We look back
on 137 years VILLIGER.
The First Foundations of the VILLIGER Company
In 1888, 28-year-old merchant Jean Villiger founded a cigar factory named Villiger in his own home in Pfeffikon. He received strong support from his wife, Louise Villiger, who continued running the company after his early death in 1902.
A Strong Woman at the Helm
In 1907, Louise Villiger achieved a remarkable milestone: she launched the VILLIGER KIEL brand – the first cigar featuring the famous goose-quill mouthpiece.
Growth Through Expansion Into Germany
In 1910, Louise Villiger founded a subsidiary in Germany — today’s VILLIGER SÖHNE GmbH in Waldshut-Tiengen — successfully establishing Swiss quality on an international scale.
The Villiger Brothers Take Over
In 1918, Hans and Max Villiger took over the company and renamed it VILLIGER SÖHNE. They quickly accelerated its growth, opening branches in Munich and Schönaich and establishing satellite operations in rural areas. Their contributions include the highly successful products RIO 6 — well known in particular within the Wehrmacht — and VILLIGER EXPOR.
The War Leaves Its Mark
World War II (1939–1945) left visible marks on the company, halting development for several years. In 1943, an American air raid destroyed both Munich factories. In addition, the Waldshut-Tiengen facility had to shut down for a year in 1945 during the arrival of French occupation forces.
The Company Gains New Family Support
In 1950, reconstruction of the Munich factories began, and the company resolutely returned to its expansion strategy. At the same time, family support grew: Heinrich Villiger, the eldest son of Max Villiger, joined the company.
VILLIGER Remains a Family-Run Business
Heinrich Villiger initially assumed responsibility for purchasing raw tobacco. When Hans Villiger retired in 1954, Heinrich succeeded him. Just four years later, he was appointed Managing Director of VILLIGER SÖHNE GmbH in Waldshut-Tiengen.
One Company, One Family
After Heinrich, 25-year-old Kaspar Villiger entered the business, followed by Monika Villiger in 1967 as Head of Export. Together, the siblings opened another factory in Berlin, consolidated all subsidiaries, and introduced new products. For a time, the company also sold the popular Villiger bicycles.
Gold for VILLIGER
In 1976, VILLIGER became the first cigar manufacturer to sponsor a Formula One team — a decision that truly paid off. Shortly afterwards, the Shadow Racing Team with Alan Jones won the Austrian Grand Prix in Zeltweg. The sponsor car featuring Tabatip and Villiger Kiel branding received extensive media attention.
Bünde Becomes the Central VILLIGER Production Site
From 1983 onward, the company concentrated its production in a new factory in Bünde. The existing sites in Berlin, Munich, Heidenheim, and Bünde were gradually closed.
Joint Venture for Cuban Cigars
In 1989, 5th AVENUE PRODUCTS TRADING GmbH was established as a German-Cuban joint venture for the exclusive distribution of Cuban cigars in Germany. Distribution later expanded to Austria and Poland (2012).
Cuban Cigars in Switzerland
INTERTABAK AG was founded in 1995 as the official and exclusive direct importer of Habanos cigars and Mini Cubanos (cigarillos) for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Today, it distributes 26 Habanos brand families with around 300 formats, primarily through specialist tobacco retailers.
Founding of EL MUNDO DEL TABACO IMPORT GmbH
EL MUNDO DEL TABACO IMPORT GmbH was founded in 1997 to manage the import of non-Cuban premium cigars. A decade later, the company was integrated into VILLIGER SÖHNE GmbH.
VILLIGER Scores With a Strong Brand
In 1999, VILLIGER not only launched the successful CONSTELLATION cigarillo brand, but also founded the subsidiary PT. VILLIGER TOBACCO INDONESIA, where tobacco leaves are prepared for production. That same year, Monika Villiger retired.
VILLIGER Gains International Momentum
After the turn of the millennium, VILLIGER expanded its international presence by establishing distribution companies in the United States (VILLIGER NORTH AMERICA) and, in 2006, in France (VILLIGER FRANCE SARL). The company’s clear goal: to establish the brand worldwide.
130 Years of VILLIGER Cigar Tradition
In 2018, Heinrich Villiger remained at the helm of the VILLIGER SÖHNE Holding and looked back on 130 years of successful company history and family tradition.
Heinrich Villiger Celebrates His 90th Birthday
Heinrich Villiger was the oldest still-active cigar entrepreneur and continued to be one of the world’s leading tobacco experts.
VILLIGER goes to Nicaragua
In 2021, VILLIGER opened its own production facility in Nicaragua. Covering around 3,000 square meters near the Panamericana Highway, it became the country’s most modern cigar factory within just 12 months. Around 150 trained specialists produce approximately 16 brands in a variety of formats under the name VILLIGER DE NICARAGUA.
Heinrich Villiger Passes Away at the Age of 95
On July 25, 2025, Heinrich Villiger passed away at the age of 95. Until the end, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of VILLIGER SÖHNE Holding. As part of the third generation, he upheld the long family tradition of cigar craftsmanship. Under his leadership, VILLIGER developed into a renowned international company. The chairmanship was assumed by Jvo Grundler, who had served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the VILLIGER Group since 2020. With Corina Villiger and Lucien Villiger on the board, the company continues as a family-run business in the fourth and fifth generation.