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Hunters & Frankau
Hunters & Frankau is the exclusive importer and distributor of Habanos in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1790, the firm serves as the sole official conduit for legitimate Cuban cigars entering the British market. For collectors and serious smokers, the company's name is synonymous with strict quality control, verified provenance, and the maintenance of traditional British smoking standards.
What it means
Hunters & Frankau manages the allocation, distribution, and marketing of all Cuban cigars within its territory, operating directly under the authority of Habanos S.A. The company is responsible for inspecting inbound shipments from Havana, verifying their condition, and ensuring they meet the standards expected by the UK market.
The firm is notable for being behind the English Market Selection (EMS) mark. This stamp is applied to boxes of Habanos that pass their visual and structural inspections before distribution. Additionally, Hunters & Frankau has driven the development of the UK's Regional Edition cigars, commissioning exclusive formats that cater specifically to British collectors.
Founded — Details: 1790
Role — Details: Exclusive UK Importer and Distributor of Habanos
Key Initiatives — Details: English Market Selection (EMS) mark, UK Regional Editions
Why it matters when buying
When purchasing Cuban cigars in the UK, the involvement of Hunters & Frankau is your primary guarantee of authenticity. Every box distributed through their supply chain is opened, inspected, and stamped. They check for construction issues, review the factory box codes, and ensure the cigars have not suffered from temperature or humidity fluctuations during transit from Cuba.
For collectors, a box distributed by Hunters & Frankau and bearing the EMS stamp carries an assurance of quality. It confirms the cigars have been correctly imported and held in appropriate storage conditions. If you are assessing a vintage or current production box, the presence of the distributor's mark is a critical factor in determining its provenance, alongside the standard Habanos seals.
Related terms
At MokaCigar
As a London Habanos specialist, MokaCigar sources our Cuban inventory exclusively through official channels, ensuring every box we offer bears the hallmark of legitimate UK importation. Whether you are adding a classic format to your humidor or seeking a specific factory code, you can explore our complete collection in the shop. For those verifying older boxes, our authenticity guides provide detailed references on distributor marks and Cuban seals.