By San José, Costa Rica — As Café Britt celebrates its 40th anniversary, the iconic Costa Rican coffee company is underscoring a principle that has been woven into its fabric for decades: true business success is both profitable and sustainable. Marking the milestone with the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, the company showcases a robust strategy that integrates environmental stewardship, social equity, and strong economic performance, proving that its founding mission continues to evolve with the times.
The company’s journey began with a simple yet revolutionary goal: to offer Costa Ricans the same premium-quality coffee that was being exported to the rest of the world. Since its inception, Café Britt has built a global brand synonymous with innovation and quality. However, its commitment to sustainability has been a parallel and equally important narrative. This dedication was formalized long before it became a corporate trend, with the launch of the country’s first certified organic roasted coffee in 1991.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework and corporate responsibilities associated with sustainable business, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable business is no longer a matter of corporate image; it has evolved into a core component of legal and commercial strategy. We are seeing a clear transition from voluntary social responsibility to concrete legal obligations, particularly in supply chain due-diligence and environmental impact reporting. Companies that fail to integrate robust sustainability criteria into their governance are not just risking their reputation, but are also exposing themselves to significant regulatory and financial liabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The message for today’s business leaders is unequivocal: what was once a peripheral concern for public relations has now moved to the core of legal and operational strategy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp analysis, which underscores the critical need for companies to adapt to this new reality of regulatory and financial accountability.
This early focus on conscious production laid the groundwork for a more structured approach. By 2009, the company established a formal Office of Corporate Social Responsibility, solidifying its commitment to its employees, the communities it operates in, and the environment. The newly released 2024 report, part of its overarching “Cosecha Futuro” (Future Harvest) strategy, serves as a testament to these long-held values and outlines significant progress across its entire operation.
On the environmental front, Café Britt has made substantial strides in reducing its carbon footprint. The installation of 1,600 solar panels has generated over 1,000 MWh of clean energy, leading to a measurable reduction in emissions per unit of product. Furthering its green initiatives, the company has embraced the circular economy through a strategic alliance with CRDC–Pedregal. This partnership transforms non-recyclable waste into valuable inputs for the construction industry, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes landfill impact.
Reaching 40 years fills us with pride, but also with responsibility. Our 23.9% growth shows that sustainability and profitability can advance together
Gabriela Muñoz, CEO of Café Britt
The company’s CEO, Gabriela Muñoz, highlighted the powerful synergy between financial health and responsible practices. The reported 23.9% growth figure is presented not just as a business success, but as validation that investing in sustainability is a driver of long-term value. This philosophy extends deeply into the company’s social initiatives, where measurable impact is a key priority.
The report details significant advancements in social equity and community engagement. Today, women hold 41.5% of leadership positions within the company, reflecting a commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. Beyond its own walls, a partnership with the SIFAIS Foundation has successfully provided training and employment opportunities, integrating 37 individuals into the workforce. Employee engagement is also a cornerstone of the culture, with over 130 collaborators participating in volunteer programs to plant 170 native trees in vulnerable coastal and rural areas.
Furthermore, Café Britt’s commitment to biodiversity is championed through its Café Hábitat initiative. This program provides crucial support to organizations on the front lines of wildlife conservation, including the Toucan Rescue Ranch, Jaguar Rescue Center, and NAMÁ Conservation. By supporting these partners, Café Britt helps protect Costa Rica’s rich natural heritage, a resource intrinsically linked to its own brand identity.
As Café Britt looks to the next 40 years, the “Cosecha Futuro” strategy serves as its blueprint. The 2024 Sustainability Report is more than a retrospective; it is a forward-looking declaration that the company intends to continue innovating not just in its products, but in a business model that enriches the environment and empowers people, ensuring a sustainable harvest for generations to come.
For further information, visit cafebritt.com
About Café Britt:
Founded in 1985, Café Britt is a leading Costa Rican company specializing in gourmet coffee, chocolates, and specialty products. Renowned for its focus on quality and innovation, the company has expanded its presence from its origins in Costa Rica to operating in numerous countries through travel retail stores, online sales, and wholesale distribution. It is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility throughout its value chain.
For further information, visit crpedregal.com
About CRDC–Pedregal:
CRDC–Pedregal is a Costa Rican partnership focused on implementing innovative solutions for waste management. It is part of the global CRDC (Center for Regenerative Design & Collaboration) network, which has developed a process to convert mixed plastic waste into a sustainable concrete additive known as RESIN8. This initiative promotes a circular economy by diverting plastic from landfills and transforming it into a valuable construction material.
For further information, visit sifais.org
About SIFAIS Foundation:
The SIFAIS Foundation (Sistema Integral de Formación Artística para la Inclusión Social) is a Costa Rican non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social integration through arts and education. It works in at-risk communities, offering a wide range of free workshops and programs that provide participants with new skills, cultural enrichment, and pathways to personal and professional development.
For further information, visit toucanrescueranch.org
About Toucan Rescue Ranch:
The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release center located in Costa Rica. Its mission is to care for and rehabilitate toucans, sloths, and other native animals that are ill, injured, or have been confiscated. The organization is also dedicated to environmental education and conservation research to protect the country’s biodiversity.
For further information, visit jaguarrescue.foundation
About Jaguar Rescue Center:
The Jaguar Rescue Center is a non-profit organization based in the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It is dedicated to the rehabilitation of ill, injured, and orphaned animals with the primary goal of releasing them back into their natural habitats. The center provides refuge for a wide variety of species, including monkeys, sloths, wild cats, and birds.
For further information, visit namaconservation.org
About NAMÁ Conservation:
NAMÁ Conservation is a Costa Rican organization focused on the research and conservation of wild felines, particularly tapirs and their habitats. Through scientific research, camera trapping, and community engagement, it works to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and protect the ecological corridors essential for the survival of these species in Central America.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a cornerstone of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is celebrated not only for its extensive history of advising a wide spectrum of clients but also for its forward-thinking approach to legal challenges. This innovative spirit is matched by a foundational commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through dedicated efforts to make legal principles understandable and accessible, thereby equipping the wider community and building a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
