Core Insights - The Cuban rum industry, once thriving, is facing an unprecedented crisis due to the collapse of its sugar industry, which is essential for rum production [2][3][6] - Sugar production in Cuba has drastically decreased from over 8 million tons in the late 1980s to approximately 350,000 tons in the 2022/23 season, with projections for the 2024/25 season dropping below 200,000 tons, marking the lowest levels since the 19th century [2][3] Sugar Industry Crisis - The sharp decline in sugar production highlights a structural crisis within an industry that was once a pillar of the Cuban economy, now producing only 1/40th of its peak output [3] - The shortage of sugar has led to a critical lack of molasses, the key ingredient for rum production, affecting both local distilleries and international partnerships [3][4] - Various factors such as U.S. sanctions, energy shortages, mismanagement, insufficient investment, aging equipment, natural disasters, and labor shortages have contributed to the industry's decline [3] International Collaboration Challenges - The crisis has impacted successful international collaborations, such as the Havana Club brand, which has grown from 400,000 cases to over 4 million globally since 1993 [4] - Even major international companies like Pernod Ricard and Diageo are struggling to secure raw materials, raising concerns about the sustainability of rum production in the future [4] Regulatory and Economic Implications - Strict regulations in Cuba prohibit the import of spirits or production materials, exacerbating the industry's challenges and threatening the country's economic image [6] - The lack of molasses not only poses an economic issue but also jeopardizes one of Cuba's last significant sources of hard currency [6] Alternative Solutions in Guangxi, China - In contrast, Guangxi, China, is exploring a different path for its sugar industry by developing a rum production project that integrates the entire value chain from sugarcane to rum [7] - The region is investing in modern production facilities and innovative practices, aiming to create a circular economy that utilizes all by-products of sugarcane [7][9] - Guangxi's rum industry is projected to generate significant economic value, with efforts to enhance marketing, brand recognition, and consumer culture to compete with international giants [9] Conclusion - The crisis in the Cuban rum industry reflects broader economic challenges, emphasizing the need for investment, technological innovation, and flexible policies to remain competitive in a globalized market [10]

在人类漫长的饮食文化长河中，糖，无疑是最甜蜜的篇章之一。而甘蔗，作为糖的主要来源，承载着数 千年的历史与文明——从它最初被发现，到一步步演变为人们日常生活中不可或缺的一部分，其中的故 事，充满了趣味与惊奇。 早在周朝，人们就开始种植甘蔗。最初，甘蔗主要作为水果生食，或是榨取蔗浆直接饮用。到了汉代， 人们将蔗浆加工浓缩，制成"蔗饴"和"蔗饧"等液态糖，以及俗称"石蜜"的固态糖。 唐代是中国制糖史上的重要转折点。贞观年间，唐太宗派遣留学生使团前往印度学习制糖技术。此后， 天竺制糖法在中国落地生根，并与本土技艺相互融合、相互激发，为中国制糖业的发展注入了活力。 北宋时期，四川匠人发明的"窨制法"，让中国糖霜制作达到了新高度。这种细腻、净白的结晶糖霜，不 仅满足了国内市场的需求，还通过海上贸易远销海外，使"中国糖"在世界舞台上崭露头角。 而在明清时期，"黄泥水淋脱色法"的发明，更让中国糖的精制水平达到了前所未有的高度。据史料记 载，使用这种方法生产出的白砂糖"洁白如雪，颗粒晶莹"，远销日本、波斯湾及欧洲等多个国家和地 区，在国际高端市场上一度占据了极其重要的地位。 大约在8000年前，位于太平洋西南部的新几内亚岛，成 ...

以下文章来源于36氪财经 ，作者王晗玉 郑怀舟 36氪财经 . 36氪旗下官方账号。洞见市场，比99%的投资者更聪明。 再次来到十字路口， 美国似乎只有两条路。 文 ｜ 王晗玉 编辑 ｜ 郑怀舟 来源｜ 36氪财经（ID：krfinance） 封面来源 ｜ 《美国往事》剧照 政府严控的酒精饮料换到黑帮手中，一滴没少全部流入市场，甚至因缺少监管，禁酒期间美国啤酒价格上涨了700%，年均酒类消耗量增加了50%。 同一时间，美国不仅损失了这部分税收，一年花在禁酒上的行政执法费用还多出了数千万美元。 这也让禁酒令被美国学者票选为美国历史上最糟糕的经济决策之一。而这项糟糕的决策最终也是被压抑最狠、负担最重的民众自下而上推动废除。 禁酒令，美国黑帮的"第一桶金" 约在1917年前后，美国城市人口开始超过农村人口，贫富差距巨大，犯罪率飙升，社会矛盾集中爆发。一切罪恶的源头指向饮酒。 涌入敦煌网，疯狂下载淘宝，美墨边境"走私鸡蛋"……关税风波下，美国民众正在想方设法对冲已经出现的物价上涨。 极端政策下，普通民众如何"捞偏门"，100年前的禁酒令曾做出详细"示范"。 1920年美国推行严苛的禁酒法令，本意是指望借此摆脱社会对酒 ...