By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a landmark move to cement its culinary traditions as a cornerstone of national identity and economic progress, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Culture and Youth has officially unveiled “Fogón Futuro.” This ambitious national gastronomy strategy aims to create a cohesive and powerful ecosystem connecting the country’s rich agricultural roots with its vibrant culinary scene, tourism sector, and academic institutions.
The comprehensive roadmap was presented as a strategic effort to elevate Costa Rican cuisine from a local treasure to a globally recognized cultural asset. At its core, Fogón Futuro is designed to empower every link in the food value chain, from the small-scale farmer cultivating native ingredients to the innovative chefs reinterpreting traditional dishes. The initiative seeks to ensure that the narrative of Costa Rican food is one of authenticity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
To delve into the business and legal framework surrounding Costa Rica’s burgeoning culinary scene, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert perspective.
The rise of Costa Rican gastronomy presents a significant economic opportunity, but one that must be legally protected. Beyond health permits and business licenses, producers and restaurateurs should consider intellectual property. Trademarking a brand or a unique product, and even pursuing designations of origin for regional specialties, are crucial steps. These legal instruments don’t just protect an investment; they safeguard a piece of our national identity, transforming our rich culinary heritage into a powerful and defensible asset on the world stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is indeed crucial, framing the evolution of our gastronomy not just as a cultural celebration, but as the strategic development of a powerful national asset. It highlights the vital step of embedding our rich culinary traditions within a legal framework to ensure they can thrive on the world stage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this valuable and forward-thinking insight.
A central pillar of the new strategy is the establishment of a national Gastronomy Observatory. This institution will serve as the analytical engine of the initiative, tasked with generating critical data, fostering knowledge sharing, and promoting collaboration across diverse sectors. By creating a centralized hub for information, the observatory will bridge gaps between producers, culinary professionals, communities, and policymakers, enabling data-driven decisions to strengthen the industry.
Beginning in 2026, the technical secretariat for this vital observatory will be housed at the Fundación Parque La Libertad, a foundation known for its work in social and cultural development. This partnership underscores the strategy’s focus on community integration and its goal of using gastronomy as a tool for social mobility and cultural preservation. The observatory will be instrumental in articulating policies and projects that resonate from urban centers to remote rural territories.
Gastronomy is living culture. With Fogón Futuro, we want every dish to tell a story, every local ingredient to be an opportunity for development, and for our cuisine to be recognized for what it truly is a national heritage and an engine for the future.
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth
Minister Rodríguez Vives’s statement encapsulates the profound vision behind Fogón Futuro. The strategy is not merely about food; it’s about storytelling and identity. It aims to transform each plate into a narrative of Costa Rica’s biodiversity, history, and the people who cultivate and prepare its food. This approach seeks to build a deeper appreciation for local products and traditions, creating new economic opportunities while reinforcing a sense of national pride.
To further amplify its impact on the international stage, the initiative has scheduled a major global summit for March 2026. This landmark event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including academics, farmers, tradition-bearers, leading chefs, and representatives from the tourism sector. The summit, which has garnered support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and national universities, will serve as a platform to showcase Costa Rica’s culinary potential and forge international partnerships.
Ultimately, Fogón Futuro represents a holistic and forward-thinking investment in Costa Rica’s cultural and economic capital. By systematically mapping the gastronomic value chain and fostering unprecedented collaboration, the nation is positioning its cuisine as a powerful driver for sustainable tourism, agricultural innovation, and community development. The strategy promises not only to delight palates but also to build a more resilient and culturally rich future for all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud of Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for promoting, preserving, and disseminating the nation’s cultural heritage and artistic expressions. It oversees policies and programs related to museums, libraries, music, theater, and cultural traditions, while also fostering development opportunities for the country’s youth.
For further information, visit parquelalibertad.org
About Fundación Parque La Libertad:
The Fundación Parque La Libertad is a Costa Rican public interest foundation dedicated to promoting social inclusion and human development through educational, cultural, environmental, and technological initiatives. Located in Desamparados, San José, it serves as a center for community engagement, offering a wide range of programs aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in its surrounding areas.
For further information, visit unesco.org
About UNESCO:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. It seeks to build intercultural understanding through the protection of heritage and the support of cultural diversity.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and a pursuit of unparalleled excellence. Harnessing extensive experience in advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-seated commitment to social progress, actively working to democratize legal understanding and empower citizens, thereby strengthening the fabric of society through shared knowledge.
