Amidst the severe shortages plaguing the Cuban population, Cuban coffee has emerged as a luxury item on the international market and a rare treat in many households across the island. Countless Cubans start their day without their cherished morning brew. Most residents rely on coffee distributed through state-run stores, which, despite being "subsidized," remains out of reach for many, offering poor quality and often mixed with other grains or mysterious substances. Despite its inferior quality, it is neither plentiful nor timely in its arrival. Often, the regime skips coffee deliveries for months, forcing Cubans to resort to moringa tea as their morning drink.
Ironically, the government markets various brands of Cuban gourmet coffee internationally, hailed as the world's finest.
Global Recognition for Cuban Coffee
TasteAtlas recently released a list highlighting the world's top coffee beverages, placing Cuban coffee at the pinnacle with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. This prestigious ranking positions Cuba's coffee above 62 renowned coffees from countries with rich traditions in coffee trade and consumption, such as India, Italy, and Vietnam. Among the top ten are India’s “Indian Filter Coffee,” Greece’s “Espresso Freddo,” and Spain’s “Café Bombón,” yet Cuban coffee shines at the top, celebrated for its flavor and quality.
Regime’s Strategy for Global Coffee Sales
In recent years, the government has focused on exporting new coffee brands like "Crystal Mountain," "Guantanamero," and "Segrá," exclusively aimed at the international market. These coffees have been positioned as premium products, increasingly distancing themselves from the reach of the average Cuban consumer. In 2022, the price for a ton of commercial coffee ranged from $4,000 to $5,000, whereas a kilogram of specialty coffee could fetch up to $10,000.
The government began exporting Cuban coffee as a select market product in small batches, using the revenue to purchase low-quality coffee, which is then blended and sold under the rationing system. The regime lacks transparency in its commercial management of the coffee produced in the country. Experts claim that this sector is another revenue stream for the economy, with profits disappearing into a black hole.
Impact of Natural Disasters on Coffee Production
At the 2022 International Coffee Congress, the Cuban government showcased five specialty coffees, promoted as the gems of Cuba's agro-industry, exclusively for export. Recently, Hurricane Oscar severely damaged the coffee plantations in Maisí, Guantánamo, the second-largest coffee-producing region alongside Santiago. This event is likely to significantly impact the national economy in 2025.
The export of Cuban gourmet coffee illustrates the contradictions within the island’s economy. While celebrated internationally as the "best in the world," the Cuban populace is left staring at their empty cups, wondering: Who is drinking my coffee?