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The province of Camagüey has strengthened its production of cassava flour and dehydrated products, consolidating its position in the local food industry.
According to a report from the Cuban News Agency (ACN), the plant located at the Tayabito farm, belonging to the Sugar Agroindustry Services Company (Esazúcar), has a production capacity of five tons per day.
In 2024, this facility produced approximately 56 tons of cassava flour and aims to maintain or exceed that figure in 2025, ensuring the procurement of the necessary raw materials.
The cassava flour produced in Tayabito is used in the preparation of sausages, croquettes, hamburgers, and pastries, providing an alternative to imported wheat flour.
In addition to flour production, the Tayabito farm dedicates 110 hectares to the cultivation of cassava, squash, sweet potato, and banana.
Yuca flour has gained prominence in Cuba as an alternative in response to the shortage of wheat flour. Various provinces have implemented its production and use in the preparation of staple foods.
For example, in Cienfuegos, a plant in the Antonio Maceo Cooperative produces around 560 kilograms of cassava flour daily, intended for human consumption and the production of regulated bread.
The local government's plan aims to replace up to 30% of wheat flour in products such as bread, cookies, and pastry, as well as in the production of meat-based sausages.
In Ciego de Ávila, specialists have encouraged increasing the use of cassava flour in the production of breads and cookies, substituting up to 20% of the traditional mixture.
Moreover, in Artemisa, the opening of a new cassava flour factory in Caimito has been announced, belonging to the Ceiba Citrus Company.
With a production capacity of 200 to 1,200 kilograms per day, this plant aims to help alleviate the wheat flour deficit in the country.
Wheat flour shortage in Cuba
Since mid-2023, the shortage of this raw material has caused disruptions in the distribution of regulated bread in various provinces. For example, in June 2023, Santiago de Cuba experienced more than four days without regulated bread due to the lack of flour.
Despite the arrival of wheat shipments in 2024, such as the 21,000 tons unloaded at the port of Havana in April, the supply of bread has not managed to stabilize completely.
This situation led to the fact that in April 2024, seven municipalities in Havana ran out of rationed bread due to a lack of raw materials.
In light of this crisis, the Cuban government implemented measures such as the incorporation of extenders, including cassava flour, in the production of regulated household bread. Additionally, negotiations were made to purchase imported flour through non-state management methods to alleviate the shortage.
These difficulties have led to a greater reliance on micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the import and distribution of flour, which has sparked criticism due to the inequality in access to basic products
Frequently Asked Questions about Cassava Flour Production in Camagüey
What is the production capacity of cassava flour at the Tayabito plant?
The plant located at the Tayabito farm has a production capacity of five tons of cassava flour per day. In 2024, it produced approximately 56 tons and aims to maintain or exceed this figure in 2025.
What products are made with cassava flour in Camagüey?
The cassava flour produced in Camagüey is used in the preparation of sausages, croquettes, hamburgers, and pastries. It offers an alternative to imported wheat flour, which is scarce in Cuba.
How is the wheat flour shortage affecting consumption in Cuba?
The shortage of wheat flour has caused disruptions in the distribution of regulated bread in several provinces. The government has implemented measures such as the incorporation of cassava flour to alleviate this shortage.
What other provinces in Cuba are producing cassava flour?
In addition to Camagüey, provinces such as Cienfuegos and Ciego de Ávila are also producing cassava flour. Plants in cooperatives and factories are used to partially substitute wheat flour in staple products.
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