Packaging & Label Design for Brands in Cuba

Cuba's state-managed economy routes all significant commercial export design through government enterprises and joint ventures. The premium cigar sector is the most internationally prominent: Habanos S.A., the global marketing joint venture between Cuba's state-owned Corporación Habanos and Altadis (owned by Imperial Brands), reported record global revenues of $827 million in 2024, up 14.7% year-on-year, with Europe accounting for 54% of sales and China 27%; President Díaz-Canel identified tobacco as Cuba's primary export. Packaging for the Habanos portfolio (Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, Bolivar, H. Upmann, and others) must display the 'Garantía de Cuba' GI authentication mark with prescribed placement and dimensions. Havana Club rum is produced by Corporación Cuba Ron, a 50/50 joint venture between the Cuban state and Pernod Ricard formed in 1993; it is sold under the Havana Club brand in all markets except the USA, where an unresolved trademark dispute prevents that name from being used, requiring alternative label design for North American distribution. The pharmaceutical and biotech sector is organised under BioCubaFarma, overseeing the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB, developer of the Abdala COVID-19 vaccine) and the Finlay Vaccine Institute (developer of the Soberana vaccine series).