This past weekend was one for the books as VSB London made its debut at AITS's Ignite24, the UK’s largest independent tobacco exhibition. Held on the beautiful grounds of Whittlebury Park, closely located to the heart of UK racing, Silverstone, this event was the perfect blend of business and pleasure, attracting enthusiasts and industry professionals from all corners of the country. It was our pleasure to be represented by none other than our founders, Sanjeev Lal and Vejay Lal, who brought their passion and expertise to the forefront.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was electric. The festivities kicked off with a fantastic BBQ on Friday evening. It was a perfect start, providing a relaxed and informal setting for attendees to mingle, share stories, and, of course, enjoy some fine cigars. The aroma of grilled delights combined with the rich scent of premium tobacco was simply irresistible.
Saturday was a day of discovery and connection. It was amazing to see so many people gathered under one roof, all sharing a common love for cigars and the culture surrounding them. Sanjeev and Vejay had the opportunity to meet with many industry veterans, emerging brands, and fellow aficionados. Some of these included; Paresh Patel from Bright Leaf Distribution, Scott Vines Tor Imports, Sean Croley from Hunters and Frankau, Mitchell Orchant from CGars, Nick Melillo from Foundation Cigars, Juan Ignacio from Joya De Nicaragua and soo many more. Sharing cigars and conversations with so many passionate individuals was truly a highlight of the event.
One of the standout moments was the release of the Quai Dorsay No. 54 by Hunters and Frankau. This new addition to the market drew significant attention, and for good reason. It's a cigar that is comparable to the much-loved Montecristo Edmundo, offering a unique blend that promises to be a new favourite among enthusiasts. We were thrilled to be among the first to experience it and can’t wait to share our thoughts with our community.
As the day turned into evening, Bright Leaf Distributions sponsored the Gala Meal on Saturday night. It was a sophisticated affair, filled with laughter, fine dining, and the continued enjoyment of world-class cigars. The gala provided the perfect backdrop for deeper conversations and the forging of new relationships within the industry. The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among attendees was palpable.
On Sunday the sun came out in full force and the terrace garden was nothing short of a vibrant cigar lounge in sunny Spain. The day continued with great interactions with customers and retailers and of course a few great smokes. Our first experience at Ignite24 was fantastic. It was a weekend filled with rich flavours, inspiring discussions, and unforgettable moments. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to represent VSB London at such a prestigious event and look forward to many more in the future.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and to those who took the time to connect with us. The world of tobacco in the UK is vibrant and thriving, and we are excited to be a part of its bright future. Here’s to many more cigars shared and friendships made.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from VSB London as we continue to explore and celebrate the world of premium tobacco. Cheers to the journey ahead!