While in Cuba the difficulties persist in obtaining basic products like bread, milk, or eggs, the regime has proudly introduced a new line of cereals: Guaní, created specifically to supply the tourism sector.
According to a report by the Cuban News Agency, the product is the result of the joint venture Proxcor S.A., a merger between the Slovak company Proxenta and the Cuban state-owned enterprise Coralsa.
Its launch took place at the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, where the hotel groups Cubanacán and Gran Caribe signed agreements to ensure its distribution in tourist facilities.
Zuzana Skolárová, general manager of Proxcor, explained that Guaní was created to meet the demand for cereals in the tourism sector, as Cuba does not have a factory for this type of food and relies on imports from countries such as Spain and Mexico.
In parallel, he said, the company is involved in social projects in Caibarién, the town where the plant is located.
Alejandro Castellanos, marketing director, stated that the cereal is “natural, free of preservatives and artificial additives,” made with Cuban raw materials such as honey, cocoa, coconut, and peanuts.
All of this is packaged in "eco-friendly" wrappers, while in many Cuban households, food is transported in reused bottles and improvised containers.
Although foreign experts are hired, the recipe—according to the manager—is designed on the island and aims to position a product "of high quality and great taste."
“Very rich,” emphasized the executive, statements that can even be offensive in a reality where children, with a great deal of luck, may get to drink some milk in a week, and products like cereals are unthinkable.
Proxcor, which also produces sorbets and cookies, has been in operation since 2019, with sales primarily directed at state entities and non-state management forms.
In addition, it sponsors cultural and sports events, strengthening its presence in a market that remains selective.
The arrival of Guaní takes place in a country where cereal —as a daily food— is not part of the regular diet for most of the population, and where access to basic products remains characterized by shortages, a rationing booklet, and prices in the informal market.
In 2023, the Cuban government publicly acknowledged the structural and quality issues in the island's tourism services, despite the sector continuing to be one of its top economic priorities.
This admission came in a context where the precariousness of services contrasts with the state's insistence on promoting tourism as a driver of development, even at the expense of limited national resources.
Later, in 2024, the official Cuban press revealed that numerous hotels in the country were importing food from abroad to supply their guests, due to the inability to maintain the supply with domestic products.
This practice generated controversy, as it occurs in a country where there is a chronic shortage of basic products such as milk, bread, or rice, which directly impacts the population.
In February, a post on social media showcased the buffet of a five-star hotel in Cuba, where the scarcity was also evident: "there was rice," wrote a user who was surprised by the menu's austerity.
The publication reignited the debate about prioritizing tourism over the wellbeing of the Cuban people, highlighting that even in the most privileged areas of the economy, stable supply is not achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guaní Cereal and the Food Situation in Cuba
What is Guaní cereal and what was it created for?
The Guaní cereal is a new line of cereals created by the mixed company Proxcor S.A., a collaboration between the Slovak company Proxenta and the Cuban state-owned Coralsa. This cereal has been specifically developed to supply the tourism sector in Cuba, in a context where the population faces shortages of basic products.
Why is the launch of the Guaní cereal being criticized?
The launch of the Guaní cereal has been criticized because while this product is being introduced for tourists, the Cuban population faces serious difficulties accessing basic goods like bread, milk, and eggs. The creation of a cereal for tourists highlights the disconnect between the needs of the people and the priorities of the Cuban regime.
How is the shortage of basic goods affecting Cubans?
The scarcity of basic products in Cuba is severely impacting the lives of Cubans, who have to face long lines and high prices to obtain essential food. The economic crisis has left many without access to necessary products for their daily survival, while the regime prioritizes sectors such as tourism.
What impact does dollarization have on the Cuban economy?
The dollarization of the Cuban economy has increased inequalities by prioritizing the sale of products in dollars, while the majority of the population receives their salary in Cuban pesos. This limits access to basic consumer goods and creates a parallel market that only those with foreign currency can access, exacerbating the economic and social crisis on the island.
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