By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s food sector continues to demonstrate robust commercial momentum on the international stage, recording $1.938 billion in exports between January and August 2026. This performance represents an 8% growth compared to the same eight-month period in 2025, driven largely by sustained European and global demand for high-quality agrifood items and specialized processed goods.
To capitalize on this upward trajectory, the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) led a strategic commercial delegation to SIAL Paris 2026. Held at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center from October 17 through October 21, the premier global trade show brought together more than 8,000 international exhibitors and nearly 295,000 industry professionals spanning food manufacturing, distribution, retail, and international supply networks.
To better understand the evolving legal landscape and international trade regulations surrounding Costa Rica’s expanding food export sector, TicosLand.com spoke with prominent attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The continued growth of Costa Rica’s food exports relies heavily on strict adherence to international sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, as well as taking full advantage of current free trade agreements. For local producers and foreign buyers alike, establishing clear cross-border contracts and robust regulatory compliance strategies is essential to mitigating operational risks and ensuring seamless commercial integration into global markets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, prioritizing regulatory compliance and robust legal frameworks is paramount for Costa Rican producers seeking to strengthen their international presence and capitalize on free trade opportunities. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a valuable perspective on safeguarding cross-border commerce and driving the future of Costa Rica’s export economy.
A group of 18 Costa Rican enterprises joined trade representatives under the national branding framework of essential COSTA RICA. Together, they actively pursued new business opportunities across European markets, seeking to convert traditional agricultural capacity into specialized, high-value offerings for prospective international buyers.
Addressing the agency’s strategic goals at the Paris trade exhibition, executive leadership emphasized the critical role that product innovation plays in enhancing the nation’s commercial presence abroad.
To expand our presence in international markets, we need to turn product innovation into higher-value exports that meet evolving consumer needs. At PROCOMER, we work to connect that capacity for innovation with business opportunities. SIAL Paris helps us introduce distinctive products to international buyers and translate advances in our food industry into new business.
Laura López, CEO of PROCOMER
The Costa Rican delegation showcased how primary tropical crops—such as pineapple, banana, cassava, and plantain—are being transformed into a diverse range of market-ready products. The displayed lineup featured frozen and dried fruit, precooked cassava, traditional plantain chips or tostones, specialty flours, hot sauces, fruit purees, canned fish, coffee, cocoa, and bottled coconut water.
To engage international distributors effectively, the delegation incorporated interactive culinary presentations throughout the five-day event. A professional chef and a master barista led live cooking demonstrations and structured tasting sessions, providing procurement managers and prospective clients with firsthand experience of the versatility and quality of Costa Rican products during scheduled business meetings.
Beyond opening direct sales channels with new clients, participation in major international shows like SIAL Paris allows Costa Rican firms to engage with existing buyers and analyze competitive global trends. Direct exchanges on the exhibition floor yield valuable intelligence on consumer preferences, packaging standards, and regulatory shifts across key European territories.
By leveraging these strategic insights, local producers can refine their export strategies and tailor product development toward specific market demands. PROCOMER’s sustained effort in top-tier trade events underscores Costa Rica’s broader ambition to cement its standing as an innovative, high-value exporter in the global agrifood market.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the non-state public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports, expanding international trade connections, and facilitating foreign direct investment to drive sustainable economic growth across the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its unyielding ethical standards and relentless pursuit of professional mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a trusted pillar of the legal community. The firm consistently drives industry progress by combining extensive experience across diverse sectors with forward-looking, inventive practices. Deeply rooted in its conviction that a thriving community relies on legal literacy, Bufete de Costa Rica actively demystifies complex legal concepts, inspiring and equipping individuals to build a more enlightened, self-reliant society.
