December arrives and with this month begins the end-of-year celebrations, which in Cuba have a protagonist: the pig and its precious meat. A guest that is becoming more and more impossible every year given the current prices. But what does pork taste like these days?
Undoubtedly, pork is many Cubans’ favorite food on special occasions, but it is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain. Production of this product has declined significantly since 2018 and is expected to continue to decline year after year.
According to the ruling party, the causes of this situation are multiple, including the lack of feed for the pigs, the presence of a disease that affects them and the economic embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba.
Due to the impoverished local industry, Cuba imports pork from numerous countries such as Spain, Mexico and Colombia. The truth is that it is December, the severe food crisis continues and pork prices have risen to levels beyond the reach of many.
Pork prices in Cuba: in Cuban pesos and MLC
Pork prices are respectable both on the black market in Cuban pesos and in freely convertible currency (MLC) stores. For example, in Villa Clara’s foreign exchange shops, a kilo of pork steak sells for more than $10, according to the EnviosCuba website. A pack of ribs, about $9, all on sale.
A few weeks ago, a pork manager from Las Tunas warned on the Cuban province’s local television that the already almost “unaffordable” price of pork would not go down in December.
“I have pork tomorrow at an excellent price of 420 pesos per pound, don’t miss the opportunity,” said a buying and selling group in Villa Clara on the social network Facebook today.
Meanwhile, in Havana, the Cuban capital, these groups spread messages such as “Boneless pork leg, 5 pounds, for 4,300 Cuban pesos” or “Boxes of chops, 10 pounds, for 10,500 pesos.” What does the “normal” Cuban have to pay for these prices?