At the time of writing (July 2025), Cuba was experiencing one of the worst sugar cane and sugar crises in its history. The sugar cane harvest was bogged down and only 25% of the planned targets had been achieved. Eight out of 14 sugar mills had not started operating several months after the official start of the harvest.
This was due to technical difficulties caused by a lack of spare parts for crushing, in particular, but also to fuel shortages and the consequences of the various cyclones that had recently hit the island.
We therefore sought to find out whether this crisis, which has in fact been going on for several years, even decades (since the USSR stopped buying Cuban sugar), would have an impact on the availability of Cuban rums.
Indeed, these are sugar cane rums that can only be produced if the sugar mills supply them with molasses, and therefore receive sugar cane to produce sugar… The three best-established brands on the French market, Havana Club, Santiago de Cuba and Eminente, responded to our enquiries. The latter two sidestepped the issue, while the former provided us with some insights, which are as follows:
What is the situation in Cuba?
The structural decline of the sugar industry has been evident for several years, with a greater impact on sugar production than on molasses production (the raw material used to make rum). This is due to the general economic context and logistical constraints affecting the entire Cuban agricultural sector.
A lack of agricultural inputs (fertilisers, fuel) is affecting productivity. Difficult climatic conditions (prolonged droughts, poorly distributed rainfall). And more generally, a structural decline in the industry since the end of Soviet support in the 1990s, compounded by US economic sanctions limiting access to agricultural equipment.
Is Havana Club affected?
Fortunately, Havana Club has significant stocks of aged rum, managed strategically and proactively by our teams on the ground, who are monitoring the situation very closely, and by the Maestros del Ron Cubano.
Our production system is based on long-term planning, which guarantees continuity of supply even in times of tension. To date, there is no significant impact on the production or availability of our rums, including premium and super-premium products.
What solutions are being implemented?
Measures are being taken to offset the decline in sugar production, thanks to the awareness of our partner Cubaron and the strategic decision to prioritise the rum industry over the production of alcohol for industries not subject to designation of origin (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc.).
Continuous optimisation of the management of our stocks of base rum and aged/extra-aged rum. Close coordination with our Cuban agricultural and industrial partners to secure the volumes needed for production. Havana Club’s commitment to supporting the sugar cane industry in the long term, in conjunction with its local partners. Flexibility in blends and production volumes to adapt without compromising quality.
Will there be rum for Christmas?
Yes, without a doubt! Havana Club will be there for the festive season and much more! There is no cause for concern thanks to our premiumisation strategy and our constant adaptation to innovate in line with consumer trends.
For lovers of exceptional rums, the Icónica collection is the ideal gift to give or receive during the festive season – a celebration of Cuban excellence. Our distribution networks are fully operational, with solid forecasts until the end of the year. There is no risk of shortages for our main products, whether in supermarkets or the on-trade.