Sancti Spíritus launches Cuba's first wholesale Abasto.cu market

Cuba has launched its first wholesale market, Abasto.cu, in Sancti Spíritus. Operated by the ITH Trinidad wholesale company, the market is designed to streamline distribution by providing direct access to various products for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), self-employed workers, state entities, and private companies.

To access the wholesale goods, customers must meet a minimum purchase requirement of $200 USD or 24,000 CUP. The market offers industrial products, imported goods, and agricultural items, including meat, salt, and rice, with plans to add beans, pork, and lamb. The primary supplier is the Municipal Agroindustrial Company of Sancti Spíritus, supplemented by three SMEs and a foreign company.

Transactions can be completed using cash, point-of-sale terminals, QR codes, or bank transfers. While the initiative aims to improve the commercial circuit, the high minimum purchase threshold requires significant capital from participating clients.