In 1961, the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba prevented the family from accessing Cuban tobacco, leading them to research raw materials from other regions. It was during this search that Alonso Menendez discovered the tobaccos of Bahia, Brazil.
The partnership between the Menendez family and Bahian tobacco resulted in an invitation from Mário Amerino Portugal to form a new venture. In 1977, Benjamin and Mário Amerino Portugal established Menendez Amerino & Cia. Ltda. in São Gonçalo dos Campos, Bahia.
In 1985, Benjamin Menendez moved to the Dominican Republic to become Vice President of General Cigar Company, then the largest cigar manufacturer in the world. In Brazil, Félix assumed the role of general director of the factory.
