The Cuban government announced this week that the management of 20 stores within the national territory will be handed over to the Spanish group VIMA. The announcement occurred during the celebration in Havana of the fourth International Fair of Food, Beverages, Packaging, and Food Technology, where the European entity and Tiendas Caribe signed an agreement to create an international economic association that will manage 20 commercial units in Cuba.
According to a publication by the official media outlet Cubadebate, the first stores to be included in this agreement will be the Paseo Market and the Infanta and Santa Martha Market, both located in the Cuban capital.
“Currently, we are preparing the furniture and all the equipment for operations,” said Amilkar Odelin Ante, Director of Marketing and Business at Tiendas Caribe. He also indicated that the presence of this Spanish group is not new, as it “has a wide portfolio of products known by the population.”
On his part, Víctor Moro, Executive Vice President of Grupo VIMA, highlighted that among the products they plan to commercialize on the Island are tomato puree, as well as “frozen products, ranges of fish, vegetables, chicken, pork, and milk, which we know have high demand in the country.” He also mentioned, “we are launching a new line of beans.”
In the midst of Cuba's economic crisis, the VIMA executive stated that they must “be there in good times and bad. Cuba is like our home, where we have excellent business partners who have never failed us, nor have we failed them.”
He also assured that the move towards online stores will happen simultaneously since the products “are already in place,” facilitating a more expedited process.
At this event, the proposals from the Empresa Cubana del Pan were notable due to the growing scarcity of products they offer Cuban families.
The photo shared by Cubadebate shows a scenario far removed from the reality of what Cubans can access.
Recently, Raúl Valdés Mantecón, Director of the Empresa Cubana del Pan in Cienfuegos, pointed out the reasons for the increased price of this staple food in the territory, one of which is the need to buy flour from private individuals, as cited by the Perlavisión channel.
Despite this, during the event held at Pabexpo, which marked its 25th anniversary, the company's workers organized tastings, pairings, and a Q&A session that rewarded participants with souvenirs.
Additionally, the joint venture Los Portales S.A., with Cuban capital and from the Swiss giant Nestlé, introduced its new line of flavored waters Ciego Montero, with three flavors: apple, melon, and pineapple.
Cubadebate highlighted, “The product's good reception by the public has been evident. The Ministry of Tourism has already started acquiring it to offer in its facilities. Other institutions and MLC stores have also shown interest in this novelty.”
The fourth International Fair of Food, Beverages, Packaging, and Food Technology took place during a critical moment for food security on the Island.
The government stated that the intention was to explore opportunities for food production in Cuba, with a focus on both the local population and the tourism sector.
Key Insights into VIMA's Management of Cuban Stores
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding VIMA’s new role in managing stores in Cuba, reflecting on the implications for the local economy and the products available to the Cuban population.
Why is VIMA taking over the management of 20 stores in Cuba?
The Cuban government has partnered with VIMA to improve the management and supply of essential goods, aiming to address the ongoing economic and food crisis.
What products will VIMA be offering in these stores?
VIMA plans to offer a variety of products, including tomato puree, frozen foods, fish, vegetables, chicken, pork, milk, and a new line of beans.
How will this partnership affect the local Cuban population?
The partnership aims to alleviate some of the food scarcity issues by ensuring a steady supply of essential goods, potentially easing the economic burden on Cuban families.