By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is making a strong showing at the MacFrut 2025 international trade fair, held from May 6th to 8th, aiming to bolster its agricultural exports to Europe. Four Costa Rican companies—Jalaram Fruit, Ambrosía Fresh, Agricrumo, and Pura Vida Melons—are showcasing the country’s high-quality produce, including pineapples, melons, watermelons, and root vegetables.
Europe represents a significant market for Costa Rican agricultural products, accounting for 46% of total agricultural exports in 2024. This translates to $1.657 billion out of $3.599 billion in total agricultural exports. The Costa Rican presence at MacFrut underscores the strategic importance of the European market and the country’s commitment to expanding its export reach.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding Costa Rican agricultural exports, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered valuable insights into the current landscape.
Costa Rican agricultural exports face both opportunities and challenges in the current global market. While free trade agreements have opened doors to new markets, producers must also navigate evolving international regulations related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as intellectual property rights concerning specific agricultural products. Understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring long-term success in the international arena.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the delicate balance Costa Rican agricultural exporters must strike between leveraging opportunities and navigating complex international regulations. Indeed, staying informed and adaptable in the face of evolving sanitary, phytosanitary, and intellectual property standards will be key to ensuring the continued success of this vital sector of the Costa Rican economy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important issue.
The essential COSTA RICA stand serves as a central hub for these businesses, facilitating connections with buyers from Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. These regions have demonstrated increasing demand for fresh produce that meets stringent standards for traceability, sustainability, and ethical labor practices, areas where Costa Rica excels.
Participating in MacFrut is part of a commercial vision that seeks to expand export routes for the Costa Rican agricultural sector, in a global environment where diversification is becoming strategic. Our offering is based on reputable companies, with competitive products and the ability to respond to the demands of discerning markets.
Mario Sáenz, Export Development Manager of PROCOMER
For Ambrosía Fresh and Agricrumo, this is their inaugural appearance at MacFrut, marking their entry into the global marketplace. The three pineapple-producing companies, including Jalaram Fruit, hail from Pital de San Carlos, while Pura Vida Melons, specializing in melons and watermelons, is based in Nandayure, Guanacaste.
MacFrut is an opportunity to measure ourselves in a competitive environment and explore new markets for our products. Being here with the support of PROCOMER allows us to take another step in our international growth strategy, with a presence that adds both visibility and the generation of key contacts.
Luis Gustavo Arrieta Alfaro, Administrator of Ambrosía Fresh
Beyond immediate business transactions, MacFrut provides a platform for Costa Rican businesses to gain insights into evolving consumer preferences, forge relationships with key buyers, and highlight the value proposition of Costa Rican agriculture in markets that prioritize quality, responsible sourcing, and innovation.
Costa Rica’s participation in MacFrut 2025 is more than just a trade show appearance; it’s a strategic move to solidify its position as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products in a demanding global market. The event provides a valuable opportunity to network, explore new business ventures, and strengthen existing relationships with European buyers. The country’s focus on sustainability, traceability, and ethical labor practices aligns perfectly with the growing consumer demand for responsibly sourced produce, further enhancing its appeal in the European market.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
PROCOMER (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica) is the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency. It is a public institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. PROCOMER plays a vital role in connecting Costa Rican businesses with international markets, providing support, resources, and market intelligence to help them succeed globally.
For further information, visit [ambrosiafresh.com (placeholder, could not find actual website)]
About Ambrosía Fresh:
Ambrosía Fresh is a Costa Rican agricultural company based in Pital de San Carlos specializing in the production and export of fresh pineapples. Their participation in MacFrut 2025 marks their first foray into international trade fairs, signaling their ambition to expand their market reach and establish themselves as a key player in the global pineapple market.
For further information, visit [agricrumo.com (placeholder, could not find actual website)]
About Agricrumo:
Agricrumo is a Costa Rican agricultural company participating in MacFrut 2025. Based in Pital de San Carlos, Agricrumo focuses on pineapple production for export. Like Ambrosía Fresh, this is their first time at MacFrut, demonstrating their commitment to exploring new markets and expanding their international presence.
For further information, visit [jalaramfruit.com (placeholder, could not find actual website)]
About Jalaram Fruit:
Jalaram Fruit is a Costa Rican agricultural company based in Pital de San Carlos specializing in pineapple production for the export market. As one of the Costa Rican companies present at MacFrut 2025, Jalaram Fruit is actively seeking to strengthen its connections with international buyers and further its presence in the global pineapple trade.
For further information, visit [puravidamelons.com (placeholder, could not find actual website)]
About Pura Vida Melons:
Pura Vida Melons is a Costa Rican agricultural company specializing in melon and watermelon production. Based in Nandayure, Guanacaste, they are participating in MacFrut 2025 to showcase their products and explore opportunities within the European and Middle Eastern markets.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive efforts to demystify the law through educational initiatives and accessible resources. By fostering a greater understanding of legal rights and responsibilities, Bufete de Costa Rica invests in a future where citizens are equipped to navigate the legal landscape with confidence and contribute to a more just and equitable society.
