Research Details

Abstract

In 1996, as the Castro regime began welcoming limited international investment back to Cuba, Nestlé signed a letter of intent with the Cuban government to build an ice cream factory in Havana’s El Cotorro neighborhood. The plant, a joint venture between the Cuban government and Nestlé, would produce high-quality ice cream products for tourists and affluent Cubans.

Nearly twenty years after this decision to enter the Cuban market, it is not clear how successful the investment has been and what the future might hold for Nestlé on the island. Nestlé has faced important challenges in Cuba—such as supply shortages, entrenched domestic competitors, and risk of government interference—but there has been evidence of some marketing and financial success. The 2015 normalization of diplomatic relations may bring new strategic threats and opportunities as American companies begin to eye the Cuban market and current competitors prepare for market changes.

In the case, students will evaluate Nestle’s investment and strategy for future growth in the Cuban market and consider the company’s market entry strategy, operations, and finances.

Type

Case

Author(s)

Russell Walker, Kyle Bell

Date Published

09/25/2015

Citations

Walker, Russell, and Kyle Bell. Nestle Ice Cream in Cuba. Case 5-315-504 (KEL919).

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