Vima begins withdrawal from Cuba amid US sanctions on GAESA

Spanish food corporation Vima has begun withdrawing its operations from Cuba following intensified United States sanctions against the Cuban military business conglomerate, GAESA. On September 30, 2026, the company removed its branding and signage from its Havana retail location at Infanta and Santa Marta.

The withdrawal follows a comprehensive sanctions package announced by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on September 29. These measures prohibit indirect transactions with entities on the Cuba Restricted List and eliminate U-Turn transactions.

The economic impact on Vima is substantial; approximately 46% of the company’s food division revenue—roughly 49 million euros out of a 106 million euro total—was generated in Cuba. Beyond the retail storefront, the company has also emptied two of its three warehouses in the Berroa area of Havana.