Cuba's Dairy Market Overview

The dairy industry in Cuba is an integral part of the country's agricultural sector, serving as a significant source of nutrition and employment. Despite the challenges faced due to economic constraints and the embargo, Cuba continues to strive for improvements in its dairy production and processing capabilities.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

Cuba's dairy cattle population is approximately 1 million head. In recent years, the country has produced about 500 million liters of milk annually. Efforts are ongoing to increase the productivity of dairy cattle through better breeding practices and feed management.

Milk Processing and Product Manufacture

The volume of milk processed annually in Cuba is estimated at around 400 million liters. The country's cheese production volume is about 2,000 metric tons per year, while milk powder and whey production are still limited, with an approximate combined total of 500 metric tons annually.

Key Dairy Enterprises

• Empresa Complejo Lácteo de La Habana
• Empresa de Productos Lácteos Ciego de Ávila
• Lácteo Río Zaza

Significant Dairy Farms

• Valle del Perú Farm
• La Victoria Cooperative
• Las Vegas Farm

Trade: Exports and Imports

Due to local production constraints, Cuba imports a significant portion of its dairy products, roughly estimated at 250 million liters annually. The country imports mainly milk powder and other essential dairy commodities to meet domestic demand. Exports are minimal and primarily aimed at niche markets.

Recent Events in the Dairy Sector

One of the notable events in recent years was the collaboration between Cuba and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to enhance dairy production efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, bilateral talks with countries like India may further aid in technology transfer and investment in the dairy sector, aligning with the broader trend of strengthening LAC-India relations.

These efforts indicate a positive trajectory for Cuba's dairy industry, aiming to boost local production and reduce dependency on imports over time.

Modified: 2025/03/25

---