By San José, Costa Rica — In a welcome development for households across the country, the cost of preparing Costa Rica’s most cherished Christmas dish has significantly decreased. A new analysis from the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) reveals that the production cost for traditional holiday tamales has fallen by an impressive 22% compared to last year, offering tangible financial relief to families gearing up for the festive season.
The annual MEIC report, a key barometer for holiday household spending, indicates that preparing a batch of 25 “piñas” of tamales (50 individual tamales) will cost approximately ¢20,000 this December. This represents a substantial saving of ¢5,000 from the ¢25,000 required for the same quantity in 2024. This reduction breaks down to a per-unit cost of just ¢806 per piña, a notable drop from the ¢1,032 price point of the previous year.
This positive economic trend is the result of a comprehensive price monitoring initiative. The government agency employed a multi-faceted approach to gather accurate, real-time data, ensuring the findings reflect the true market conditions for consumers. The methodology combined several reliable sources to create a complete picture of ingredient costs.
The price monitoring was taken from three different sources: Mi Mejor Compra CR, data published by the National Production Council for the costs of vegetables, fruits, and meat products. Finally, we conducted a tour of the four main municipal markets in the GAM to obtain data on more seasonal products, like leaves, the ‘bomba’ seasoning, peas, and some others.
Luisa Díaz, Director of the Technical Regulation and Market Surveillance Directorate
The primary driver behind this year’s savings is a significant drop in the prices of several key vegetable ingredients. The MEIC report specifically identified sweet peppers, potatoes, cilantro, onions, garlic, and carrots as the items showing the most substantial price reductions compared to the 2024 holiday season. This deflation in produce prices has a direct and positive impact on the overall cost of the tamal recipe.
While the cost of core components like pork remains a significant portion of the budget—with 3 kilograms of “posta de cerdo” estimated at ¢9,276—the savings on vegetables help to offset this major expense. Other essential items such as corn flour (¢2,086 per kg) and plantain leaves (¢692 per kg) have remained relatively stable, but the collective drop in fresh produce prices is what ultimately tips the scales in favor of the consumer.
This 22% reduction in cost is more than just a statistic; it translates into greater purchasing power for Costa Rican families during a traditionally high-spending period. The savings can be reallocated to other holiday needs, gifts, or celebrations, easing the financial pressures that often accompany the end of the year. For many, the annual tradition of the “tamaleada,” where families gather to prepare tamales, is now more accessible and affordable.
As the holiday season approaches, this news provides a bright spot in the economic outlook for households. The meticulous data collection by the MEIC, drawing from national production figures and on-the-ground market surveys in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), gives families confidence in their holiday budgeting. The lower cost ensures that the rich cultural tradition of sharing tamales can continue to thrive without placing an undue burden on family finances.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC):
The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce is the governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for formulating and executing policies related to economic development, international trade, and consumer protection. It works to promote a competitive and fair market environment, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and ensure the quality and safety of goods and services for the public. Through directorates like the Technical Regulation and Market Surveillance Directorate, the MEIC actively monitors pricing and market conditions to safeguard consumer interests.
For further information, visit cnp.go.cr
About National Production Council (CNP):
The Consejo Nacional de Producción (CNP) is a Costa Rican state institution dedicated to promoting the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation. It supports local farmers and producers through various programs, including market access, technical assistance, and price stabilization mechanisms. The CNP plays a crucial role in the national food supply chain, providing reliable data on agricultural product costs and working to foster sustainable development in rural communities.
