INNOVATION IN TRADITION

Against all odds, Jacob Yfrach, an expert and visionary farmer, is revolutionizing the tobacco industry by cultivating
high-altitude tobacco in both open-air and greenhouse environments in the mountains of the Dominican Republic. The cold temperatures and high humidity of these mountainous regions dramatically slow down
the processes of cultivation, drying, and fermentation, creating significant challenges.

This extended timeline increases the risk of crop loss and demands constant, meticulous monitoring to ensure quality. Despite these obstacles, these unique conditions result in tobacco that retains exceptional flavors and essential oils, giving Jacob’s cigars their unparalleled characteristics. His commitment to overcoming these challenges and pioneering innovation is setting a new standard in the premium cigar industry.

A Heritage of Farming

Jacob Yfrach hails from a family of Moroccan farmers who settled in the Middle East. Raised in a rural village in Israel alongside his parents and nine siblings, he grew up steeped in his family’s farming tradition.
After completing university studies in Israel, Jacob pursued a dual master’s degree in Plant Nutrition and Soil and Water Physics. He became an advisor in rural development for the Israeli government and
participated in agricultural projects for the United Nations in India and Nepal.

His professional journey eventually led him to the United States and Mexico. In Mexico, Jacob spearheaded advancements in agricultural technology, including the transition from surface irrigation to drip
irrigation and the implementation of greenhouse cultivation to increase crop yields.

These innovations enabled him to acquire and manage large tracts of land, partner with major agricultural companies, and build a successful career. After selling his equity in the company, he relocated to New
York, where he established a wholesale produce distribution business before finally moving to the Dominican Republic to pursue his passion for cultivation.

From Vegetables to Tobacco

In the Dominican Republic, Jacob initially grew cucumbers, tomatoes, and greenhouse peppers, exporting high-quality produce to New York and various regions across the United States. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he made the bold decision to pivot to tobacco cultivation. “I chose this path because tobacco products are
non-perishable, highly sought after, and have a global market,” he explained.

Jacob’s research revealed that traditional methods dominate tobacco cultivation. He envisioned a way to combine high-altitude farming and greenhouse technology to create a unique product. By growing in
Constanza—over 1,200 meters above sea level—Jacob developed a process that extends cultivation, drying, and fermentation times, retaining more flavors and essential oils. The mountains of Constanza, with their cold temperatures and high humidity, create conditions that dramatically slow down the cultivation, drying, and fermentation processes. While these conditions are ideal for developing complex flavors, they also present significant challenges. The slower timeline increases the risk of crop loss and requires meticulous monitoring to ensure quality. Despite these obstacles, Jacob’s dedication to mastering this complex process has resulted in a product that stands apart in the cigar industry.

A Personal Connection to Cigars

For Jacob, cigars represent more than justa business opportunity; they are a bridge between tradition, artistry, and personal passion. Growing up, he observed how cigars were often shared during significant
celebrations, symbolizing camaraderie and reflection. This connection deepened when he discovered the intricate craft behind cigar-making, from selecting the right leaves to mastering the fermentation process.

“A cigar is not just a product; it’s a story,” Jacob shared. “It’s about creating moments that bring people together. That’s what drives me to ensure each cigar carries its own unique experience.”

Achieving Consistency Through Innovation

Consistency is the cornerstone of Jacob’s cigar production. Achieving uniform flavor and strength requires meticulous attention to detail, as even leaves from the same plant can vary significantly. Jacob works closely with industry veterans Modesta Fondeur, Executive Vice President of Operations at General Cigar, and Daniel Núñez, former
President of General Cigar. Initially skeptical of Jacob’s unconventional approach, they now recognize the unique qualities of his tobacco, which undergoes an extended growing period, resulting in larger leaves
with distinct flavors and colors.

Natura Cigar: A Legacy in the Making

Natura Cigar launched its first blends in 2020, featuring both locally grown and imported tobacco. The lineup includes:

• Forest Blend: Wrapped in Connecticut leaf.
• Mustang: Featuring a Habano wrapper.
• Friesian: Wrapped in Maduro San
  Andres.
• Akhal Teke: A box-pressed Cameroon offering.
  
  Altura: The First Harvest
• Jacob’s first tobacco harvest included 18 varieties cultivated in both open fields and greenhouses. This initial crop has been reserved for the Altura line, a limited edition of 7,000 cigars. These Dominican puros
  have been aged for several years, earning accolades for their smooth, flavorful profiles. Aficionados compare the Altura to some of the rarest and most sought-after cigars in the industry. Packaged exclusively
  in boxes of 5, the Altura line represents the pinnacle of Natura’s craftsmanship. “We are proud to present the second harvest of
  Altura at PCA 2025, showcasing our continued dedication to excellence and innovation”, said Jacob.
• 
  Looking Ahead: Setting a Precedent
• Jacob’s vision for Natura Tobacco & Cigar Company is to gradually increase the amount of tobacco adapted to high-altitude cultivation while maintaining strict quality standards. “It’s a process full of trials and
  tribulations, as it’s a business where you invest with a long-term vision,” he explained. The company plans to release a new cigar with unique blends annually, appealing to consumers eager for fresh and distinctive experiences. “In the world of tobacco, there is room for everyone,” Jacob emphasized. “When you invest in high-end products, you allocate significant resources to production and research. I look to our
  techniques and innovations to set a precedent in the industry.”
• 
  A Legacy of Innovation in Tradition
  Natura Tobacco & Cigar Company stands at the intersection of heritage and innovation. With Jacob’s bold vision, dedication to quality, and relentless pursuit of excellence, the company is carving a niche in the premium cigar market, offering products that reflect the rich agricultural traditions of the Dominican Republic while setting new standards for the future.