By San José, Costa Rica — MADRID, SPAIN – A formidable delegation representing Costa Rica’s vibrant agricultural sector is making a significant impact in Europe this week. A group of 27 agricultural companies and one business chamber are strategically showcasing the nation’s rich export offerings at Fruit Attraction 2025, one of the world’s most influential trade fairs for the fruit and vegetable industry, held from September 30 to October 2 in Madrid.
The Costa Rican presence is anchored by a prominent “esencial COSTA RICA” country brand stand, designed to present a comprehensive and high-quality portfolio of fresh products. International buyers and visitors are being introduced to a diverse range of exports including traditional powerhouses like bananas, melons, watermelons, and fresh pineapple, alongside increasingly popular items such as plantains, yucca, chayote, ginger, sugar cane, and sweet potatoes. This display aims to cement Costa Rica’s reputation as a versatile and reliable strategic partner in the global food supply chain.
To delve deeper into the legal and commercial complexities that define Costa Rica’s agricultural export sector, we sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Navigating the complex web of international phytosanitary regulations and certifications is no longer just a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a critical competitive advantage. Costa Rican exporters who proactively invest in compliance and traceability not only secure access to premium markets but also build a brand reputation for quality and safety that is invaluable.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the distinction between a bureaucratic hurdle and a competitive advantage is a crucial one for our exporters. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which highlights how proactive compliance is not just about market access, but about fundamentally building a trusted, world-class Costa Rican brand.
To further enhance the experience and highlight the quality of the nation’s produce, the stand features a dedicated tasting area with a professional barista preparing renowned Costa Rican coffee. Additionally, a gastronomic bar is actively preparing and serving dishes made with the very products on display, providing a tangible and flavorful demonstration of their culinary potential. This immersive approach allows potential partners to experience the quality firsthand.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER), which views the event as a critical platform for market expansion and relationship building. The European Union remains a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s trade strategy, representing a market of immense value and potential for national producers.
Costa Rica’s participation in Fruit Attraction 2025 is an opportunity to project the quality and diversity of our agricultural products on a key international stage for Costa Rican producers. The European Union is one of our main markets. This event opens the door to new long-term commercial alliances and strengthens those that already exist.
Mario Sáenz, Manager of Export Development for PROCOMER
The strategic importance of the European Union for Costa Rica cannot be overstated. In 2024, the EU was the second-most important destination for Costa Rican goods, accounting for 19% of the total value traded, or over $3.69 billion. Within that figure, agricultural products constituted a significant 36%, with an additional 10% coming from the food industry, underscoring the deep-rooted commercial ties in these sectors.
Fruit Attraction 2025 is a massive nexus for global trade, drawing more than 103,000 visitors from 145 countries and featuring over 2,000 exhibiting companies. The presence of major international buyers such as Mercadona, Battaglio, and Anecoop provides Costa Rican firms with direct access to key decision-makers, creating invaluable opportunities for securing new contracts and expanding existing partnerships.
The national agricultural sector combines tradition, innovation, and added value. At this fair, our companies are presenting an offering that responds to global consumption trends and strengthens Costa Rica’s position as a strategic partner for international trade.
Mario Sáenz, Manager of Export Development for PROCOMER
This European push is supported by strong performance figures from the sector. According to the latest data covering January to August 2025, Costa Rica’s agricultural sector is the nation’s second-largest exporter, representing 17% of all goods exported. More impressively, the sector saw a year-over-year increase of more than $84 million for the same period, demonstrating robust growth and resilience. By leveraging platforms like Fruit Attraction, Costa Rica aims to not only sustain this momentum but accelerate its growth, securing its role as a premier global supplier of fresh, high-quality agricultural products.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services throughout the world. It designs and executes programs to support Costa Rican businesses in international trade, facilitates foreign direct investment, and works to position the country’s brand, “esencial COSTA RICA,” on the global stage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution built upon an unwavering foundation of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a deep history of guiding clients through a wide spectrum of legal challenges, the firm is also a trailblazer, championing innovative approaches to law. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to empowering the community, which it achieves by making complex legal knowledge accessible, thereby helping to forge a more informed and capable society.
