These days, the Empresa Integral Agropecuaria (EIA) of the province of Las Tunas becomes the first export pole in the territory and thus fulfills a dream cherished for long months, which required intense days of preparation of the file and, also, in the field, in the production sector.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- In the opinion of Alberto González Hernández, the director-general of the entity, there is still a long way to go in the effort to be useful; but participation in the 38th edition of the Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV 2022) becomes a great opportunity.
“FIHAV 2022 is an important step to achieve the internationalization of AGROINT, which is our commercial brand, and the company is resolutely advancing in the creation of the conditions to become the center of the export hub in Las Tunas.
"The presentation of the entity into the foreign trade in the framework of the Fair is expected, although several products have already been sold in international markets, especially charcoal, a line that has been consolidated in recent years."
Precisely, the EIA develops an adjustment process concerning charcoal since it has always been marketed as a raw material and, now, it is intended to be sold as a product, which is why conditions are created in benefit centers, in terms of packaging and presentation.
"In the coming months, we will sell it in small formats of one and three kilograms and, exceptionally, in sachets of 10 and 15 kilograms; mainly the canelino charcoal (made with marabou) that which is classified as top-quality.
“Three plants for the manufacture of briquettes are in the assembly phase and will be added to a small factory in the Cuba Va credit and services cooperative (CCS), in the municipality of Majibacoa. These products are commercialized in the domestic market with excellent acceptance."
These plants are being assembled in Puerto Padre, “Jesús Menéndez,” and “Colombia” and can produce 1.5 tons per day. An activated charcoal plant is expected to enter into operation, in a third stage, which would consolidate this line as a leading product.
Fortunately, the EIA expand the possible export lines and organized the first shipments to the Canadian market through an intermediary contract with Cítricos Caribe, an exporter with significant experience.
“As a preliminary process, we did fieldwork with a group of producers and Plant Health specialists to incorporate fresh products. Chunky banana, medlar, hot chili (also known as Havana chili), avocado, coconut, and Persian lemon. Then, we plan to work with red sweet potato, papaya, and pumpkin."
The company is also developing a project with the University of Las Tunas for the assembly of a fruit and vegetable dehydration plant, which will be installed near the benefits center and will take advantage of the nonsuitable products for commercialization abroad.
“The idea is more comprehensive because we want to take these plants to the farms, to carry out the process there. That would put us in better conditions for the utilization of all fruits and vegetables, even at harvest peaks.
"Sometimes, the national industry cannot process large volumes of products; dehydration guarantees not to lose them in the field due to lack of buyers or other limitations, and their sale in the domestic or foreign market.
