01
Core Line
CAO America
The flagship. Nicaraguan-Honduran-Dominican blend, Cameroon wrapper. Distinctive patriotic-banded SKU.
Wholesale CAO cigars - distributed by MDC.
CAO is the Nicaraguan-and-Honduran catalog (owned by General Cigar) that built its reputation on distinctive blends - America, Brazilia, Flathead, La Traviata. MDC distributes the CAO core catalog to hospitality and retail partners where a fuller-bodied, flavor-forward alternative to Nicaraguan-only brands is wanted.
Years in CAO Rotation
14+
14 years·Trusted by Four Seasons, The Broadmoor, Caesars Entertainment
MDC + CAO
Why MDC stocks CAO
CAO occupies a specific niche in the premium cigar catalog: flavor-forward blends with wider production than most boutique brands, broader appeal than ultra-premium, and retail pricing that works for mid-tier hospitality and retail shelves.
MDC has distributed CAO since 2015. The core rotation includes America (the distinctive patriotic-banded flagship), Brazilia (Brazilian maduro), Flathead (rat-rod-themed v-cut vitolas), La Traviata (Nicaraguan puro with Habano wrapper), and Mx2 (double maduro).
CAO is strong in venues that want catalog depth - cigar bars, specialty retail, upscale liquor stores with a cigar program. The distinct blends each attract their own repeat- customer following, which means a well-stocked CAO shelf pulls regulars who come back for specific SKUs.
“CAO is in our standing rotation because the accounts we serve - from casinos to cigar bars - sell through it consistently. That's the only reason a brand stays on our line card.”
Core Line-up
CAO blends MDC distributes
Not every SKU in the CAO catalog is in our standing rotation - we curate to what actually moves at retail. These are the core lines we keep in depth.
02
Core Line
CAO Brazilia
Brazilian maduro wrapper, Nicaraguan filler. Rich, sweet profile. Premium maduro shelf pick.
03
Core Line
CAO Flathead
Rat-rod-themed series. Box-pressed v-cut vitolas. Distinctive packaging. Strong with younger cigar buyers.
04
Core Line
CAO La Traviata
Nicaraguan puro, Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Medium-full, approachable. Core mid-tier.
05
Core Line
CAO Mx2
Double maduro blend. Brazilian wrapper, Connecticut Broadleaf binder. Full-bodied.
06
Core Line
CAO Gold
Connecticut Shade wrapper. Mild-medium profile. Approachable pick for Connecticut-shelf rotation.
Venue Fit
Which venues stock CAO
CAO fits cigar bars, specialty retailers, upscale liquor stores, and hotel bars with broader catalog ambition. The America line specifically is a conversation cigar - the banding draws the eye in a humidor display, and the blend delivers on the visual promise.
Golf clubs with a younger member base rotate Flathead for the distinctive packaging and v-cut format. Liquor stores use La Traviata or Brazilia as the mid-tier pick. Cigar bars stock America, Brazilia, and Flathead as the three-SKU minimum CAO presence.
The retail margin math for CAO
CAO pricing runs 2.0–2.5× wholesale. A $7 wholesale America retails at $14–$18 and serves at $18–$24. A $9 wholesale Brazilia retails at $19–$25 and serves at $22–$32. Upper-tier Flathead and Mx2 at $11+ wholesale can serve at $28+ in cigar-bar service.
CAO's pricing dynamic is branded-blend differentiation. Customers who like America know the America taste; the blend consistency across batches supports repeat purchase. The distinctive visual banding is part of the premium perception even at mid-tier prices.
How to build a CAO program with MDC
The MDC approach to any brand is the same: start with a curated core rotation sized to your venue, prove sell-through, then layer in deeper SKU coverage as the account matures. For a typical hospitality account, a CAO program begins with 2–3 vitolas across 40–60 cigars of opening depth, paired with the other brands that complement your overall humidor structure.
Because CAO is one of the core workhorse brands in the category, it's almost always part of the MDC opening-proposal for any new account - the exact SKUs and depth vary by whether you're running a bar-led hospitality program, a dedicated cigar lounge, or a pro-shop display. Your rep builds the proposal fast once you apply, with real numbers keyed to your venue.
Related wholesale brands + programs
Other brands frequently paired with CAO in MDC programs: Rocky Patel , Perdomo , Oliva , Aj Fernandez . For the complete list of brands MDC distributes, see the wholesale cigar brands index. For the programs each brand fits - hospitality, retail, cigar bar - see Cigars for Hospitality and Cigars for Retail.
Wholesale FAQ
Buying CAO wholesale - common questions.
Who is the wholesale distributor for CAO cigars?
MDC Wholesale Cigars distributes CAO to licensed venues and retailers nationwide - casinos, hotels, steakhouses, golf shops, liquor stores, and cigar bars. CAO has been in MDC's standing rotation for 14+ years.
How do I buy CAO cigars wholesale?
Apply for an MDC wholesale account - it starts with a short qualification form. Once you're approved, your rep builds a curated first order with CAO SKUs matched to your venue. Most new accounts get their first shipment within a week of approval.
How much do CAO cigars cost wholesale?
Most premium boxes run roughly $80-$300 wholesale depending on the line and vitola, and venues typically retail at 1.8x-2.5x wholesale. Your exact CAO pricing depends on your account and order size - your rep quotes real numbers before you commit to anything.
Can I return CAO cigars that don't sell?
Yes. Every MDC order is backed by our no-risk exchange: if a CAO SKU doesn't move for your crowd, we swap it for one that will. Cigar orders over $1,000 ship free.
Ready to Stock CAO?
Open an MDC account. We'll tell you where CAO fits in your rotation.
Apply to open an MDC account. We'll look at your venue profile, your existing rotation (if any), and tell you exactly what a CAO program should look like on your floor - opening SKUs, depth, price points, and how it pairs with the rest of your humidor.
Cost of Waiting
Every month without CAO on your shelf is margin your competitors are collecting. Your rep can have it in your first shipment within a week of approval.
We only take 4 new accounts a month
4 spots open for July
P.S. CAO has been in MDC's standing rotation for 14+ years. If MDC can help your business, we can get you into a first shipment within a week of qualifying.