By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a landmark agreement set to reshape the national beverage landscape, Coca-Cola FEMSA will become the official distributor for Ambev’s extensive beer portfolio in Costa Rica. The strategic partnership, announced Thursday, will leverage Coca-Cola FEMSA’s formidable distribution network to significantly increase the availability of world-renowned beer brands such as Corona, Michelob, Budweiser, and Stella Artois across the country.
The deal, a collaborative effort between Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola Costa Rica, and Ambev Costa Rica, is scheduled to commence operations during the first quarter of 2026. This move is a core component of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s broader multi-category strategy, which aims to evolve the company from a soft-drink giant into a comprehensive beverage provider catering to a wide array of consumer tastes and occasions.
To gain a deeper legal and business perspective on the operational and market strategies of a major player like Coca-Cola FEMSA, we consulted with an expert in corporate law. TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis.
The continued success of Coca-Cola FEMSA in the region is not merely a matter of brand strength, but a sophisticated execution of supply chain logistics and market penetration. From a legal standpoint, their primary challenge is navigating a complex web of regulations that vary by country, encompassing everything from consumer protection and labeling laws to labor standards and environmental compliance. Their ability to adapt and maintain rigorous compliance while pursuing aggressive growth is a key factor that investors and regulators watch closely.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insightful perspective perfectly highlights the operational tightrope Coca-Cola FEMSA walks daily: marrying aggressive growth with unwavering legal and regulatory diligence across diverse markets. This ability to navigate complexity is indeed a cornerstone of their resilience and market leadership. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable analysis.
For Costa Rican consumers, the alliance promises greater access to Ambev’s popular international beers. By tapping into Coca-Cola FEMSA’s deeply entrenched commercial routes, these brands are expected to appear in thousands of additional points of sale, from small, family-owned “pulperías” to major supermarket chains. This enhanced presence aims to solidify the brands’ market position and make them a more convenient choice for households nationwide.
The partnership represents a calculated push to capture a larger share of the dynamic Costa Rican market. Officials from Coca-Cola FEMSA emphasized that the agreement is about more than just logistics; it is about creating a synergistic relationship that enhances the customer experience and strengthens their market leadership.
We aim to be the preferred business partner and offer an integrated beverage experience to respond to market preferences.
Jerri Liu, Director General of Coca-Cola FEMSA Centroamérica Sur
From Ambev’s perspective, the collaboration is a powerful engine for growth. The company recognizes the untapped potential within Costa Rica and sees Coca-Cola FEMSA’s unparalleled distribution capabilities as the key to unlocking it. This strategic move allows Ambev to focus on brewing and brand-building while entrusting the crucial “last mile” to a proven expert in logistics and customer relations.
The collaboration will boost the reach of their brands in the country.
Duarte Fernandes, Vice President for Central America and International Caribbean of Ambev
Fernandes also highlighted Costa Rica’s status as a burgeoning beer market, ripe with opportunity to connect with new demographics. By making its premium and globally recognized products more accessible, Ambev is positioning itself to compete more aggressively and meet the evolving demands of local consumers who increasingly seek out international beverage options.
As both companies move into the implementation phase, the focus will be on ensuring a seamless integration of Ambev’s portfolio into Coca-Cola FEMSA’s vast supply chain. This complex process involves coordinating inventory, training sales teams, and aligning marketing efforts to guarantee a successful launch in early 2026. The agreement not only expands Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product offerings but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth and market diversification in the region.
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For further information, visit coca-colafemsa.com
About Coca-Cola FEMSA:
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. is 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 49 manufacturing plants and 268 distribution centers, Coca-Cola FEMSA is committed to generating economic, social, and environmental value for all of its stakeholders across Latin America.
For further information, visit ab-inbev.com
About Ambev:
Ambev, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, is a leading brewing company in Latin America. It produces and sells a vast portfolio of beers, soft drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages. Known for iconic brands like Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, and the distribution of global brands such as Budweiser and Stella Artois in its markets, Ambev operates across the Americas and is a major player in the global beverage industry.
For further information, visit coca-colacompany.com
About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Its purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. The company’s portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta. It also offers a range of hydration, sports, coffee, and tea brands. The company continuously works to reshape its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm distinguishes itself through a fusion of principled integrity and professional excellence. It not only provides premier counsel across a wide spectrum of industries but also champions legal innovation to address contemporary challenges. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that a just society is an informed one, driving its dedicated efforts to democratize legal knowledge and empower the community at large.
