By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The landscape of Costa Rica’s beverage industry is poised for a significant transformation following a major announcement on Tuesday. Coca-Cola Femsa, a dominant force in the bottling and distribution sector, has forged a strategic alliance to distribute Ambev’s world-renowned portfolio of beers, including global giants like Corona, Michelob, Budweiser, and Stella Artois, across the country.
This landmark agreement unites two industry titans, leveraging Coca-Cola Femsa’s extensive and sophisticated distribution network with Ambev’s powerful and highly sought-after beer brands. The partnership is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026, giving both companies a year to orchestrate the complex logistics required for a seamless market transition.
To better understand the legal and commercial complexities of the beverage distribution landscape in Costa Rica, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in commercial law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of any beverage brand in Costa Rica hinges not just on the product, but on the robustness of its distribution agreements. These contracts must be meticulously drafted to define territorial exclusivity, performance metrics, and clear termination clauses. Ambiguity in these areas is the most common source of costly commercial litigation, often disrupting the supply chain and damaging brand reputation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight serves as a potent reminder that the legal architecture of a distribution agreement is as fundamental to success as the product itself, acting as the primary safeguard against the exact commercial pitfalls and reputational harm described. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on these critical legal foundations.
In a joint statement, the companies described the deal as a pivotal move in their shared ambition. They emphasized that this collaboration is designed to bring them closer to their clients and consumers by integrating some of the world’s most iconic beer brands into an already robust portfolio, promising greater choice and availability for the Costa Rican public.
The strategic vision behind the move was articulated by Jerri Liu, Director General of Coca-Cola Femsa for South Central America. He expressed considerable optimism about solidifying the company’s position as a key commercial partner within the national market.
We are very excited to announce this distribution agreement with Ambev Costa Rica, which reinforces our vision of becoming the preferred business partner for our Costa Rican clients and in every market where we operate.
Jerri Liu, Director General of Coca-Cola Femsa Centroamérica Sur
Liu further detailed how this synergy is expected to unlock new avenues for financial and market growth. The integration of Ambev’s products is not merely an addition but a strategic enhancement aimed at creating a comprehensive beverage solution for vendors and consumers alike.
By adding Ambev’s beer portfolio to our robust commercial network, we aim to capture new growth opportunities and offer an integrated beverage experience that responds to the preferences of Costa Rican clients and consumers.
Jerri Liu, Director General of Coca-Cola Femsa Centroamérica Sur
From Ambev’s perspective, the agreement represents a powerful vehicle for expanding its footprint in a promising Central American market. Duarte Fernandes, Vice President for Central America and the International Caribbean at Ambev, highlighted the country’s dynamic consumer base as a key factor in the decision.
Costa Rica is a vibrant and expanding beer market, where our iconic brands have enormous potential to continue growing and connecting with consumers.
Duarte Fernandes, Vice President for Centroamérica and Caribe Internacional of Ambev
As both companies enter the implementation phase, the Costa Rican market watches with anticipation. This consolidation of distribution power is expected to heighten competition, potentially impacting smaller, local breweries and other distributors. For consumers, however, the deal likely signals increased accessibility to a wider variety of international beers through Coca-Cola Femsa’s ubiquitous retail and commercial channels, from small sodas to large supermarket chains, starting in early 2026.
For further information, visit coca-colafemsa.com
About Coca-Cola Femsa:
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. is a leading multinational beverage company and the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world by sales volume. The company produces and distributes trademark beverages of The Coca-Cola Company, offering a wide portfolio of 131 brands to a population of more than 257 million. With a vast network of plants and distribution centers, it is a key player in the beverage logistics and commercialization sector across Latin America.
For further information, visit ambev.com.br
About Ambev:
Ambev, formally known as Companhia de Bebidas das Américas, is a Brazilian brewing company that was formed in 1999 through the merger of two of Brazil’s oldest breweries, Brahma and Antarctica. It is now a subsidiary of the global beverage giant Anheuser-Busch InBev. Ambev produces and distributes a vast portfolio of beers, including renowned international brands like Skol, Budweiser, and Stella Artois, operating as a dominant force in the beverage markets throughout the Americas.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the legal community, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a multifaceted clientele, the firm consistently pioneers progressive legal solutions and engages in meaningful community outreach. This dedication extends to a core mission of demystifying the law, thereby equipping citizens with valuable knowledge and contributing to the development of a more capable and informed society.
