Cuba has emerged as the second most important market for Spanish beer exports, trailing only Portugal. The island imports 20% of the beer that Spain sells internationally, compared to 22% going to the Portuguese market, according to the latest Socioeconomic Report on the sector, presented this week by Cerveceros de España. For the first time in 2023, Cuba has surpassed both the United Kingdom and France in terms of Spanish beer imports.
"The rise of Cuba as the second destination for Spanish beer exports is due to a combination of factors," stated Jacobo Olalla Marañón, general director of the association that represents nearly all Spanish beer producers. Olalla Marañón attributes this growth to "greater commercial openness in Cuba following the easing of import restrictions since 2020, which has allowed the importation of beer and other various goods," along with the strong presence of Spanish hotel companies on the island.
Steady Increase in Spanish Beer Exports to Cuba
According to the report, Spanish beer exports to Cuba have shown a sustained increase between 2021 and 2023. In 2021, exports grew by 62%; in 2022, they surged another 196%; and in 2023, they grew an additional 193%, surpassing 800,000 hectoliters. This figure is staggering for a country suffering from chronic shortages of basic food supplies, where the population is facing a severe food crisis, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary Cubans to bring food to the table.
The data is not surprising when considering the inadequate production of Cuban beer brands, primarily the iconic Cristal and Bucanero, which have been in decline for years. The perpetual shortage of raw materials is compounded by the equally perpetual problem of obsolete machinery. Despite these challenges, a recent partnership between the state-owned Cuba-Ron and the Dutch company Swinkels Family Brewers led to the creation of a new brewery in the Mariel Special Development Zone, which has begun producing the new beer brand "Parranda."
Earlier this year, the increase in import tariffs on beer aimed at promoting national production made headlines. However, this measure has also raised the prices of imported beers, impacting both consumers and private businesses that rely on these imports.
FAQs on Spanish Beer Exports to Cuba
Given the recent rise in Spanish beer exports to Cuba, many questions have emerged about the factors driving this trend and its implications. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why has Cuba become the second largest market for Spanish beer exports?
Cuba's rise as a major market for Spanish beer exports can be attributed to increased commercial openness since 2020, which has allowed more imports, and the strong presence of Spanish hotel chains on the island.
How have Spanish beer exports to Cuba changed in recent years?
Spanish beer exports to Cuba have seen significant growth: a 62% increase in 2021, a 196% rise in 2022, and a further 193% growth in 2023, reaching over 800,000 hectoliters.
What challenges does the Cuban beer industry face?
The Cuban beer industry faces significant challenges, including chronic shortages of raw materials and outdated machinery, which have led to a decline in the production of local brands like Cristal and Bucanero.
What impact have increased import tariffs had on the Cuban beer market?
The increase in import tariffs aimed at encouraging national production has also raised the prices of imported beers, affecting both consumers and private businesses that rely on these imports.