B2B Wholesaler Magazine

Kretek International & Clipper

CLIPPER ANNOUNCES U.S. DISTRIBUTOR PARTNERSHIP WITH KRETEK INTERNATIONAL

Clipper 1959, S.L., a wholly owned subsidiary of Flamagas, S.A., proudly announces the appointment of Kretek International, Inc. as the official U.S. importer and distributor for Clipper, the world’s leading reusable lighter brand. This partnership, effective January 1, 2025, marks a sig nificant milestone in expanding Clipper’s footprint across diverse retail channels in the United States.

“The synergy with Kretek’s current brand portfolio provides Clipper with a robust new presence across all retail channels where we compete,” said Jorge Muñoz, Flamagas CEO. “Kretek’s extensive distribution network will also help us grow sales of Clipper’s utility lighters and butane hardware products.”

Clipper’s extensive range of flint and jet-flame pocket and utility lighters, along with a variety of accessories, are currently available in convenience stores, smoke shops, mass merchandise outlets, and leisure markets, includ ing cannabis dispensaries. This new partnership is set to enhance Clipper’s market reach and customer accessibility by joining Kretek International Inc.’s current nationally distributed portfolio of Djarum filtered cigars, Cuban Rounds premium cigars, Djarum Bliss nicotine-free clove smokes, High Tea tobacco-free wraps & cones, and new Splash brand non-tobacco filtered menthol smokes.

“In meetings with Clipper management, we realized that our business f it was more than just adding lighters to the Kretek portfolio,” stated Sean Cassar, President of Kretek. “Clipper’s growth goals, partnership attitude, and multi-channel strategy make them a proactive partner and an iconic global brand.”

As consumer demand for value and variety increases, Clipper’s reusable, safe, and collectible designs are poised to meet these needs, extending beyond traditional convenience and smoke shop channels to alternative markets, including the 15,000 cannabis dispensaries accessible to 79% of the U.S. adult population. NATIONAL TOBACCO COMPANY L.P., the former official distributor, will continue to commercialize its available stock of Clipper products until the current inventory is depleted.

For more information, visit www.Kretek.com or call 1-800-358-8100.

About Clipper Lighters

Clipper is the world’s number one reusable lighter. Since 1972, Clipper has stood for quality and value in the lighter category by redefining the way lighters are made and used. The Clipper brand offers a complete range of product solutions for reusable lighters and accessories, including reusable f lint and Jet-Flame lighters, replacement flint systems, and butane refill canisters, along with refillable utility lighters, and butane hardware prod ucts. Clipper’s small details make a big difference. The best example is the Clipper packing tool, a unique built-in feature for tamping down a briar pipe, roll-your-own cigarette or alternative smoke.

Clipper is one of the safest lighter brands available today. All Clipper products are fully insured and meet the child-resistant standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the ASTM lighter standard. Every feature is designed with safety in mind, from the choice of materials and fuel to lighter function and recessed flame. Because they are reusable, Clipper flint lighters are built to keep working nearly unlimited lights.

By reusing Clipper lighters, smokers can contribute to reducing plas tic waste. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste are dumped into oceans and landfills. More information is available at www.clipperus.com

About Kretek International, Inc.

Kretek International, Inc. is a privately held importing and marketing company with business concentrated in sales and distribution of imported premium cigars, small-filtered cigars, and tobacco-free smoking products. Kretek’s continuing mission is to provide superior quality and sustainable value in high-margin retail products for its customers and consumers.

Kretek is the official importer of Clipper reusable pocket lighters and utility lighters, new Splash nicotine-free filtered menthols, new Djarum Bliss nicotine-free Clove smokes, Djarum Filtered Cigars, Cuban Rounds and Slaughterhouse handmade imported Cigars, and High Tea non-tobacco hemp-free wraps and cones. A wider range of specialty cigar products is available through Kretek-owned national distributor Phillips & King.

The company is headquartered at 5449 Endeavor Court, Moorpark CA 93021, with sales representatives in major markets across the country. More information is available by e-mailing salesinfo@kretek.com or by calling 1-800-358-8100.