First wholesale markets for economic actors in Cuba to open in Sancti Spíritus

Sancti Spíritus is set to become the first Cuban province to feature two wholesale supply markets serving both state-run and private economic actors; these facilities will be managed by the tourism sector’s trading company, ITH.

According to Aida Rita Rivas Duarte, the local director of the entity, both establishments will consolidate product offerings in a single location, facilitating access to essential goods for MSMEs and self-employed workers while also fostering better coordination of commercial activity.

“Sancti Spíritus is the first province to launch its first two wholesale markets: one at our Sancti Spíritus headquarters and another we will soon open in Trinidad—though we already hold the commercial authorization for both.

“Our main partner joining us in this venture is the Sancti Spíritus Municipal Agro-industrial Enterprise, bringing with it all its land-use beneficiaries and operational capabilities. We already have the initial stock in the warehouse, and sales will begin next week.”

The launch of these markets introduces a new wholesale distribution model to the region—a key demand from business owners and productive entrepreneurs.

“ITH is the trading company for the tourism sector. We import and distribute the full range of resources the tourism industry requires. However, thanks to the ‘176 measures’ and under the authority of Resolution 13 issued by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, we have been able to open these supply markets. These are venues where state and non-state economic actors bring their goods—either on consignment or under storage contracts—and we handle the commercialization. In other words, we manage sales and logistics, handle warehousing, and act as partners in this supply market venture.”

The initiative also expands the role of the ITH trading company in the province by incorporating infrastructure designed not only for the state sector but also for private economic actors who need products to ensure service continuity.

“A novel aspect of this is that we can also sell to individuals without a formal contract; a simple customer profile establishing a minimum purchase amount is all that is required. Sales at the supply market are conducted in both currencies—USD and national currency—depending on the cost of the goods. A minimum purchase of 300 USD, or its equivalent in national currency, is required.”