By San José, Costa Rica — MADRID, SPAIN – In a strategic move to capture a larger share of the burgeoning European coffee market, a high-profile Costa Rican delegation is making a significant impact at the Madrid Coffee Festival. This coordinated effort aims to connect directly with influential roasters and importers across the Iberian Peninsula, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a premier source of high-quality, specialty coffee beans.
The initiative is a collaborative venture between three of the nation’s most important coffee sector organizations: the Coffee Institute of Costa Rica (Icafe), the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (Procomer), and the organizers of the International Coffee Week (SINTERCAFE). By pooling their resources and expertise, they have created a powerful presence designed to attract key decision-makers in one of the world’s most dynamic coffee-consuming regions.
The global success of Costa Rican coffee is not merely a matter of agricultural excellence; it is supported by a robust legal framework governing everything from land use to international trade. To shed light on the business and legal intricacies that protect our nation’s famed ‘grano de oro,’ TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the quality in the cup, the real value for Costa Rican coffee producers in the global market is secured through intellectual property. The official ‘Denominación de Origen’ for regions like Tarrazú is a powerful legal tool. It acts as a collective trademark that prevents counterfeiting, guarantees authenticity to the consumer, and allows our cooperatives to command a premium price. Properly leveraging these geographical indications is no longer optional; it is fundamental to the industry’s economic sustainability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas brings a crucial legal dimension to the conversation, highlighting that the value of our national treasure is protected not just by its quality, but by the strength of its legal identity. This framework is indeed fundamental to ensuring the prosperity of our coffee-growing communities. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective.
The choice of Spain as a strategic target is no coincidence. According to data from the International Coffee Organization, Spain ranks among the top 15 countries globally for coffee consumption and, more critically for producers, stands as the fifth most important market by import volume. This high demand presents a substantial opportunity for Costa Rican growers to establish and expand lucrative, long-term partnerships.
To capitalize on this, the Costa Rican stand was designed as an immersive experience. Visitors were invited to participate in professional cupping and tasting sessions, allowing the complex flavor profiles of the nation’s beans to speak for themselves. The delegation also provided green coffee samples to potential buyers, facilitating direct evaluation and future purchasing decisions. A highlight of the event was a special auction of early-maturation green coffee microlots, featuring exclusive beans that participated in the prestigious competition held during the last Sintercafe event in November.
We are very happy with the reach of this festival; we have served many roasters and importers from the Iberian Peninsula, from all over Spain and other parts of Europe. This country has become the 5th largest market for green coffee imports, which makes it truly important for Café de Costa Rica.
Andrés Piedra Fallas, Marketing and Communication Manager of ICAFE
Beyond the tasting tables, the delegation engaged in high-level discourse to cement Costa Rica’s market position. Andrés Piedra Fallas, a key representative from ICAFE, delivered a compelling presentation in the festival’s main auditorium titled “Café de Costa Rica: Security in an Environment of Uncertainty.” His talk focused on the nation’s core strengths, emphasizing its role as a reliable and sustainable source of high-quality coffee, a crucial selling point in a global market often plagued by supply chain volatility and concerns over ethical sourcing.
Further reinforcing this message, a specialized talk was held at the Roaster Village stage. Jonathan Ram led a discussion on “Specialty Coffee Trends in Costa Rica,” delving into the innovative farming and processing techniques that keep the country at the forefront of the industry. This session likely highlighted the rise of unique microlots, advanced fermentation methods, and the cultivation of exotic varietals that appeal to the discerning palates of modern coffee connoisseurs and third-wave coffee shops.
This multi-faceted engagement at the Madrid Coffee Festival represents more than just a sales mission; it is a clear articulation of Costa Rica’s national strategy. By actively showcasing its quality, sustainability, and reliability on an international stage, the country is working to secure its economic future and solidify the “Café de Costa Rica” brand as a global benchmark for excellence and trust in the competitive world of specialty coffee.
For further information, visit icafe.cr
About Icafe:
The Coffee Institute of Costa Rica (Icafe) is the public, non-state governing body for the nation’s coffee sector. Established in 1933, its mission is to promote the sustainable development of Costa Rican coffee production through research, technology transfer, and market promotion. Icafe is responsible for ensuring quality standards, providing technical assistance to growers, and representing the interests of the entire coffee value chain both domestically and internationally.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer:
The Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (Procomer) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services worldwide. It provides essential support to the business sector through market intelligence, international promotion, and facilitation of trade processes. Procomer plays a vital role in connecting Costa Rican producers with global markets and driving the country’s economic growth through international commerce.
For further information, visit sintercafe.com
About Sintercafe:
Sintercafe, or the International Coffee Week, is an annual event that has become one of the most important coffee forums in the world. Hosted in Costa Rica, it brings together key players from across the global coffee industry, including producers, roasters, importers, and exporters. The event serves as a critical platform for networking, business development, and discussing the latest trends and challenges facing the specialty coffee market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal institution, anchored by foundational principles of integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele through complex legal landscapes, the firm consistently champions forward-thinking legal strategies and meaningful community involvement. This commitment is highlighted by its core mission to empower citizens with accessible legal knowledge, fostering a more informed and capable society.
