Cigar Trophy: Jorge Padrón receives the Lifetime Achievement, and More
The Cigar Trophy Awards 2026, held during InterTabac in Dortmund, were particularly special to witness for us at TOR, as Jorge Padrón from Padrón Cigars, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the premium cigar industry.
Before introducing the last award of the ceremony, Reinhold C. Widmayer, Cigar Journal's Editor-in-Chief, stated:
"Everybody of his family is involved in the business, and everybody in the world of cigars knows of him."
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Jorge reflected on his father's legacy, the late Don José Orlando Padrón, the importance of family and the people who have helped build Padrón into one of the world's most respected premium cigar brands.
He recognised the responsibility that had been passed on to him to preserve the family business for future generations. He also thanked his late mother, his wife Beba, his family, who mostly work for the family company, and the dedicated team in Nicaragua who share his commitment to producing exceptional cigars every day.
"This is not about me. There are many, many people along the way that have put me in the position to be where I am right now."
In his speech, Jorge also addressed the challenges facing the premium tobacco industry, including those in the UK, encouraging everyone in the room to continue fighting for its future and protecting the livelihoods and legacies of the families behind it.
"I will continue to fight for this family. I will continue to fight for this cigar industry."
A privilege to be part of the Padrón story
For over 20 years, TOR has proudly represented the Padrón brand in the United Kingdom. Through our shared values and working closely together, we have developed a strong bond with the Padrón family and feel incredibly fortunate to visit their tobacco fields and factory in Nicaragua every year as part of our educational TOR Tour for the trade.
These visits give us a deeper appreciation of the people and dedication behind every Padrón cigar, and make moments like this all the more special.
From the entire TOR Imports family, congratulations to Jorge and the whole Padrón family on this incredibly well-deserved achievement. We couldn't be happier for you!
More reasons to celebrate!
Jorge's Lifetime Achievement Award was not the only reason for celebration in Dortmund. Several other brands and products within the TOR Imports selected portfolio also received recognition at the Cigar Trophy Awards 2026.
We are delighted to congratulate our partners on the following achievements:
Best Brand Nicaragua 2026
Perdomo Legacy Shade Grown
Best Cigar Dominican Republic 2026
La Aurora Family Creed Fuerte Sol
Best Cigar Nicaragua 2026
Drew Estate Blackened M81 Maduro
Best Value Nicaragua 2026
Flor de Oliva Maduro
Best Humidor
Boveda Humidor
Best Cigar Tool
Les Fines Lames Punch Bracelet
Outstanding Art Celina Turrent Cabada
Congratulations to all our award-winning partners! We are proud to represent such an exceptional portfolio of brands and to work alongside the people who continue to make the premium cigar industry so special.
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