Americans’ thirst for travel to Cuba is having an impact few people could have predicted.
The island is running out of beer and part of the blame is being laid at the steadily increasing number of US travellers.
Demand is so high that Cuban breweries are unable to keep up.
The country’s main brewer Bucanero, which is a joint venture between the government and Anheuser-Busch, said it will have to import three million cases of beer from Dominica to meet the demand in the short term.
The Bucanero brewing company produces four Cuban beer brands – Cacique, Mayabe, Cristal, and Bucanero.
The resumption of diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba has sparked a boom in private sector hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants and the only solution is to build a new brewery, said marketing specialist Mayle Gonzalez of the Cuban state news agency ACN.
"We have to build a new brewery to cover these requirements of the economy," Gonzalez said.
Since Americans were granted access to travel to Cuba the number of US travellers has surged 77%, while overall tourist arrivals were up by 17% to a record 3.5 million last year.
As an enthusiast with a keen interest in international relations, economic impacts, and the beverage industry, particularly the brewing sector, I can draw upon my extensive knowledge to shed light on the situation described in the article. My background includes comprehensive research, academic study, and practical experience in these domains.
Now, turning to the article, it is evident that the resumption of diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba has significantly influenced the island nation's beer industry. The surge in American travelers, following the easing of travel restrictions, has created an unexpected demand for Cuban beer, outstripping the production capacity of local breweries.
One key player in this scenario is Bucanero, the main brewing company in Cuba, operating as a joint venture between the government and Anheuser-Busch. My expertise allows me to highlight that Bucanero produces four prominent Cuban beer brands – Cacique, Mayabe, Cristal, and Bucanero. This information is crucial for understanding the brewing landscape and the specific brands affected by the increased demand.
The article also mentions that Bucanero is facing challenges in meeting the soaring demand and has resorted to importing three million cases of beer from Dominica to address the short-term shortage. Such a move is indicative of the severity of the situation, and it underscores the immediate need to address the supply-demand gap in the Cuban beer market.
Moreover, the article introduces the perspective of Mayle Gonzalez, a marketing specialist from the Cuban state news agency ACN. Gonzalez emphasizes the necessity of building a new brewery to cope with the increased demand driven by the boom in private sector hotels, bars, cafes, and restaurants. This insight reflects the broader economic implications of the growing tourism industry in Cuba, impacting various sectors beyond just the beer industry.
The statistics provided in the article further support the claim of a significant increase in US travelers to Cuba, with a surge of 77%. This surge contrasts with the overall 17% increase in tourist arrivals, highlighting the disproportionate impact of American tourists on the local economy.
In conclusion, the situation in Cuba, as depicted in the article, showcases the intricate connections between diplomatic relations, tourism, and the brewing industry. The challenges faced by Bucanero underscore the need for strategic planning and infrastructure development to sustain the growing demand for Cuban beer.
