Category Archives: kretek

Phillips & King Introduces New Brand and Digital Strategy

Posted on by

phillip

 

 

For immediate release:

Kretek Contact:
Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@kretek.com

Phillips & King Introduces New Brand and Digital Strategy

Phillips & King rolls out a bold new look and announces launch of a digital platform that will modernize the B2B tobacco and related wholesale categories.

(January 2022) Phillips & King International, Inc. is kicking off 2022 with a new brand identity and the announcement of a forthcoming new wholesale e-commerce platform. A distributor of thousands of diverse products since 1906, Phillips & King has a long, successful history serving independent and small chain convenience, tobacco, and liquor retailers across the United States.

Phillips & King is unveiling a new brand identity to mark the beginning of the next chapter in the company’s story. A contemporary refinement of the company’s “shield and knight” badge, the new logo signifies its mission to modernize the business, while paying homage to the equity earned over their 116-year heritage.

Phillips & King has embarked on a complete digital transformation of its business to better serve the evolving needs of its retail customers and brand partners. Over the course of this year, the company will be launching a host of enhancements to its business, including a new web platform expected to launch in early Q2 that will make it easier than ever for stores to discover and stock the products that consumers want most. Phillips & King will also be greatly expanding its product and category assortment to give emerging brands the ability to reach more buyers— and give stores access to the best new products on the market.

“The future of B2B wholesale commerce is both digital and highly-personalized,” says Jason Carignan, President of Phillips & King. “Our new web platform will enable us to more easily connect buyers and sellers across the industry and offer a more expansive array of products and categories- all while improving the personal connection our sales teams have with customers. We believe that retailers should be able to manage their entire business with ease from their mobile device and have access to business intelligence— and expert guidance— that helps drive inventory-buying decisions. This new platform is the first step in our quest to helping stores thrive in the new retail reality.”

To get an extensive first look at the new Phillips & King brand identity, those attending TPE 2022 can visit booth #4081 at the show, happening in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 26 – January 28, 2022. Visit phillipsandking.com for more information and to experience the future of business.

About Phillips & King

Phillips & King, a subsidiary of Kretek International, Inc., is a leading distributor of specialty tobacco, alternative smoking products, and accessories in the United States. Since 1906, the company has built a strong reputation by focusing on independent and small chain convenience, tobacco, and liquor retailers. Phillips & King offers an unparalleled catalog of products and ships to all 50 states, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and globally to US military bases, providing hassle-free tobacco tax compliance, easy web-ordering and a team of knowledgeable customer service experts. For more information, please visit phillipsandking.com.

Press Release: Patrick Hurd Departure from Kretek

Posted on by

 

For Immediate Release:

Kretek Contact:
Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@kretek.com

 

Kretek International, Inc. Announces Departure of Patrick Hurd, CSO

 

Moorpark, CA – April 30, 2021 – Kretek International, Inc., a leading American cigar and specialty tobacco manufacturer, importer, wholesaler and distributor announces the departure of long time Chief Sales Officer Patrick Hurd after two decades with the company. Hurd’s exit from the company is expected as of May 31, 2021.  


Patrick Hurd originally joined Kretek in November 2000, while launching its Canadian subsidiary, Kretek Canada. Under his leadership, as General Manager, Kretek Canada experienced extensive growth for eleven (11) years before he moved to the United States in June 2011 to launch Kretek International’s Ventura Cigar Company as its General Manager.  Hurd was promoted to Vice President Sales in 2013 and to Chief Sales Officer in 2017.   

 

Hurd leaves the company for personal reasons, to rejoin his family who moved back to Toronto, Canada full time in 2019.  The current Covid-19 crisis made commuting infeasible, which prompted Hurd’s decision to move back to Canada full-time.

Kretek International’s President, Sean Cassar commented, “Patrick has been a vital member of our executive team and a significant contributor to the growth of our proprietary brands.  He will be missed, but as a family business we appreciate the decision he’s made to focus on his family during these unprecedented times.”

Hurd remarked, “Leaving a family business as strong and tightly knit as Kretek is never an easy decision, but my own family is obviously my priority, and that means I need to be back home with them in Canada.  I also look forward to seeing my industry peers and customers at TPE 21 in Las Vegas, May 12-14, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.”

Kretek currently intends to enter into a consulting agreement with Hurd that will become effective upon his departure and has not announced a successor at this time.

 

# # #

About Kretek International, Inc.

Kretek International, Inc., parent company to DRYFT Sciences, LLC, Phillips & King, Ventura Cigar Company, and Tobacco Media Group (TMG) is a leading American importer, marketer, and distributor of cigars and specialty tobacco products sold by convenience, mass, and national retailers. For over 30 years, Kretek has enjoyed a strong reputation for providing exceptional customer relationships and top-quality goods. The company continues to offer standout brands like Djarum, Cuban Rounds, and Djeep Lighters to distribution channels across the United States and Canada, bringing value, high margins, and growth to retailers and distributors.

 

 

final- Patrick Hurd departure from kretek PR