After a nine-month halt due to the energy crisis, the Yumurí Factory in Matanzas, commonly referred to as "la Chichí," has resumed its production of salt cookies. These will be available in packages weighing 500 grams and one kilogram, priced at 500 and 1,000 pesos, respectively.
The factory, part of the Matanzas Basic Food Enterprise Unit, was initially shut down on December 26 due to prolonged blackouts that rendered operations unsustainable.
As reported by TV Yumurí, the factory's revival was made possible by the installation of a solar photovoltaic energy system. This system includes 256 solar panels, batteries capable of storing up to 260 kWh, and four 50 kW inverters, generating approximately 161 kW of power.
This project was executed by the Enerza Villa Clara Local Development Project in collaboration with Copextel Matanzas under a turnkey contract, maintaining employment for 45 workers.
Price Hikes Explained by Rising Raw Material Costs
Company officials, quoted in TV Yumurí's video, attribute the price increase to the rising cost of raw materials: "As global market prices rise, the cost of raw materials changes, necessitating a new cost sheet, which in turn affects the product's price."
The same executives assured an organized distribution: "This will reach every family unit through a distribution plan executed across all popular councils at the bread sale points of our units."
They also announced differentiated production for the basic food basket and social or vulnerable cases, along with the option for electronic payments.
Production Goals and Public Skepticism
The goal is to produce two tons of cookies daily, and the solar system is expected to save approximately 18,000 liters of oil monthly.
However, the announcement has sparked skepticism among Matanzas residents, who doubt the product will truly reach the population.
"Lots of photos, but where are the cookies?" questioned one user on the telecenter's Facebook post.
Another commented on the prices: "At 500, it's improving... with the only detail that you need to be a millionaire."
A third remark highlighted the plight of retirees: "If cookies cost 2,000 and a retiree earns 3,000, how many can they buy?"
Concerns Over Distribution and Affordability
Several users reported that resellers have already started selling on the streets for 2,000 pesos.
Another user highlighted a common distribution pattern: "Now they start inventing and take them to pastry shops on the ration card, one package per household, even if there are 15 people."
The widespread skepticism isn't unwarranted. "When there was electricity, the public never saw these cookies for regular sale, and now even less, as everything is dollarized," wrote a user.
One comment criticized the government's usual empty promises with unattainable goals. "It's not about slogans. It's about offering them in all Matanzas markets at prices a minimum wage can afford. Because we're talking about simple cookies, not an expensive property."
Another questioned celebrating the mere production of cookies amid the current food crisis. "Where's the bread to give to the people? The children don't have snacks."
Challenges Beyond Power Outages
Despite the government's assurances that solar panels will sustain production, the reality is that power outages aren't the only hurdle for Cuba's food industry.
In addition to years of neglected maintenance of wheat mills, the production of bread, cookies, and sweets suffers from a chronic shortage of wheat flour. During the first half of 2025, the Ministry of Food Industry (MINAL) received only 55% of the expected wheat supply, with 17 sector companies closing that period with losses.
In Cienfuegos, December 2025 saw the provincial Commerce Business Group distributing just 1 kg of salt cookies per household as an additional rationed product.
Unable to secure the necessary flour, several state companies have turned to substitutes. Since 2022, the Ciego de Ávila food company has been producing cookies with cassava flour, and Camagüey has also adopted cassava flour for sausages and croquettes.
Even moringa powder is being used to make cookies and other products in La Sierpe, Sancti Spíritus.
FAQs on Cookie Distribution in Matanzas
Why are the cookie prices in Matanzas so high?
The high prices are attributed to rising raw material costs on the global market, which have led to increased production costs.
Will the cookies reach all families in Matanzas?
Officials have promised organized distribution to ensure every family unit receives cookies through a structured plan implemented at local bread sale points.
What are the challenges facing cookie production in Cuba?
Apart from power outages, the food industry in Cuba faces issues like neglected wheat mills and a chronic shortage of wheat flour, severely impacting production.