Avers CJSC was founded in 1998, with the first official contract to import cigarettes being signed in 1999 with Gallaher Ukraine Gallaher Group. In its beginnings, the company exclusively engaged in the import, distribution, and sale of cigarettes. This entailed the import of only two brands, Sobranie Black Russian and Sobranie Pinks, but the company has since expanded to import the products of 9
companies (Reemtsma CigarettenFabriken GmbH, Karelia Tobacco, Gallaher Group, Altadis, Scandinavian Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco, Papastratos, Concord Tobacco, ETI) becoming the sole distributor and official representative of these companies in the Republic of Armenia. In 2005, Avers CJSC sought to diversify in cigar products and negotiated contracts to become the exclusive distributor and importer of such global companies as Oettinger Group, Altadis USA, and Habanos. In an effort to expand sales the Davidoff Salon was opened, providing all of the tobacco products imported by Avers CJSC; cigarettes, cigars, as well as exclusive and collectible accessories. And although Reemtsma Cigaretten Fabriken GmbH has changed into Imperial Tobacco and merged with Altadis to become Imperial Tobacco Group, Avers CJSC has remained the sole distributor and importer of its products; also, the company still maintains its relationship with Karelia Tobacco Company. Since the founding of the company, Avers CJSC has grown significantly to become one of the premier importers of tobacco products. As a result of this continuous growth, the company has created a sales team of 50 employees responsible for direct delivery, stocking, and sales of the various tobacco products to their respective stores. Out of the total 50, 27 employees are responsible for sales in Yerevan while the remaining 23 are engaged in the supplying of tobacco products to the various regions outside of Yerevan, including Gyumri and Vanadzor. In addition to tobacco products, Avers CJSC has expanded to include wine and olives further diversifying its business ventures. With respect to wine, the company has signed deals with French companies Castel, Sobovi, and UDPSE along with the Italian company Casa Vinicola Alberto Bartali & Figli while the olives are imported from the Greek company, Siouras. Along with being one of the largest taxpayers in the Republic of Armenia, Avers CJSC currently employs 100 people and has 90 percent coverage throughout the entire country. Furthermore, Avers CJSC has established its own marketing group, the members of which are engaged in market research and advertising. As a result of its continuing success the company has purchased additional cars, built a new office, and is equipped with the latest technology necessary for maintaining a long lasting and successful business.
