Scandinavian Tobacco Group has given its leading cigar brand Café Crème a facelift to create better standout for customers in the run up to the introduction of the tobacco display for small shops in April 2015.

Launching at the end January, the new packs will have a nod to the brand’s heritage with an on-pack flash stating ’Since 1963’, while giving greater prominence to the picture of the cigar as well as a bigger and bolder logo.

The image of a coffee cup, which has featured on packs since the brand was launched, has been removed in order to comply with potential new rules which could outlaw linking tobacco products to any other kind of food or drink.

“Originally launched in 1963, Café Crème has enjoyed huge success over the last 50 years which has allowed it to become not only the number one selling cigar in the UK, but also the world,” said STG UK head of marketing Alan Graham.

”The Café Crème family now accounts for 40% of the entire UK cigar market and is worth more than £74m in the UK alone, demonstrating just how popular the range has become with cigar smokers.

“With the arrival of the dark market in smaller stores looming ever closer, retailers should ensure they stock up on the redesigned packs now in order to make the most of the improved stand out and sales on offer as a result,” he added.

Graham said the next 15 months would be a very important period with brand-owners looking to ensure their brands are more visible ahead of the ban.