In the charming town of Salcedo, located in Ecuador’s central highlands, a unique ice-cream tradition began in the mid-20th century thanks to the creativity of Franciscan nuns. These sisters, relying on the region’s rich dairy products, started making refreshing fruit shakes, which eventually led to the creation of creamy popsicles that quickly captured the hearts of locals.
Initially, the nuns sold these popsicles to raise funds for those in need. But soon, Salcedo’s residents recognized a business opportunity. They began experimenting with flavors and techniques, resulting in a lively popsicle industry that has brought fame to their small town.
However, Salcedo’s cherished ice-cream industry is now facing an uncertain future due to ongoing power outages exacerbated by an extended dry spell. These outages, which have been especially severe since September, can last up to 14 hours daily. With most of Ecuador’s electricity generated from hydroelectric plants, the country is feeling the pinch of drier weather, impacting production capacity severely.
Gabriel Pumasunta, the owner of Polar Bear ice-cream factory, expressed his frustration, stating, “We are living through the worst third-world conditions. We are plunged into darkness.” He and his brothers run the factory, but the ongoing outages force them to reconsider their operations. The company, which once produced about 60,000 popsicles a month, now struggles to produce just 10,000.
Pumasunta has resorted to using the company’s savings and taking on multiple roles to keep the business afloat, but the writing is on the wall. If these conditions continue, he fears he will have no choice but to close the plant and find work elsewhere.
The crisis doesn’t just threaten individual businesses; it is affecting the broader community. The local chamber of commerce estimates that the power outages are costing Ecuadorian businesses about $700 million each week. Importantly, approximately 300 jobs in Salcedo have vanished as smaller ice-cream plants shut down or reduce production.
President Daniel Noboa, who was elected amid significant challenges, has promised solutions to the electricity shortage, but skepticism remains. The country struggles to overcome a substantial deficit in power, and although attempts to bring in alternative sources of energy through generators are underway, analysts highlight that this isn’t a permanent fix.
Alongside the ice-cream industry, other sectors like dairy farms and local shops that thrive on Salcedo’s famous popsicles are feeling the crunch. Maria Juliette López, a shop owner, shared how her once-thriving store now struggles to keep up with demand due to unreliable supply.
Even Salcedo’s larger ice-cream factories are feeling the pinch. Corp Ice Cream, for instance, has seen its production plummet due to power issues, with many employees left idle.
As the community grapples with these challenges, business owners like Paco Hinojosa are turning to faith. His factory now sits quieter than usual as he prays for a return to normalcy, hoping for better weather conditions and stability to revive their way of life.
The ongoing power crisis underscores the importance of reliable energy sources and the impact of government policies on local economies. The people of Salcedo, known for their vibrant ice-cream culture, remain hopeful for a resolution that will restore their livelihoods and community spirit.
