c 



a separate aiitl liiglily specialized di\ ision of the export 

 industry, the reliandling trade. 



TJiis trade came into being in the 1880's as a direct 

 result of a shipwreck on the northwest African coast. 

 Some of the vessel's cargo of tobacco leaf had been 

 salvaged. It had become black and gummy but the 

 inhabitants of the area liked it that way. Thereupon 

 a small number of American export companies went 

 into the business of supplying this special dark tobacco. 



Tradition has it that the original consignments of leaf, 

 once the trade began, were treated with oil as were the 

 hogsheads. This was a practical step necessitated by 

 poor harbor facilities or shallow waters. At various 

 points of entry in northwest Africa, the hogsheads were 

 floated ashore. Their oily coating protected the leaf 

 from a saline bath. 



Some fire-cured tobacco is included with the One 

 Sucker t\'pe. The blend is treated by methods regarded 

 as dark trade secrets. The preparation of Black Fat 

 (sometimes referred to as Dark African) is go\erned b\ 

 the various local markets for which it is intended, and 

 its utilization In \ ery knowing and particular consumers. 



onnoisseurs' market 



To prevent rejection by bu\ers, therefore, a dozen 

 stringent requirements apply to the final form of Black 

 Fat, among them being the grade, qualit\-, color, and 

 especially the length and widtii of leaf, the'dressing and 

 e\ en the shape and size of the container. Hands of four 

 to six leaves are steamed and then almost saturated with 

 mineral oil (partly as a preservati\e ) . Sometimes other 

 fla\orings are added and the treated product is packed 

 in boxes under \er\- high pressure. Then it is shipped, 

 chiefly to Nigeria and Western Africa-together these 

 countries took oxer 1.5 million pounds in 1971-and in 

 lar smaller amounts to otiier countries, includinu the 



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