Spoiled Batches of Cuban Beer Prompt Recall from Market
Cervecería Cubana SA, a joint venture producing Cuban beer Parranda, has reported that several batches of the product were spoiled, prompting the company to remove them from the Island market.
According to a report from the company, the deterioration of the drink occurred “due to inadequate storage conditions.” Despite the beer having a shelf life of half a year under favorable conditions, it was not stored properly, leading to spoilage.
The company did not specify the amount of the product that decomposed or whether it was distributed despite its inadequate storage. However, they clarified that the affected batches have been withdrawn from the market nationwide and will continue to do so if necessary. Cervecería Cubana also recognized and addressed complaints from consumers, providing personalized attention to replace affected bottles with fresh product.
The current reduction in the price of the drink, according to the company, “is not related to the latest problems they faced,” but rather with the desire to “become the most accessible and popular beer in the country.”
However, several consumers took to the company’s Facebook page to complain about the poor quality of the beer. Some reported instances of spoiled or vinegar-flavored drinks, and expressed disappointment in the decline in quality of the product from when it was first released.
Parranda, launched in 2022, was introduced after the gradual disappearance of the much-liked Cristal and Bucanero from the Cuban market. The beer, with a clear composition and 4.8% alcohol, is packaged in polyethylene bottles, in contrast to similar foreign beers sold in Cuba.
Cervecería Cubana SA is a joint venture between the Cuba Ron SA corporation and Swinkels Family Brewers Spain SL, a Spanish subsidiary of the homonymous group based in Holland. The plant is located in the Mariel Special Development Zone.
Beer is one of the favorite drinks of Cubans, but it is becoming an increasingly scarce and unaffordable product for most people on the Island. The company is encouraging consumers to contact them if they have experienced any issues with the product, promising to provide adequate and timely responses.