Good news for all lovers of traditional brands and especially for the loyal fans of Bernard Snuff Tobacco: The nearly 300-year-old brand lives on! After the news about the cessation of production at Bernard GmbH in Germany caused great uncertainty, there is now clarity. The renowned British manufacturer McChrystal's has taken over production and ensures that classics like Schmalzlerfranzl and Co. will continue to be available. But what does this mean exactly? Where is production now taking place? And what about the rumors of massive price increases due to British taxes? We shed light on the matter.
Traditional Brand in New Hands: McChrystal's Continues Bernard
It is official: McChrystal's (UK) Ltd., a traditional snuff tobacco manufacturer since 1926, will continue the production and blending of Bernard snuff tobaccos. The British company announced this in early August 2024 and emphasized that it has worked closely with the Bernard team to take over the original recipes and manufacturing processes. The commitment to preserving tradition is paramount – an important message for all connoisseurs who appreciate the unique quality of Bernard.
The background to this change was the unfortunately necessary closure of the Bernard plant in Sinzing near Regensburg in May 2024. The reason cited was the complex requirements of the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD3), particularly the Track & Trace system for supply chain tracking – a hurdle that apparently became too great for the traditional company.
Production in England: What Does This Mean for You?
The entire production of Bernard Snuff Tobacco now takes place at McChrystal's facilities in Leicester, England. The first batches produced by McChrystal's (such as Magic Moments Black or Winterpris) were already shipped to Germany shortly before August 2024, where Grimm & Triepel continues to act as distributor.
Whether it is legally a complete takeover or a licensing partnership (the Bernard website refers to a "licensing partner") is secondary for the consumer at first. The fact is: McChrystal's, an established manufacturer in the regulated British market, ensures the continuation of production according to proven recipes.
The Price Question: Will Bernard Snuff Tobaccos Become More Expensive Now?
The biggest concern for many fans was the pricing. Will high British tobacco taxes now be added due to production in the UK? Here we can give the all-clear, but also highlight a future factor:
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All-clear on British Tobacco Tax: The most important news first: The fear that high British excise taxes (Tobacco Products Duty) would cause prices to explode is unfounded. Official British guidelines (HMRC) clarify: Nasal snuff tobacco is exempt from this specific tax! This often-feared cost factor is therefore completely eliminated.
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The "Track & Trace" Factor: However, what will play a role is the British system for tracking tobacco products (Track & Trace). This system will be mandatory for snuff tobacco starting May 20, 2024. The implementation of such systems incurs costs for manufacturers and suppliers (codes, scanning, data management). It is possible that these compliance costs will be factored into pricing by McChrystal's in the future. Whether and when this will happen and how significant the impact would be is currently not yet known and depends on McChrystal's strategy.
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Other Cost Factors: Of course, general business costs such as VAT (which also applies in the UK), material, production, and logistics costs, as well as exchange rates, also influence the final price.
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Interim Conclusion on Prices: A shock from high British excise taxes is absent. Potential future price adjustments due to the Track & Trace implementation starting May 2024 or general cost developments are not excluded, but there are currently no official announcements regarding this.
What Remains, What Changes? A Look Ahead
The good news prevails: The Bernard brand, a piece of German tobacco history, remains intact. McChrystal's has clearly committed to maintaining the recipes and brings the necessary experience in snuff tobacco production. Production now takes place in England. While the specific UK excise tax is not a price driver, manufacturers and consumers must prepare for the upcoming Track & Trace requirements, which could potentially incur costs.
Conclusion: Bernard Snuff Tobacco – A Legend Lives On
For the large community of Bernard lovers, the continuation of the brand by McChrystal's is a relief. The commitment to quality and tradition seems assured. The concern about exploding prices due to British tobacco tax is unfounded. Future price adjustments are possible, as with any product (especially in the context of Track & Trace from May 2024), but the immediate threat from the UK tax burden does not exist for nasal snuff tobacco. We can therefore continue to hope for the availability of our beloved Bernard varieties!
Keep an eye on the availability of your favorite Bernard snuff tobaccos! At snustrend.com, you will always find a large selection of snuff tobaccos and other high-quality nicotine products.
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