“Picadillo" (minced meat) as it is known in some regions of Latin America, Europe, and Asia (“giniling” in the Philippines) is a customary Cuban dish. As part of the island’s culinary tradition, the product continues to enjoy high demand among the island’s population.
Responding to this market is the main goal of the Mexican company Richmeat, whose subsidiary on the island, Richmeat of Cuba, is one of the first eight entities authorized to operate in the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM), located 45 kilometers west of Havana.
A 100% foreign owned venture, Richmeat of Cuba will function as a meat processing and packing plant, with plans to also export products to nearby markets from Mariel - located in the center of the Caribbean where the North-South/East-West axes of maritime trade intersect.
According to Alejandra Chapela, vice president of Richmeat Cuba S.A., another of the company’s key objectives is to contribute to the sustainable development of the Cuban economy, by manufacturing popular products within the country.
Before the ZEDM project emerged, explained the official, attempts were made to reach out to the national food industry; however the company failed to acquire the necessary approval. “Today, however, we are being offered a great investment opportunity, which we are very excited about, because we want to make the most of what Cuba has to offer, above all in relation to production chains,” noted Chapela.
During the initial stage, raw materials will brought over from Mexico to meet necessary quality levels. However, as the expert noted to Granma International, the company also plans to assist national producers, with the aim of substituting imports.
“It’s a very slow process, given the preparation and training required by this type of industry, but we will contribute through transferring technology, knowledge and other resources, to small, medium and large-scale producers interested in supplying Richmeat,” she added.
According to Chapela, despite the fact that minced turkey meat, sausages and hot dogs currently feature among the most popular meat products on the island, the company will start off by only producing various types of minced meats, given the simplicity of the process and ease of adapting to existing infrastructure.
She added that the products that will be manufactured have been tailored to Cuban tastes, in regards to flavors and textures, etc.
STRATEGIC LOCATION: A BONUS
In addition to expressing appreciation for the support of the Mariel Office, the director of Richmeat of Cuba stated that the Zone (which covers 465.4 square kilometers and offers a special tax regime), is a strategic position from which to access similar markets, such as Venezuela, but always in collaboration with Cuba.
Despite plans to gradually expand the plant, extending its services and products to food industries and services linked to the tourist sector, among others, the company’s main focus is supplying Cuban consumers.
Alejandra Chapela reported that, once pending licenses are approved, construction should begin at the end of 2015 and is to be completed within nine to 12 months.
Once in operation, with a majority Cuban workforce, the factory (with a maximum capacity of 1,500 tons) will aim to produce between 400 and 500 tons of meat every month.
It is worth noting that Richmeat’s debut in the Mariel trade zone comes in the context of the recent re-launch of ties between Cuba and Mexico, which includes the goal of increasing the presence of Mexican companies on the island.
