Amidst the severe supply shortages plaguing Cuba and the rising influence of the private sector, OGBESA Multiservices has stepped up its game. Based in Miami, the company now offers wholesale food supply services to Cuban micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) interested in importing goods from the United States, all while adhering to the current legal framework.
Operating under the guidelines authorized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, OGBESA leverages the Agricultural License Exception (AGR), enabling the commercial export of agricultural and food products classified as EAR99 to approved entities on the island.
Targeting Key Cuban Sectors
As a wholesale supplier, OGBESA Multiservices aims to attract the interest of:
- Gastronomic MSMEs
- Private importers
- Food processing companies
- Tourism and hospitality projects
In a landscape marred by power outages, inflation, and chronic shortages, stable access to external suppliers has become a strategic necessity for many private businesses striving to maintain operations in Cuba.
Extensive Product Catalog
The commercial documentation linked to these operations indicates that the AGR exception allows the export of a diverse range of food items, including:
- Beef, pork, chicken, and turkey
- Sausages and processed foods
- Dairy products like powdered, evaporated, and condensed milk, cheeses, and yogurt
- Rice, flour, pasta, and cereals
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Vegetable oils
- Frozen products
- Sweets, snacks, and chocolates
- Supplies for the food industry
This regulatory framework mandates that transactions occur under commercial contracts signed prior to shipment and within specific timelines authorized by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
Regulatory Compliance in Operations
Exports facilitated through the AGR exception do not signify the lifting of the U.S. embargo; instead, they represent a distinct mechanism for the commercial sale of agricultural products. Transactions must also comply with U.S. Treasury Department (OFAC) regulations and cannot be transferred to unauthorized third parties.
For Cuban MSMEs, this scheme provides a formal avenue for structuring imports from the U.S. market, provided that all contractual and regulatory conditions are met.
In a context where the private sector is striving for consolidation despite the structural limitations of the Cuban economy, the introduction of specialized food export suppliers could significantly affect product availability and pricing dynamics within the domestic market.
Understanding Wholesale Food Supply to Cuba
What is the Agricultural License Exception (AGR)?
The Agricultural License Exception (AGR) allows for the commercial export of agricultural and food products classified as EAR99 to authorized entities in Cuba.
How does OGBESA Multiservices support Cuban businesses?
OGBESA Multiservices acts as a wholesale supplier, offering a wide range of food products to Cuban MSMEs, private importers, and businesses involved in food processing, tourism, and hospitality.
Are there specific regulations for these exports?
Yes, transactions must adhere to the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Treasury Department regulations and comply with specific contract and timeline requirements set by the Bureau of Industry and Security.