IMA-MSC Greenhouses erects a shade net in Cuba for the cultivation of tobacco leaves

Vegas Robaina, a prestigious Cuban cigar brand, has achieved excellent results under the shade netting designed by Invernaderos IMA-MSC, exclusively for wrapper leaf cultivation. In its first harvests under the shade netting, the Cuban firm has managed to ensure that approximately 75% of the harvested leaves were suitable for use as wrapper leaves. This is an excellent figure considering that the percentage of usable leaves typically does not exceed 30%.

The shade netting project designed by IMA-MSC Greenhouses in collaboration with growers as experienced as those at Vegas Robaina has achieved a significant improvement in the productivity levels of their leafy greens plantation. The shade netting structure protects the crop from weather conditions, which can sometimes cause serious damage to the leaves. Essentially, it filters and attenuates solar radiation, creating a special microclimate under the cover that allows the plants to develop more harmoniously.

The success of this protected cultivation is magnified by the importance of this leaf in the final product. The wrapper leaf is vital for tobacco producers, as it forms the outer covering of the cigar, giving it its characteristic appearance, color, and aroma. To achieve this, it is essential to obtain an attractive, well-marbled leaf with a pleasant texture and a smooth feel.

Vega Robaina was founded in 1997 by Alejandro Robaina, now in his eighties, a renowned grower of Canarian descent with over seven decades of experience. Since then, the brand has carved out a niche for itself in the international market as one of the most prestigious producers of Cuban cigars.