Amid severe shortages and skyrocketing prices, the Cuban government inaugurated the fourth International Food Fair in Havana on Tuesday. The event, which runs until Thursday, May 23, at the Pabexpo venue, features participation from over a hundred companies from 20 countries, including some from the Cuban private sector.
The regime touted the International Food, Beverage, Packaging, and Food Technology Fair as an opportunity to promote foreign investment, increase production capacities, and create projects to bolster the struggling national industry.
Alberto López Díaz, the Minister of the Food Industry, stated that the current context is "more complex" and emphasized the urgent need to reduce reliance on imports for national production.
The abundance showcased by state-run companies at the fair starkly contrasts with the empty shelves in supermarkets, at a time when inflation and the depreciation of the Cuban peso have eroded the purchasing power of the public.
While citizens struggle to put food on the table, the government exhibits products at the fair mainly destined for export or priced out of reach for most Cubans.
The EFE agency visited the stand of the state-run Empresa Cubana del Pan, where sweets, pastries, and bread made with imported raw materials are displayed due to the lack of domestic flour. For Julia María Babastro, the company's quality specialist, the Alimentos Cuba 2024 fair is "an opportunity to showcase what we do, despite the difficult situation."
In addition to joint ventures with foreign capital, the government seeks to attract Cubans living abroad to generate more income for purchasing raw materials and fuel.
The shortage of basic food items like milk, bread, rice, meat, sugar, and coffee is a daily reality for most Cubans, compounded by power outages and the deterioration of basic services such as healthcare and transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the International Food Fair in Havana
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the recent International Food Fair held in Havana, which may provide further insights into the event and its broader context.
What is the main purpose of the International Food Fair in Havana?
The fair aims to promote foreign investment, increase production capacities, and create projects to strengthen Cuba's national industry.
Who are the participants in this year's fair?
Over a hundred companies from 20 countries, including some from the Cuban private sector, are participating in the fair.
How does the fair contrast with the current situation in Cuba?
The abundance displayed at the fair contrasts sharply with the empty supermarket shelves and the severe shortages faced by the Cuban population.