Paralyzed yogurt production in Sancti Spíritus due to lack of soybeans

The production of soy yogurt in Sancti Spíritus is paralyzed due to lack of raw materials and cannot be resumed at least until the first half of February.

A note from the weeklyEscambray reveals that the Río Zaza Dairy Company keeps that production line stopped because it does not have soybeans to make the yogurt that is intended for children from seven to 13 years old and for school snacks.

Alexander Pentón Rodríguez, director of collection and production of the entity, reported that the ship that transports the legume is already heading to Cuba and that as soon as it enters the province it will begin processing.

According to the manager, this time without activity is used to maintain the process line, which has been in operation for many years.

I also knowhas affected the delivery of milk to people on medical diets residing in the municipalities of Trinidad and Sancti Spíritus, which receive it from the industry (the rest is directly through the farmers).

These users, with certain health problems, are receiving milk intermittently due to low volumes in the milk collection. According to Pentón Rodríguez, the company tries to get it to them at least once a week.

"We are receiving between 17,000 and 20,000 liters a day, when in reality our demand is around 22,000, but of that figure we allocate about 3,000 to make natural yogurt for school snacks, due to the lack of soy, which influences non-compliance with the delivery of the diets," he explained.

"The priority is for children's milk, then pregnant women and finally diets," he said.

This situation will last until the delivery of milk from the production bases increases, which happens with the arrival of spring. Meanwhile, milk deliveries for the different programs will continue to be limited, as well as the production of ice cream, cheese, yogurt and others.

The problem with yogurt in Sancti Spíritus goes back years.

In August 2022, the government announced that that monthcould not guarantee its distribution for children between seven and 13 years old, and that he was considering replacing it with another product, although he did not define which one.

Although the authorities did not explain the origin of the problem at the time, official reports from May in Ciego de Ávila said that there was a shortage of raw materials.

In April of that year, soy yogurt could not be delivered and the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) announced thatI would sell smoothie mix instead. At that time the deficit of raw materials affected about ten provinces.

According to a note published on its website, the replacement will be carried out in ten provinces, while the distribution of the precious food is ensured in the remaining six.

Given the inability of the Sancti Spiritus industry to guarantee food, the local official press reported dissatisfaction about the instability in the sale of the product.

In statements to the local portal "Visiones", of the newspaperEscambray, several Cubans said that theSales of yogurt and milk have become unstable not only because of the shortage, but because of the sudden changes in sales hours, which affect those who live in towns far from the wineries.