.

In 1989 while on vacation in India, Kaizad Hansotia walked past a Portuguese man who was rolling and selling cigars out of a little hut. He was so enthralled with the man’s craftsmanship and enjoyed the cigars so much that he bought the man’s entire stock of branded Gurkha cigars for $149 with the idea that he would give his watch customers a complimentary cigar as a gift with their purchase. When they returned asking for more cigars, he realized he was on to something. He went back to the cigar hut to find out that he has bought the man’s entire inventory and therefore the entire Gurkha brand. Kaizad came back to the states and partnered with the highly respected Torano Cuban Cigar family to learn about the cigar industry and expand the Gurkha brand.

Gurkha cigars’ first success was Grand Reserve (Photo 1), a unique cigar infused with cognac, packed in a glass tube and sealed for long lasting freshness. A truly unique concept which aroused a lot of attention by cigar lovers and selling at a super premium price in those days, higher than any other brand on the market. In 1996 Gurkha made huge strides by releasing the His Majesty’s Reserve, a Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac-infused cigar, which still to this day retains the title as being the world’s most expensive cigar, which runs $30.000 per box today.(Photo 2)

Gurkha has always been setting trends with unique and innovative concepts, packaging and blends. Gurkha never follows other brands, that is paramount to Gurkha cigars. Initially Gurkha was selling in the Super Premium luxury segment, only. Gradually Gurkha was also launching cigars, which are still Premium, but more accessible in pricing , but of course top quality . Iconic brands were launched, such as Cellar Reserve series with 12-15-18-21 years of Aged tobaccos. Ghost and Royal Challenge were added, later followed by Heritage, Marquesa and Legend 1959. Gurkha accelerated its growth with these lines and became one of the leading Family Cigar companies. ( Photos 3-4-5-6-7-8)

In 2012 Gurkha started to develop internationally, we are currently selling in about 70 markets globally.

Εικόνα

2. CF: Your portfolio has increased in size remarkably over the years. You have introduced several new series of cigars with many different blends. Has this step been taken to cover the demands of the modern market or is it much more a part of Gurkha’s vision?

FD: This is always a combination. Gurkha has its vision on range and individual cigars, Gurkha is a concept of its own, and not a copy of Cuban products. Gurkha is always different and innovative. A Gurkha concept and cigar will therefore be always unique, but at the same time should of course be relevant to consumers. So we are of course always checking and testing these concepts and the cigars with consumers to be also in line with market demand and consumers wishes.

3. CF: Based on the market’s current conditions, do you think a mediocre or basic cigar would succeed in selling big, especially when it’s backed up by a consistent and costly marketing strategy?

FD: In principle you only buy a mediocre cigar once. There is an abundant offer of high quality cigars, especially from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, on the market. Most of the smokers of premium cigars are true aficionado’s and very knowledgeable. They will immediately recognize a mediocre cigar, whether it is highly advertised or not. There is however a segment of basic cigars selling at basic prices, these cigars fulfil what they promise and there is a market for these.

Εικόνα

4. CF: What are 3 key things that go into making a new blend?

FD: We first look at the market trends in terms of size and flavour profile, then we need
Identify the correct blend by working with blend masters, finally we make sure that
The packaging and artwork is tells a story and is constant with our brand, tying the experience together.

5. CF: If you had a way to describe all your cigars and your philosophy, what would that be?

FD: High end, rare tobacco’s and the best unique packaging that is unique to the brand.

6. CF: How much you think has today’s cigar market changed since the 90s?

FD: In the 90’’s premium cigars had the boom from 94 – 97. Then came a bad period,
Overstock, cheap cigars. It took about 3 years to clean the market. Now, it’s hard
To find bad cigars the consumer is more educated and savvy.

Εικόνα

7. CF: Are you satisfied with the impact of your cigars in the European market?

FD: Yes very satisfied, the acceptance and the growth of Gurkha in international markets has been fantastic. As said earlier we are now selling in 70 markets since we started in 2012. We are apart from myself, are Cristina Santana and Juan Lopez, who is next to Sales Director for the US market also member of the blending team. Both are coming over regularly to attend to cigar events in Europe.
In some markets we are even the number 1 selling non Cuban brand, and of course in other markets we still can improve. Gurkha does relatively well in markets where the cigar smokers are relatively younger ( When I say younger, I mean between 25 and 50 years). Gurkha has a younger age profile than that of other brands. Especially in the newer cigar markets in Central/Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia our market shares are higher than in the more traditional markets, although also here we are developing well. So not only the present but certainly also the future is for Gurkha!

Also Social media have contributed to this. We have many fans and followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The team in the USA is doing an excellent job here, Gurkha is active and successful in this field. Also individual Gurkha staff and many importers are active too, it all leads to a great community of Gurkha FANS worldwide, and I say FANS not just consumers, because FANS they are.

Εικόνα

8. CF: What do you consider as being different between Cuban and non-Cuban cigars (if there is any difference), with regards to the quality of the tobacco leaves but also with the level of production? Have you ever considered or been intrigued by the thought of making a cigar by blending together Cuban and non-Cuban tobacco? Do you think this would be of any real interest?

FD: There are two important differences, I think. One is that non Cuban cigars use tobaccos from all different origins, do have therefore more options in blending and are more flexible in case of bad crops . The other difference is that non Cuban brands are more innovative in bringing new concepts to the market.

A blend of Cuban and non Cuban tobaccos would indeed be a great idea and opportunity. In a way Gurkha has developed this and the cigars have been recently introduced in the USA and will come to Europe in the coming months. Gurkha Treinta and Gurkha Nicaraguan Series both come from the Aganorsa Leaf factory, using Aganorsa Leaf. This is grown from Cuban seeds on the most flavour full lands of the Northern part of Nicaragua, using the traditional slow method of Cuban growing-processing-fermenting-curing and ageing. The result is a fantastic flavour and aroma experience. You truly can say that with Gurkha Treinta and Gurkha Nicaraguan series the best of Cuban and non Cuban come together.

Εικόνα

9. CF: How many different cigars series have you currently got it production?

FD: 20 series as core brands. About 65 if you include everything else catalogs, private labels, etc.

10. CF: What would you identify as the reason for keeping Gurkha cigars so successful in a row and them being considered as one of the top cigar brands internationally?

FD: Gurkha is as said a concept in itself, never a copy, always different to any other brand in the market. Gurkha has been launching for many years in a row new and innovative concepts with excellent quality cigars in striking packaging. This all supported in a consistent way in both traditional and social media. Gurkha is a recognizable brand with an iconic brand name. This all together explains the success of Gurkha throughout the years.

Εικόνα

11. CF: Who you think is/are the most “inspired” tobacco blenders in the cigar industry today outside of Cuba?

FD: Inside or close to Gurkha there are: Damian Tapanes from American Caribbean, Louis Cuevas from Las Lavas , Yamil Tabares and Harold Zeledon from Aganorsa. Outside Gurkha it is for me Ernesto Perez-Carrillo.

12. CF: If you could pick three cigars from your brand that are special to you, which would these three be? And why?

FD: CELLAR RESERVE 15 years Solara Our Top cigar, medium bodied full of flavour and beautifully rolled. I love the shape, and immediately after lighting it, you taste the Criollo 1998 wrapper very well, then the blend is taking over, a very special experience.

NEW GURKHA REAL TORO Very very smooth and perfectly rolled. Mild to medium and I like the creamy taste.

HERITAGE NATURAL ROBUSTO Beautiful Rosado Habano wrapper, medium bodied with a nice bite in the beginning. I like the spicyness of the cigar and the touch of cedarwood.

Εικόνα

13. CF: What are your plans and your dreams for the future?

FD: No so much a dream, but a real expectation that Gurkha will continue to grow . As we are already in 70 markets the focus will be to get this growth in the current markets, with one exception, see next question!

14. CF: We would love to see your cigars been distributed and sold in our country. Are there any plans to do so? Any piece of information on the matter you could kindly share with us?

FD: I would love to introduce Gurkha in Greece. I personally have a special feeling and great memories to your beautiful country, because I lived and worked in Athens during 1988 -1991 and enjoyed the country, city and life very much.

So I hope one of the potential importers will read this interview and get interested and do contact me!!

Εικόνα

Pictures:

• Grand Reserve Cigar (1)
• HMR box (2)
• Cellar Reserve 15 Years Solara cigar and box (3)
• Gurkha GHOST Asura (4)
• Heritage Natural Robusto cigar (5)
• Gurkha Treinta box open (6)
• Gurkha Nicaragua series box open (7)
• Gurkha Marquesa (8)

Εικόνα
These users thanked the author Τάκης for the post (total 9):
Fairlightharmonicasigarassuleygiannislefteris cMixalis81JuniorPetranSvensk
papa was a rolling stone...
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admin
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Εγγραφή: Παρ Φεβ 02, 2018 1:04 pm

Re: Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group

Δημοσίευση από admin »

Ιδιαιτέρως ενδιαφέρουσα και συνάμα απολαυστική η συνέντευξη που παρουσιάζουμε σήμερα στο Cigarsforum.gr
Ευχαριστούμε θερμά τον έχοντα "ελληνικό παρελθόν" κ. Frank Dekok, international director των Gurkha, και ελπίζουμε κάποια στιγμή να δούμε και στην Ελλάδα πούρα της brand.

Η περιπλάνηση μας στις γαλάζιες φυτείες του κόσμου συνεχίζεται, αυτό το ταξίδι δεν τελειώνει ποτέ.
Αποτελεί μεγάλη χαρά για μας και συνιστά ιδιαίτερη τιμή, η ανταπόκριση γνωστών προσωπικοτήτων του πούρου στο κάλεσμα μας.
Διαθέτουμε τα γένια άλλωστε, και χρειάζεται πότε-πότε να τα ευλογάμε.
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sigaras
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Εγγραφή: Δευ Νοέμ 26, 2018 9:30 am

Re: Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group

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Συγχαρητήρια για την συνέντευξη παιδιά! Το φόρουμ σε νέες δόξες τραβά!
" κι έγιναν τα πάθη μας καπνός..."
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Tournesol
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Εγγραφή: Πέμ Μάιος 31, 2018 9:14 am

Re: Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group

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Ευχαριστούμε πολύ τον Φράνκ για τον χρόνο του και τις πολύ ενδιαφέρουσες απαντήσεις του!
Unyielding force of thought and spirit, shine!
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suleygiannis
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Εγγραφή: Τρί Φεβ 06, 2018 7:28 pm

Re: Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group

Δημοσίευση από suleygiannis »

Ευχαριστούμε από καρδιάς τον κ. Dekok για αυτήν την εξαιρετική συνέντευξη!
Ρε μαν ρε μπρο
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Στάθης
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Εγγραφή: Πέμ Μάιος 31, 2018 8:51 am

Re: Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group

Δημοσίευση από Στάθης »

Για μια ακόμη φορά Πολύ καλή δουλειά από τους διαχειριστές του φόρουμ.

Ευχαριστούμε τον κ. Dekok για την πολύ ουσιαστική και ενδιαφέρουσα συνέντευξη.

Και πάλι μπράβο παιδιά ✌️
Είμαστε για φυλακή
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Greekos
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Εγγραφή: Πέμ Μάιος 31, 2018 11:03 am

Re: Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group

Δημοσίευση από Greekos »

Πάρα πολύ ενδιαφέρον άρθρο.
Η συνέντευξη ήταν απολαυστική. Σας ευχαριστώ όλους όσοι συμμετέχουν για να γίνει πραγματικότητα.
Mr Dekok ήταν προνόμιο να σας διαβάσουμε
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harmonica
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Εγγραφή: Πέμ Φεβ 08, 2018 7:54 am

Re: Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group

Δημοσίευση από harmonica »

mr.Dekok ευχαριστούμε πολύ για την συνέντευξη και για τον χρόνο σας.
Βγήκε πολύ ζουμί,πάντα τέτοια guys..
"There are two things a man never forgets -his first love and his first cigar"
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Jazzman
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Εγγραφή: Δευ Σεπ 17, 2018 8:16 am

Re: Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group

Δημοσίευση από Jazzman »

Πολλά συγχαρητήρια σε όσους ασχολήθηκαν με το project και ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στο Φρανκ για το χρόνο του. Άλλη μια εξαιρετικά ενδιαφέρουσα συνέντευξη.
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Svensk
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Εγγραφή: Κυρ Φεβ 11, 2018 11:35 pm

Re: Gurkha: Οι Αδάμαστοι Πολεμιστές -Αποκλειστική Συνέντευξη του Frank Dekok, International Director Gurkha Cigar Group

Δημοσίευση από Svensk »

Συγχαρητήρια σε όσους ασχολήθηκαν με τη συνέντευξη.
Απολαυστικό διαβασμα.
Ευχαριστώ τον κύριο Dekok.
Το πούρο είναι η θεραπεία μου
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