The Italian government recognizes “a production tradition that for more than two centuries has combined territory, artisanal know-how and quality,” the group believes.

Toscano cigar has just been recognized as a “Historical Trademark” by the Italian Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Manifatture Sigaro Toscano (MST) announced in a press release.

This distinction is reserved for brands used continuously for more than 50 years and deeply rooted in their region. It places the Toscano “among the Italian excellences recognized and appreciated worldwide. This recognition certifies its heritage, reinforces its prestige and economic value, and ensures the protection of its authenticity in international markets,” the company stated.

This recognition “represents an important milestone for Antico Toscano and for MST. It confirms the value of a production tradition that, for more than two centuries, has combined territory, artisanal expertise, and quality, and which continues to make the Toscano a symbol of Made in Italy appreciated throughout the world,” said Stefano Mariotti, CEO of MST.

The history of the “Tuscan cigar” dates back to 1815, when a sudden summer downpour in Florence soaked a batch of tobacco left to dry. The resulting unexpected fermentation gave rise to a new, intense, and structured flavor that would become the distinctive signature of the Toscano.

Toscano cigars are rolled with Kentucky tobacco grown in Italy, fire cured, and fermented. Traditionally, they are broken in half before lighting.

To celebrate this recognition, MST is launching a special edition, already available in Italy and expected in other markets in a few months.

200 years of history

The fascinating story of TOSCANO^® cigars began in August 1815, in the tobacco plant in Florence. On that occasion, a batch of tobacco that had been left to dry in the summer sun was suddenly drenched by a violent downpour.

Given the immense amount of tobacco that then became unusable for its original purpose, the decision was taken to experiment with producing cheap cigars to be sold to the people of Florence. What happened was truly extraordinary: the water that had soaked the tobacco caused an unusual fermentation, giving the cigar a completely unmistakable taste.

It was at that moment that the legend of the TOSCANO^® cigar was born. It was an instant success, so much so that the regular production of these unique cigars began in 1818.

With over 200 years of history, the TOSCANO^® cigar is inextricably linked to the path and evolution of Italian history. It is an element of the culture, style and creativity of the great Italian manufacturing industry, a symbol of the Italian lifestyle.

Today MST is the guardian of this tradition and of a historical brand, one that is deeply rooted in Italian heritage while also open to an encounter with change and contemporaneity.