Guido Vandermarliere checking the cigar's quality.
Do you know the Vandermarlière Family of Cigars ?
Let’s embark on a cigar journey not to the Caribbean this time, but to good old Europe! You already know premium cigar brands like Oliva, Nub, Cain or recently Aliados, but did you know that Belgium is part of their history too?
Since July 2023, the Vandermarliere Family of Cigars group became owner of Les Fines Lames. Now that we are family with our Belgian neighbors, let's make the introductions...
The Vandermarliere Family of Cigars
The story begins in 1926 in the Belgian village of Moen, where founding father Maurits Vandermarliere started making cigars in his attic. Facing the growing demand, in 1936 Maurits had to open his first cigar factory in Heestert, producing around 60,000 cigars per year.
Maurits and his wife Angèle had 8 children. As it's always been a family matter, four sons (Marcel, William, Frans and Guido) and one son-in-law (Raphaël Vercruysse) joined their entrepreneur father over the following years!
In 1965, the youngest son, Guido was granted with all export's responsibilities. Handling that topic exceptionally well.
The Vandermarliere family is driven to succeed and acquires cigar manufacturer Neos Cigar and TAF in 1979, which owned the familiar brand J.Cortès amongst others.
Guido Vandermarliere who is now fully in charge, takes the company to the next level with smart marketing and strong production rigor. It was Guido’s idea to make the J. Cortès brand color blue. Reminiscent of the Cote d’Azur, it was a wink to the jet-setting leisure class and a brilliant move.
Les Fines Lames being based in Marseille (neighboring the Cote d'Azur), we can only deeply admire this inspiration.
Fred Vandermarliere.
From Belgium to Nicaragua
Passing on the generation, Guido's son Fred Vandermarliere, who was born nested in tobacco leaves, takes the lead of VCF in 2005. At this time, the company sells J.Cortès and different brands in 80 countries. Employing 2,000 employees worldwide!
Like his father, Fred runs the company with passion, craftsmanship, modesty, and a "work hard, play hard" mentality. Guido is never far away, always available to offer advice or a helping hand.
That's in 2016 that Fred fell in love with artisanal cigar company Oliva Cigars, based in the US and Nicaragua. Launched in 1995 by Gilberto Oliva and his children Gilberto Jr, Carlos, José and Jeanny, grandchildren of a certain Melanio Oliva, who was a tobacco grower in Pinar del Rio, Cuba.
A business marriage was set, and it turned out to be the party of the year. Adored by many aficionados, it's no secret that Oliva cigars are one of the most captivating and appreciated brands in the cigar world. The Oliva Serie V Melanio is particularly noteworthy, as it is one of the most popular and acclaimed creations in the industry.
Partnering with Les Fines Lames
"I have the luck to be born in a warm nest and to be able to continue a business that existed for many years; but besides continuing what is old, I think it is my task as well to help young starters in our industry to reach new heights." Fred says.
Looking back on VCF's almost 100-year history, we look forward to writing a beautiful story with VCF. For a bright future focused on quality, consistency, and a strong consumer focus.
