Photo: Juan Pablo Carreras/CNA

Production chain benefits ice cream factory in Holguin municipality

The Avi-Helados y Conservas local development project (LDP), in the province of Holguin, has produced more than six tons since its inauguration and is increasing its production volume during the current summer season by establishing linkages with other entities.

Located in the municipality of Rafael Freyre, the factory has a daily capacity of 600 liters, which translates to half a ton per month to meet community demands during the summer, based on self-management of resources, Yusneiky Paz Peña, director of the Food Production and Distribution Company in the area, told CNA.

Raw materials purchased through partnerships with MSMEs (Misc. SMEs) are used in the products sold to the public and public health and education institutions. El Cachito, from Cacocum, the supplier of the bases used in ice cream, stands out among them.

Working with local farmers, such as the Victoria de Girón Agricultural Production Cooperative, favors the production of fresh fruit to diversify flavors according to the growing season, especially mango and guava, she explained.

During the industrialization process, they use photovoltaic energy through solar water heaters and will soon incorporate panels as a way to reduce energy costs and contribute to savings, she explained.

Building ties with tourism, a key economic sector in the region, is a priority for the PDL. As it fosters the generation of additional income that will allow for modernizing and expanding production levels.

Paz Peña added that in a second phase, the project will add the production of preserves, for which they have the necessary equipment and have already begun the civil works. This will allow the use of jams and reduce costs, expand the variety of flavors, and offer them at more affordable prices.

Opened in early 2025, Avi-Helados y Conservas is the result of the work of the Numa Company, with the support of the Articulated Platform for Comprehensive Territorial Development and the municipal government.

With information from the Cuban News Agency

Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez