Earlier this month Altadis U.S.A. informed retailers of a price increase that went into effect yesterday. In a copy of a letter written by Javier Estades, general manager of premium cigars, Altadis U.S.A. cited production costs for the increase.

“Unfortunately, like others in our industry, we are subject to rising tobacco and manufacturing costs, which during the past few years have been come significant,” wrote Estades. “Consequently, we have been forced to revise our pricing structure to reflect a portion of these increases.”

January is the most popular month for manufacturers to raise prices, Altadis U.S.A. was one of more then a dozen to do so last year at this time.

As is often the case, end consumers may not immediately notice the increase as retailers work through stock purchased before January 19.