2016 marked the fifth year of the prestigious Golden Band Awards presented by Davidoff. This black-tie event is held every year at the IPCPR convention and celebrates some of the best in the business. This year has something new: the category of “Canadian Depositaire of the Year.”
Canadian Depositaire of the Year
Although a new category, the competition was already fierce. Built to honor the Canadian Appointed Merchant with the highest sales and support for Davidoff, the pool included 50 appointed stores. Nottingham Cigars & Pipes, Sherwood Park found themselves in the top 5 spot. Although not ultimately winning, to be honored as one of the top 5 Davidoff Appointed Merchants was a huge honor.
The Winners
The Golden Band Awards honors merchants and individuals that have excelled in sales and support for the Davidoff name. The Top 5 for each category are listed with winner’s name in bold.
Best New Appointed Merchant
Fogue & Bates
ZT Cigars
Smoker’s Haven
Tobacco Grove
Franklin Cigar
Best Davidoff Merchandising
Franklin Cigar
Ambassador Fine Cigars
Tobacco Locker
Club Humidor
Just for Him
Best Davidoff Performance
Maxamar Cigars
Tobacconist of Greenwhich
Blend Bar Cigar
Hemingway
Regency Cigar Emporium
Best Davidoff Performance (Multi-Location)
Ambassador Fine Cigars
Club Cubano Cigars
Serious Cigars
Humidor of Westmont
DW International Distributors
Davidoff Growth Award
Hemingway
Maxamar Cigars
Buckhead Cigar Club
Mission Liquor & Tobacco
Doc James Tobacco
Davidoff Growth Award (Multi-Location)
Tinder Box #208
Puffs-n-Stuff
Smoke Inn
DW International Distributors
Ambassador Fine Cigars
Canadian Depositaire of the Year
Zigareen – A Simple Pleasure
The Humidor Cigar Co
Vasco
Cigar Connoisseurs
Nottingham Cigars & Pipes
Zino Legacy Award
Gary Kolesaire, Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
Industry Service Award
Ron Michelson, Briar Patch
Terry Gallagher, Smoker Friendly
Mike Copperman, Cigar Rights of America
Appointed Merchant of the Year
Blend Bar
Hemingway
Humidor and Lounge
Prime Cigar LLC
Doc James Tobacco Inc.