Meat in Cuba: A Luxury Few Can Afford Amid Growing Scarcity

Cuba’s food crisis has turned meat into a luxury for most citizens, as soaring prices and low availability deepen inequalities.

A recent visit by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to the Base Business Unit Combinado Cárnico in Sancti Spíritus highlighted the stark realities faced by the population.

While officials touted advancements in meat production, the reality for Cuban families is much bleaker.

Meat Costs Beyond Reach for Most Cubans

The numbers paint a grim picture. A pound of beef in Cuba costs approximately 2,755 Cuban pesos, pork is priced around 1,400 pesos, and mutton exceeds 700 pesos.

These figures far exceed the average monthly income of 4,200 pesos and pensions capped at 1,500 pesos, leaving most unable to afford even the smallest portions.

The state allocates most meat products to tourism and state-run institutions, compounding the scarcity for everyday citizens.

Díaz-Canel’s visit showcased supposed “productive advancements,” but production remains far from meeting local demand.

Desperate Alternatives and Prioritization of Tourism

For many Cubans, the government’s alternative is to rely on bones and by-products, often sold under unsanitary conditions.

Reports from Havana describe beef bones and other scraps being sold from unrefrigerated trucks in the sun. Families, desperate for protein, pay over 150 pesos per pound for these less-than-ideal options.

Meanwhile, hotels catering to tourists are well-stocked with top-quality meat, reflecting a policy that prioritizes profits over citizens’ needs.

This long-standing approach perpetuates food inequality, leaving the Cuban populace struggling to secure basic sustenance.

A Symbol of Scarcity

Díaz-Canel’s visit underscores the contradictions between government rhetoric and the daily hardships of ordinary Cubans.

Though official statements highlight production improvements, the majority of the population continues to face severe shortages. Meat, a basic necessity elsewhere, remains an unattainable luxury for many in Cuba.

Explore the intersection of economic hardship and food scarcity in Cuba’s meat industry by visiting our homepage for updates.