A local store recently transformed into a "Neighborhood Market" in Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, has unveiled its price list for public viewing. This list includes essentials such as rice, chicken, eggs, cooking oil, powdered milk, grains, and hygiene products.
On Monday, the opening of La Predilecta, located in the Frank País community, was announced via Facebook, where it was highlighted as part of the so-called "Economic and Social Transformations."
"Today, the La Predilecta store was inaugurated as a Neighborhood Market, Close to you, close to everyone," the post read, accompanied by several images of the store.
Price Tags Stir Criticism
One photo reveals the pricing of the items on offer. Noteworthy prices include rice at 350 pesos, grains at 950, sugar at 500, wheat flour at 450, and chicken at 750. Eggs are priced at 150 pesos each, ground meat at 600, vegetable oil at 2,000, instant soup at 300, and powdered milk at 4,000. Other items like noodles at 500, chicken bouillon at 350, deodorant at 600, toothpaste at 480, and detergent at 900 are also visible.
The list further includes items such as toilet paper, bath soap, fine salt, and tomato puree or preserves, with the image dated September 28, 2026.
Public Reaction: Discontent with Prices
Feedback was predominantly negative, with many criticizing the prices and questioning the supposed advantages of the new market. Several users noted the lack of price reductions compared to other sales points and doubted that the costs were affordable for workers and retirees.
One particularly harsh comment summed up the initiative: "They brought the small businesses closer to home," implying that despite being a state-run store converted into a market, the prices seemed similar to those of private businesses.
Expansion of the Market Concept
The opening in Contramaestre is part of a broader project initiated by the Cuban government this year, extending across various provinces.
The first municipal pilot of the "Neighborhood Market" concept began on July 23 in Plaza de la Revolución, Havana, through a bidding process to integrate stores, butcheries, and other establishments into a shared management model between state entities and private actors.
This initiative was subsequently regulated by Resolution 16/2026 from the Ministry of Domestic Trade, published in the Official Gazette on August 4 and effective from the 11th of that month.
New Management Model
The framework allows private enterprises, cooperatives, self-employed workers, and other economic actors to manage state establishments under various contractual arrangements.
Since then, the model has been replicated in other provinces. In August, Ciego de Ávila offered six stores for bidding, while Santa Clara presented 16 establishments to non-state managers in September, with incentives including up to two years rent-free.
By mid-September, a MINCIN official stated that 30 establishments were operating under this project in Pinar del Río, Artemisa, La Habana, Matanzas, Camagüey, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, with Havana, Camagüey, and Guantánamo each hosting seven.
The government claims these markets should offer basic products between 15% and 30% cheaper than other retailers, although official figures have varied depending on the region and source. For instance, in a recently opened market in Boyeros, Havana, authorities mentioned discounts ranging from 10% to 15%.
Understanding Cuba's New Neighborhood Market Initiative
What is the concept behind the Neighborhood Market in Cuba?
The Neighborhood Market initiative aims to transform state-run stores into markets managed by private entities and cooperatives, offering essential goods at potentially lower prices.
How have people reacted to the prices in these new markets?
The public reaction has been largely critical, with many expressing concerns over high prices, questioning the affordability for average workers and retirees.
How is the Cuban government expanding the Neighborhood Market model?
The model is being expanded by offering state-run establishments for management by private entities through bidding processes, with incentives such as rent-free periods.