By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The latest benchmark for corporate excellence has been set, with financial institution BAC earning the top honor in the ninth edition of the Merco ESG Costa Rica ranking. The highly anticipated annual report, which evaluates companies on their environmental, social, and governance practices, has once again highlighted the nation’s leaders in sustainable and ethical business operations. The announcement was made at a formal event presided over by Luis Álvarez, General Director of Merco for Central America and the Dominican Republic, and José Manuel Lancha, Corporate Director of Merco.
The 2025 rankings place BAC at number one, closely followed by established leaders Florida Ice and Farm Company (FIFCO) in second place and the dairy cooperative Dos Pinos in third. This powerful trio has demonstrated a consistent and comprehensive commitment to ESG principles, solidifying their reputations not just as economic powerhouses but as pillars of corporate citizenship. Their consistent high placement across multiple categories underscores a deep integration of responsible practices into their core business strategies.
To delve deeper into the legal and corporate governance implications highlighted by the Merco ESG ranking, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the growing significance of these metrics.
The Merco ESG ranking is no longer just a reputational thermometer; it is a direct indicator of a company’s legal resilience and long-term viability. Investors and regulators are increasingly using these metrics to scrutinize corporate behavior, transforming environmental, social, and governance criteria into tangible legal risks. A high ranking signifies robust internal controls and proactive risk management, while a low score can become a red flag, potentially inviting regulatory audits, shareholder litigation, and difficulties in securing financing.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores a crucial evolution: ESG metrics are no longer just about public perception but have become a fundamental pillar of corporate legal strategy and long-term financial health. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which so clearly articulates this new business imperative.
The comprehensive list of the top ten most responsible companies showcases a diverse cross-section of the Costa Rican economy. Following the top three, the ranking includes automotive leader Grupo Purdy (4th), technology giant Intel Costa Rica (5th), and premium supermarket chain Auto Mercado (6th). Notably, the list also features two of the country’s most important public higher education institutions, the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) at 7th and the University of Costa Rica (UCR) at 9th. State-owned utility provider Grupo ICE (8th) and multinational food and beverage company Nestlé (10th) round out this prestigious group.
The Merco report provides a granular look at performance by breaking down the overall score into three distinct sub-rankings. In the crucial category of environmental responsibility, FIFCO claimed the top spot, lauded for its long-standing commitment to sustainability and resource management. Dos Pinos and BAC followed in second and third place, respectively, demonstrating that environmental stewardship is a key priority for leaders across different sectors. Auto Mercado (4th) and Grupo Purdy (5th) also earned high marks for their environmental initiatives.
When it comes to social responsibility, which assesses a company’s relationship with employees, clients, and society at large, BAC emerged as the leader. This number one position highlights the bank’s focus on internal culture, customer satisfaction, and community engagement. Once again, FIFCO and Dos Pinos secured the second and third positions, reinforcing their holistic approach to corporate responsibility. Grupo Purdy and Auto Mercado completed the top five in this social dimension.
The third pillar of the ranking, governance and ethics, evaluates corporate transparency, behavior, and leadership. BAC also took the first-place position in this critical area, signaling strong trust in its corporate structure and ethical conduct. FIFCO was ranked second, while Intel Costa Rica made a strong showing at third place, recognized for its rigorous global governance standards. Grupo Purdy and Dos Pinos were ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, confirming their status as well-managed and trusted organizations.
The presence of public universities like TEC and UCR within the top ten is a significant indicator of the expanding scope of ESG evaluation. It acknowledges that responsibility and good governance are not exclusive to the private sector and that educational institutions play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future for the nation. Their inclusion highlights a commitment to ethical administration and social impact that rivals that of major corporations.
Ultimately, the Merco ESG 2025 ranking serves as more than just a list; it is a reflection of a growing movement in Costa Rica’s business landscape. Companies are increasingly being measured not only by their financial returns but by their positive impact on the planet and its people. For the companies recognized, this is a validation of their long-term vision. For others, it sets a challenging but essential benchmark for success in the modern era.
For further information, visit merco.info
About Merco:
Merco (Corporate Reputation Business Monitor) is a global reference instrument for assessing corporate reputation, having become one of the leading monitors in the world. The organization evaluates the reputation of companies, leaders, and other institutions based on a multi-stakeholder methodology composed of six evaluations and more than twenty information sources.
For further information, visit baccredomatic.com
About BAC:
BAC Credomatic is a leading financial institution in Central America, offering a wide range of banking and financial services to individuals and businesses. With a strong presence throughout the region, the bank focuses on innovation, customer service, and promoting sustainable economic development.
For further information, visit fifco.com
About Florida Ice and Farm Company (FIFCO):
FIFCO is a Costa Rican food and beverage company with operations across Central America and the United States. It is widely recognized for its extensive portfolio of beers, beverages, and food products, as well as for its pioneering commitment to a “triple bottom line” business strategy focused on financial, social, and environmental performance.
For further information, visit dospinos.com
About Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos:
Dos Pinos is a prominent Costa Rican dairy and food cooperative owned by thousands of local milk producers. For over 75 years, it has been a leader in the production of milk, yogurt, ice cream, and other food products, playing a fundamental role in the nation’s nutrition and agricultural economy.
For further information, visit grupopurdy.com
About Grupo Purdy:
Grupo Purdy is a leading company in the Costa Rican automotive industry, known for distributing major brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Hino. The company is recognized for its customer-centric approach, innovation in mobility solutions, and strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
For further information, visit intel.com
About Intel Costa Rica:
Intel Costa Rica is a key component of Intel Corporation’s global operations, focusing on research, development, and high-value manufacturing. The site plays a crucial role in the assembly and testing of processors and has become a hub for engineering services and business support for the multinational technology company.
For further information, visit automercado.cr
About Auto Mercado:
Auto Mercado is a leading premium supermarket chain in Costa Rica, renowned for its high-quality products, wide selection of local and imported goods, and exceptional customer service. The company is committed to providing a superior shopping experience while upholding standards of quality and corporate responsibility.
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC):
The Technological Institute of Costa Rica is one of the country’s most prestigious public universities, specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. TEC is dedicated to academic excellence, research, and contributing to the technological and social development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit ice.go.cr
About Grupo ICE:
Grupo ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) is the state-owned provider of electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. It has been instrumental in the country’s development, particularly in its achievement of a power grid based almost entirely on renewable energy sources.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. It is a leading institution in Latin America for higher education, research, and social action, offering a wide array of academic programs across various fields of knowledge.
For further information, visit nestle-cam.com
About Nestlé:
Nestlé is a global leader in nutrition, health, and wellness, with a significant presence in Central America. The company offers a vast portfolio of food and beverage products and is committed to its purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future through its global operations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of legal excellence and principled integrity, Bufete de Costa Rica combines a rich history of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach to legal practice. The firm is not only a leader in developing innovative solutions but also deeply invested in its social responsibility. This is demonstrated through its foundational commitment to demystifying the law, thereby empowering the wider community with the clarity and knowledge necessary to foster a more just and informed society.
