CAO
Cigar brand founded by Cano A. Ozgener, now owned by General Cigar. Known for bold, flavor-forward blends produced primarily in Nicaragua.
| Headquarters | United States |
|---|---|
| Heritage | American (Ozgener family) |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Owner | General Cigar Company (part of Scandinavian Tobacco Group); founded by Cano A. Ozgener |
| Flagship line | Brazilia |
| Price range | $6 – $16 |
| Strength | Mild – Full |
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History
CAO was founded in 1968 by Cano A. Ozgener, a Turkish-born engineer who began by importing and making meerschaum pipes and humidors before moving into premium cigars in the 1990s. The company name comes from the founder's initials.
Through the 1990s and 2000s CAO built a reputation for bold, boundary-pushing blends and eye-catching branding, with lines such as Brazilia, Italia, America and the Flavours series drawing a younger audience into premium cigars. The family ran the brand until it was acquired by General Cigar in 2007.
Today CAO is owned by General Cigar (part of Scandinavian Tobacco Group), with much of its production based in Estelí, Nicaragua. The brand is still known for adventurous blends and heavier, full-flavored smokes.
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Frequently asked questions
What does CAO stand for?
CAO comes from the initials of founder Cano A. Ozgener, who started the company in 1968.
Who owns CAO cigars?
CAO is owned by General Cigar Company, part of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, following its acquisition in 2007. It was originally a family business.
Where are CAO cigars made?
Most CAO cigars are produced in Estelí, Nicaragua, though the brand has used tobacco and factories from several countries over the years.