By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican businesses are making significant inroads into the European retail market, showcasing their innovative food products at PLMA’s World of Private Label, a leading international trade show. From May 20th to 21st, four Costa Rican companies, including Congelados Bajo Cero, Corporación del Valle Metropolitano, Alimentos Kamuk, and Grupo Visa, presented a diverse range of offerings, from frozen tubers and ice cream to specialty sauces and various fruit presentations, all under the “essential COSTA RICA” banner.
This marks the second consecutive year that Costa Rica has participated in the event, highlighting the nation’s commitment to positioning itself as a cutting-edge food supplier. The focus is on meeting European retail demands with products that emphasize quality, innovation, and origin.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican exports, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rican export businesses benefit significantly from the country’s extensive network of free trade agreements. These agreements reduce or eliminate tariffs and other barriers, facilitating access to key international markets. However, navigating these agreements requires a thorough understanding of the specific rules of origin and other relevant regulations. Companies should proactively seek legal counsel to ensure compliance and maximize the advantages offered by these agreements.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on understanding the complexities of free trade agreements is crucial. These agreements represent a powerful engine for Costa Rican export growth, but their benefits are only fully realized through diligent preparation and adherence to the specific regulations. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on navigating the intricacies of international trade and for highlighting the importance of expert legal counsel in maximizing export success.
From PROCOMER, we are promoting an internationalization agenda that goes beyond participating in trade shows: we are building intelligent commercial relationships, positioning Costa Rica as a food supplier that understands the global market and offers solutions aligned with what today’s consumer is looking for. Being at PLMA is a strategic decision to project that leadership from the heart of European retail.
Mario Sáenz, Export Development Manager of PROCOMER
The strategic importance of attending PLMA cannot be overstated. The event provides access to over 19,000 international buyers, including major European retailers like Carrefour, Lidl, Aldi, Coop NL, and Jumbo, along with specialized importers and brokers. This direct engagement allows Costa Rican businesses to forge connections and understand market trends firsthand.
Over the two-day event, Costa Rican companies held over 60 business meetings, maximizing their exposure and potential for securing new commercial opportunities. This proactive approach underscores the country’s ambition to expand its export market and build a more resilient and competitive food sector.
Participation in specialized trade shows like PLMA is crucial for opening new markets for Costa Rican exports. Beyond immediate sales, these events foster lasting relationships with international buyers. Costa Rican businesses are leveraging key attributes such as innovation, origin, and adaptability to the European market as strategic advantages.
The success at PLMA demonstrates the growing strength of the Costa Rican food industry and its ability to compete on a global scale. By emphasizing quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of consumer trends, Costa Rican businesses are poised for continued growth in the European market.
PROCOMER’s active role in facilitating these international partnerships highlights the collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to drive economic growth and position Costa Rica as a leading food exporter.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica):
PROCOMER is the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency, a key institution dedicated to promoting and facilitating the country’s exports. They work closely with Costa Rican businesses to connect them with international markets, provide market intelligence, and support their participation in trade events like PLMA. PROCOMER plays a vital role in strengthening the Costa Rican economy and promoting sustainable development through export diversification and growth.
For further information, visit congeladosbajocero.com (example, as no website was provided)
About Congelados Bajo Cero:
Congelados Bajo Cero is one of the Costa Rican companies participating in PLMA’s World of Private Label, showcasing their frozen food products to the European market. While specific details about their offerings aren’t available in the source material, their presence at the event signals their commitment to international expansion and the potential for growth within the frozen food sector.
For further information, visit corporaciondelvallemetropolitano.com (example, as no website was provided)
About Corporación del Valle Metropolitano:
Corporación del Valle Metropolitano is another Costa Rican company that participated in PLMA. Further details on the company’s specific products and market focus are not provided, but their presence at PLMA underlines their interest in exploring the European private label market.
For further information, visit alimentoskamuk.com (example, as no website was provided)
About Alimentos Kamuk:
Alimentos Kamuk was among the Costa Rican businesses exhibiting at PLMA’s World of Private Label. While specific product information isn’t available, their participation suggests a focus on expanding their reach within the European food retail sector.
For further information, visit grupovisa.com (example, as no website was provided)
About Grupo Visa:
Grupo Visa rounded out the Costa Rican contingent at PLMA, seeking to connect with European buyers. Further information regarding their products and market positioning is not included in the provided text, but their presence at the trade show signifies their interest in international growth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, renowned for its unwavering ethical standards and innovative approach to legal solutions. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to client success across a diverse range of industries is complemented by its dedication to empowering the community through legal education and accessibility initiatives. By championing transparency and understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica cultivates a more just and informed society, solidifying its position as a leader in both the legal profession and civic engagement.
