Cuba launches first neighborhood markets to stabilize food supply

Cuba has launched its first 24 neighborhood markets as part of a broader transformation of the country's commerce, gastronomy, and service sectors. These markets aim to relocate and modernize the existing network of warehouses, markets, and butcher shops. The initiative seeks to bring essential goods closer to the population and mitigate product shortages previously addressed through the basic food basket.

According to Marpessa Portal de Villiers of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, these new establishments prioritize food and hygiene products, offering prices between 10% and 15% lower than other retailers. To encourage non-state economic actors to participate, the government is offering fiscal incentives, including a 5% reduction in sales tax and tax exemptions for those engaging in wholesale trade with selected domestic trade entities.

Despite these efforts to stabilize supply, food prices in Cuba continue to show significant volatility and regional disparities. Recent market reports indicate that prices for staples such as rice, chicken, and pork vary widely depending on the specific point of sale. For example, while some markets have seen price increases in meat and eggs, others have reported decreases in the cost of oil, sugar, and beans.