Cuba’s Agricultural Production: Sugar, Tobacco, and More

Export Leaders

• Sugarcane: #1 export; raw sugar ~8% world market.
• Tobacco: Premium cigars (Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta) – global luxury brand.
• Coffee: Arabica, high-altitude, distinctive flavor.
• Citrus: Orange, grapefruit, lime, lemon.
• Pineapple, Banana: Tropical fruit exports.

Domestic Staples

• Rice: Primary calorie source; largely self-sufficient.
• Vegetables: Tomato, pepper, onion, cucumber, beans.
• Fruits: Mango, avocado, papaya, guava.
• Livestock: Cattle (beef/dairy), pigs, poultry.
• Honey & Spices: Oregano, diverse honeys.

Challenges

Embargo, input shortages, aging infrastructure, climate vulnerability limit yields. Urban agriculture (organopónicos) mitigates food insecurity.