Heinrich Villiger, a prominent figure in the cigar industry and owner of Switzerland-based Villiger Söhne AG, passed away on July 25 at the age of 95. Renowned for being a formidable player in the industry, Villiger worked in the family business for 75 years. He was a key importer of Cuban cigars to several European countries and built factories in Nicaragua and Brazil.
Founded in 1888 by his grandfather, the company became a significant player under Heinrich’s leadership after he joined in 1951. He established 5th Ave Products Trading GmbH in 1989, becoming the exclusive importer of Cuban cigars for Germany, Austria, and Poland, and later ventured into the U.S. market with Villiger Cigars North America in 2016.
The company will remain family-owned, with Jvo Grundler as chairman and Villiger’s daughter Corina actively involved in the business. Corina expressed gratitude for her father’s legacy, noting his passion and vision for the tobacco industry.