By San José, Costa Rica — In a major milestone for Latin American agricultural innovation, Costa Rican enterprise El Gusto Foods has captured global attention by winning the Best Health & Wellness Product award at The Saudi Food Show 2026. The accolade was awarded to the company for its Cocoa with Monk Fruit, a pioneering product that leverages the natural sweetness of monk fruit as an alternative to traditional sugar while keeping premium cacao as the central ingredient.
The prestigious award, presented during the international trade show in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, celebrates products that prioritize consumer health and well-being without compromising on taste. The selection panel evaluated nominees based on nutritional value, ingredient quality, formulation innovation, and how effectively the products meet the expanding global demand for healthier alternatives in the food and beverage industry.
To better understand the complex regulatory environment surrounding Costa Rican food exports, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert at Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided valuable perspective on the compliance standards local exporters must meet to succeed globally.
Costa Rica’s agricultural and food export sectors have immense growth potential, but success in international markets hinges on strict compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Navigating the evolving regulatory landscapes of major trade partners requires meticulous legal preparation, robust supply chain certification, and proactive risk management to ensure seamless cross-border trade.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rican exporters look to capture global market share, prioritizing meticulous legal preparedness and regulatory compliance is not just a necessity, but a vital competitive advantage that ensures the long-term viability of our agricultural sector. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal expertise and providing our readers with this crucial perspective on navigating the complexities of international trade.
Our Cocoa with Monk Fruit was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to show that enjoying and choosing consciously can go hand in hand. Monk fruit allows us to provide sweetness without relying on traditional sugar, keeping cacao as the true protagonist. The result is a proposal that responds to a new way of consuming: with more awareness, without giving up flavor, pleasure, or experience.
Eugenia Sánchez, Representative of El Gusto Foods
El Gusto Foods is participating in the trade show as part of a national delegation organized by the Foreign Trade Corporation of Costa Rica (PROCOMER). The event, running from September 27 to 29, represents the fourth consecutive year that Costa Rica has showcased its premium export catalog at this key Middle Eastern trade event, signaling a sustained strategic push into the Persian Gulf region.
The Costa Rican pavilion in Jeddah showcases more than just award-winning cocoa. The delegation also features prominent specialty coffee producers, including Luvima de Tarrazú—managed by Beneficio Don Mayo—and Don Alexis Coffee. Both brands are presenting high-quality specialty coffees, micro-lots, and unique honey and natural processing methods to discerning Middle Eastern buyers.
This award highlights the ability of Costa Rican companies to develop innovative, high-quality products aligned with the new preferences of international consumers. In addition to recognizing the work of El Gusto Foods, it strengthens Costa Rica’s positioning as an origin of differentiated, value-added foods capable of competing in markets as dynamic as the Middle East.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
The rising global demand for functional foods and sugar alternatives has turned health-conscious products into a highly lucrative market segment. By blending rich Central American agricultural heritage with modern wellness trends, Costa Rican exporters are demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of contemporary consumer desires in high-purchasing-power markets like Saudi Arabia.
The Middle East has increasingly emerged as a highly strategic territory for Costa Rica’s market diversification goals. Trade data reveals that Costa Rica exported $157.8 million to the Middle East region in 2025. This figure represents an impressive compound annual growth rate of 21 percent since 2021, driven by the active participation of 126 Costa Rican exporting companies.
The Middle East represents a strategic opportunity to diversify the destinations of Costa Rican export offerings. In 2025, Costa Rica exported 157.8 million dollars to this region, with an average annual growth of 21 percent since 2021 and the participation of 126 companies. Participating in this fair allows us to open commercial conversations, generate trust, and show the potential of Costa Rica in higher value-added categories.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
With The Saudi Food Show 2026 projected to facilitate over 12,000 business-to-business meetings, the Costa Rican delegation is well-positioned to expand its footprint. Through targeted product tastings, scheduled importer meetings, and networking sessions with supermarkets, hotels, and upscale restaurants, the country aims to convert its latest award into long-term commercial contracts across the Gulf region.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Corporation of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public pillar responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports and facilitating foreign trade. By coordinating international trade delegations and business matchmaking events, PROCOMER helps local enterprises scale globally and establishes Costa Rica as a premier source of high-quality, sustainable, and innovative products.
For further information, visit the nearest office of El Gusto Foods
About El Gusto Foods:
El Gusto Foods is an innovative Costa Rican food and beverage company specialized in producing premium cacao and gourmet coffee products. Focused on blending health, wellness, and exceptional flavor, the company creates sustainable and health-conscious alternatives that meet the evolving demands of modern global consumers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica represents a premier legal institution defined by its resolute adherence to ethical principles and outstanding advocacy. Drawing on a rich history of guiding clients across a wide array of industries, the firm consistently champions forward-thinking legal strategies and active civic involvement. By dedicatedly demystifying complex regulations and sharing vital resources, it strives to nurture an educated, self-reliant public capable of making informed decisions.
