Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel paid a visit to La Soria poultry farm in Quivicán, a municipality in the Mayabeque province, on Friday. This farm’s egg production is specifically intended for sale in dollars. Accompanying him was his close associate, Roberto Morales Ojeda, the PCC’s Secretary of Organization. According to a report by Radio Mayabeque, their main focus was on the farm’s sustainability, egg output from the 34,000 hens, and employee wages, encouraging workers to continue their "egg contribution."
As is often the case, the state-run media claims that La Soria, impacted by Hurricane Rafael in 2024, has recovered by 84% and is meeting production targets, though these goals remain unspecified. They also report that revenue from egg sales is reinvested in chicken feed and into the diet of children, elderly, and pregnant women in Quivicán, a claim only local residents can confirm or refute. Currently, the hens at La Soria are reportedly fed with high-quality imported feed from the Agroforestry Group Mayabeque.
This official narrative of success starkly contrasts with the widespread egg shortage across the country, leading to exorbitant prices. In August last year, Tiendas Caribe boasted on social media about the high demand for eggs sold at $5.95 in several Havana locations.
During that same month, the informal market saw egg prices soar to over 5,000 CUP per carton amidst the severe food crisis on the island. Despite the hardships, Cubans have maintained their humor. In summer 2024, a Cuban humorously protested the high egg prices by showcasing an empty egg carton and joking about spending nearly a dollar on shells.
Manuel Viera shared his frustration on Facebook, displaying a table with egg shells and sarcastically commenting, "And here I am! Waiting for creative recipe ideas to utilize egg shells. After paying over 100 CUP each... something has to be done with them."
In February 2025, at the Carlos III store in Havana, long lines formed to purchase eggs at 6 MLC, equivalent to 1,800 CUP, while in the informal market the price rose to 2,600 CUP. The reality is that Cuba imports a significant number of eggs. Information from the Dominican Republic authorities indicates that the country exports an average of 16.5 million eggs to Cuba monthly. In fact, the Dominican government has significantly increased the export of eggs and other agricultural products to various Caribbean islands and other countries, including Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Egg Supply Challenges
What is the current state of egg production at La Soria farm?
La Soria farm has reportedly recovered 84% from the impact of Hurricane Rafael in 2024 and is meeting unspecified production goals, focusing on dollar-based sales.
How has the egg shortage affected prices in Cuba?
The egg shortage has led to skyrocketing prices, with costs reaching over 5,000 CUP per carton in the informal market, highlighting the country's severe food crisis.
Where does Cuba import eggs from?
Cuba primarily imports eggs from the Dominican Republic, which exports an average of 16.5 million eggs to the island every month.