At Avanti, we’re always proud to showcase our Italian American roots. Without the Suraci brothers’ knowledge of tobacco and the skills they learned in Italy, we wouldn’t be where we are today. But how did tobacco get to Italy in the first place?
Long before the Suraci brothers were born in Italy, tobacco was growing in Central America. The cultivation of tobacco began around 5000 B.C., which means tobacco usage has been around for over 8,000 years! During this time period, tobacco was used in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes by Native Americans.
In 1492, Christopher Columbus reached America. The Native Americans shared tobacco with Columbus while he stayed in the Americas. When he returned to Europe with tobacco, it instantly became popular. Tobacco usage then spread across the entire continent during the 15th and 16th centuries.
When Dominic Anthony and Frank Suraci left Italy in 1901, tobacco usage had already spread worldwide. The Suraci brothers brought their knowledge of tobacco and their cigar-rolling skills back to America to serve the ever-growing population of Italian Americans and their love of cigars.
During their time in America, the Suraci brothers were able to grow and expand their business into the Avanti Cigar Company that we know today. The finest Italian cigars are now created with the best American tobacco. Talk about cigars that last for generations!
Want to get your hands on a part of American history? Shop our cigars here.