It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Heinrich Villiger on Friday, 25th July, at the age of 95.
A towering figure in the global cigar industry, Heinrich Villiger will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He led the Villiger family business in Switzerland for over 75 years, leaving an indelible mark not only in his home country but across the international cigar community—both in the machine-made and premium cigar markets.
Villiger cigars are sold on every continent and have been available in the UK for more than half a century. In 1993, Hunters & Frankau entered into partnership with Villiger following the acquisition of Joseph Samuel & Sons. By that time, Heinrich Villiger and Nicholas Freeman had already established a strong relationship through their shared ties to Cuba and the Cuban cigar industry. The addition of Villiger to our portfolio marked a significant milestone in our company’s history, and we have been proud to represent the brand in the UK ever since.
Many of us at Hunters & Frankau have had the privilege of visiting the Villiger factories, often welcomed personally by Heinrich himself. He took great pride in showcasing the intricate processes, machinery, and materials behind his cigars. A generous host, a gifted teacher, and a source of great inspiration, he shared his knowledge and passion with warmth and enthusiasm.
Beyond his business, Heinrich played a vital role in shaping the industry through his leadership as Chairman of the German Cigar Manufacturers Association and the European Cigar Manufacturers Association (ECMA). His advocacy was especially significant during increasingly complex regulatory times, giving the cigar industry a strong and respected voice.
In a statement, Corina Villiger, his eldest daughter and a member of the Villiger board, said:
“It is with gratitude that we bid farewell to our father Heinrich Villiger, who has led the Villiger family business strategically and operationally with great commitment for 75 years. He loved cigars and cigarillos – and was a passionate entrepreneur and courageous visionary, setting a lasting mark on the tobacco industry in Switzerland and beyond. Our father leaves a big gap; the privilege of continuing the tradition of the family business in the fourth and fifth generations means a lot to us.”
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Villiger family, as well as to his many colleagues and friends around the world.
