Guantánamo launches coffee harvest aiming for 294,568 latas

The Guantánamo province in Cuba has launched its 2026-2027 coffee harvest across eight municipalities, setting a provincial goal of 294,568 latas. This campaign aims to recover from a previous harvest described by state media as “dismal,” which was severely impacted by heavy rains and Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 3 storm, made landfall in eastern Cuba in late October 2025, causing significant damage to plantations and infrastructure across several provinces, including Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín. Regional assessments estimated substantial crop losses following the storm.

As of September 17, the province reported an accumulated maturation of 25,535 latas, with the municipality of Maisí serving as the largest producer, contributing 20,395 units. Total collection reached 34,374 latas by that date, led by Maisí with over 20,800 units, followed by Yateras and El Salvador with more than 3,000 units each. Authorities have warned that while current maturation levels are moderate, high temperatures and recent rainfall could accelerate the process, creating logistical challenges in matching worker and equipment availability to the pace of ripening.