PCA Strengthens International Ties | Cigar Journal

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) was hosted by members of the diplomatic community in the United Kingdom during a series of meetings held between September 9–10, 2025, by its Director of International Affairs & Education, Ricardo Carioni.

Carioni met with the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in London, His Excellency Iván Romero Martínez, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Honduras, at the Embassy of Honduras, as well as with Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Carlos Espaillat, at their Diplomatic Mission in the British capital.

During these engagements, the diplomats graciously welcomed the PCA and expressed their firm support for the association’s international work. They highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the cigar culture and industry, which holds deep cultural value for their nations and remains an enduring link between communities in the United Kingdom and across the globe.

Carioni reaffirmed the PCA’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of its international mission. He underscored the PCA’s dedication to sharing knowledge on the heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of premium cigars, as well as fostering informed dialogue with policymakers, industry partners, and consumers. By focusing on education, the PCA seeks to build bridges of understanding and to ensure that the traditions of premium cigars are appreciated and preserved worldwide.

“Being welcomed by such esteemed members of the diplomatic community is both a privilege and a responsibility,” Carioni stated. “Education is at the heart of our mission—it allows us to protect cigar heritage, encourage cultural exchange, and engage meaningfully with stakeholders worldwide.”

These meetings in London underscore the PCA’s growing role as an educational and cultural voice for the premium cigar industry on the international stage, while reinforcing the bonds of friendship and collaboration with the global diplomatic community.