Since Colonial times, Cuba has been an agriculturally based economy. Only since 1980 has Cuba attempted to transform its Gross Domestic Products to biotechnology and information technology. Tourism now provides much needed hard currency.

Agricultural produce in Cuba includes sugar (and derivatives therefrom such as rum and candy), coffee, chocolate, fruit (mangos, oranges, grapefruits, guava), coconut, and tobacco.

Cuba produces beef and pork locally in small quantities. Being of Spanish descent, most Cubans eschew seafood and prefer beef or pork. Chicken is the default meat if beef and pork are not available.

Cuba is working with other countries to increase production of wine, honey, and other agricultural products. Cuba willingly imports grains, rice, beef, pork, eggs, and other food items from any country offering Cuba good prices and flexible financing terms.