Vima World S.L., a Spanish food distribution company supplying Cuba's foreign currency stores and exporting products from the U.S. to the island, enlisted a Washington lobbying firm in July. This firm has strong connections to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the White House Chief of Staff, as disclosed by the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council through a filing under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
The LD-1 form submitted to Congress took effect on July 24, 2026, and was digitally signed on August 7. It describes Vima World S.L. as a company specializing in food distribution and logistics, focusing on supply, import, and distribution. The company engaged Continental Strategy LLC for $30,000 to manage trade, food industry, and foreign relations matters.
Seeking Opportunities in Latin America
The filing succinctly notes the company's goal: pursuing "project opportunities in Latin America." Notably, Cuba, which accounts for nearly half of the group's revenue, is absent from the document.
A Firm with Access to Washington's Power Centers
Choosing Continental Strategy was no coincidence. Founded by Carlos Trujillo, a former U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States during Trump's first administration and later nominated as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, the firm aims for tangible results through high-level access and sector expertise.
Partners with current administration ties also stand out, though they aren't listed in Vima's registration. Alberto Martínez, a managing partner in the Washington office, served as a trusted advisor to Rubio for over a decade, overseeing the senator's legislative agenda, public policy initiatives, and communication strategies.
John Barsa, another partner, was the acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development under Trump, promoting democracy initiatives in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Katie Wiles, also a firm partner, is the daughter of Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff since 2025.
Amidst Sanctions, Silence on Cuba
The timing of Vima's contract is telling. On May 1, 2026, Trump signed Executive Order 14404, introducing secondary sanctions for foreign companies dealing with blocked Cuban regime entities. On May 7, GAESA, the military's business conglomerate, was designated. Tecnoimport and Tecnotex, GAESA subsidiaries, were sanctioned on August 6, just before Vima's registration was signed and made public.
Vima's exposure is twofold. It operates in Cuba through Vima Caribe S.A., partnered with Tiendas Caribe, reportedly controlled by the military. Additionally, it exports food from the U.S. to the island via two subsidiaries, Vima USA Ltd, based in New York and Miami, making it subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
In May 2024, Vima signed a deal with Tiendas Caribe to manage 20 stores in Cuba. The group's Coruña subsidiary reported revenues of nearly 106 million euros in 2024, with about 49 million from Cuban operations.
Washington's Warning to Foreign Companies
During Vima's registration process, Juan Pablo Segura, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, issued a stark warning: "Foreign companies wishing to invest in Cuba must partner with a Cuban state enterprise, implicating them in the dictatorship's corruption scheme. For this reason, the Trump Administration has imposed secondary sanctions on all companies maintaining commercial ties with GAESA."
In this climate, Vima's choice to hire a firm with direct access to the Secretary of State and the White House appears as an effort to safeguard its position amid tightening regulations. Meanwhile, other Spanish companies, such as Meliá and Iberostar, have begun withdrawing from Cuba under similar sanction pressures.
FAQs on Vima World S.L.'s Lobbying Efforts and Sanctions
Why did Vima World S.L. hire a lobbying firm in Washington?
Vima World S.L. hired a lobbying firm to manage trade, food industry, and foreign relations matters, particularly as it navigates the challenges posed by new U.S. sanctions affecting its operations in Cuba.
How do the new sanctions affect Vima's operations in Cuba?
The new sanctions, introduced by Executive Order 14404, impose penalties on foreign companies dealing with Cuban entities under U.S. restrictions. This directly impacts Vima, which operates in Cuba and exports from the U.S., placing it under U.S. jurisdiction.
What is the significance of Vima's partnership with Tiendas Caribe?
Vima's partnership with Tiendas Caribe involves managing 20 stores in Cuba. Tiendas Caribe is reportedly controlled by the Cuban military, which could pose additional risks under U.S. sanctions targeting military-associated businesses.