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The Mexican company Richmeat, known for producing picadillo and sausages under the brand La Favorita, will take over the management and marketing of the commercial complex "La Favorita Meat Products Store" in Havana.
This new international economic partnership agreement was signed with the state-owned Cuban company Tiendas Caribe, as reported this week by the official media Cubadebate.
According to the agreement, the operation of the new store will encompass both retail and wholesale food sales, with an initial focus on meat products.
In addition to the retail operation at the physical location in Havana, there are plans to implement online sales and to open three new stores in the initial phase, with plans for expansion to other provinces in the future.
Richmeat has maintained a presence in the network of establishments and points of sale of Tiendas Caribe for over eight years.
The company was inaugurated in 2020. It was the first approved foreign user in the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) and currently employs a workforce that is predominantly Cuban.
Growing presence of Richmeat products in Cuba
Richmeat products, especially La Favorita ground meat and sausages, have been essential in the diet of many Cuban families due to the scarcity and high prices of traditional protein sources.
Nonetheless, its availability has been intermittent during certain periods due to interruptions in production and financial issues between the company and the Cuban Government.
On several occasions, the production line for the Premium seasoned mixed ground meat, known as the "tube of picadillo," has been halted.
In October 2024, the Mexican company, in coordination with the Embassy of Mexico in Cuba, made a donation of "100 tons of meat" to the families affected by Hurricane Oscar.
However, it was later clarified that the donation consisted of seasoned ground meat and not cuts of meat.
Signing of the agreement and expansion prospects
At this week's agreement signing, executives from Tiendas Caribe were present, including Ana María Ortega Tamayo, the General Director, along with those responsible for Marketing, Purchasing, Economics, and Legal Advisory.
Luis Alberto González Hernández, president; and Alejandra Chapela Díaz, vice president, along with other representatives from the Mexican company, participated on behalf of Richmeat.
According to Cubadebate, this new agreement strengthens the commitment of both entities to economic development and the diversification of options for Cuban consumers, anticipating a positive impact on the local and national economy.
The challenges of the meat market in Cuba
The sale of meat products in Cuba has been characterized by instability, a lack of foreign currency for imports, and limited local production. The entry of foreign investors like Richmeat aims to alleviate some of these issues, although it is not without criticism.
Recently,rumors and criticisms on social media regarding the quality and origin of the brand's products have circulated, affecting its image among Cuban consumers.
However, the fact that Richmeat continues to expand its presence in the Cuban market strengthens its role as one of the main protein suppliers on the island. Its business model, based on production in the ZEDM and distribution through the network of state-owned stores, could serve as a reference for future foreign investments in the Cuban food sector.
With this new step in their expansion, Richmeat and Tiendas Caribe aim to consolidate a partnership that promises to enhance the meat product offering for Cubans, in a context of food crisis and widespread scarcity.
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