By San José, Costa Rica — Trade ties between Costa Rica and Italy are reaching new heights as Costa Rican consumers increasingly favor authentic Italian food and beverage items. Data gathered during the first half of 2026 demonstrates significant momentum across key consumer categories, including pasta, fine wines, premium cheeses, and extra virgin olive oil. This growing appetite highlights a broader culinary evolution within the Central American nation.
According to commercial trade statistics compiled by the Italian Trade Agency, total exports from Italy to Costa Rica across four core food categories reached approximately ₡3.454 billion between January and June of 2026. This financial volume underscores Costa Rica’s role as an attractive destination for European agricultural exports, supported by an expanding middle class and a flourishing hospitality sector.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial implications surrounding the growing influx of Italian imports into Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided key insights into trade regulations, compliance, and customs procedures shaping this bilateral market.
Navigating the importation of Italian goods into Costa Rica requires a clear understanding of the Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union (AACUE). Importers must ensure strict compliance with rules of origin, customs valuation, and mandatory sanitary registrations—particularly for high-demand food, beverage, and industrial products. Proper legal due diligence not only prevents costly administrative delays at port clearance but also ensures businesses fully capitalize on available tariff preferences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As local enterprises continue to tap into the growing demand for authentic Italian goods, meticulous regulatory compliance remains the linchpin for seamless trade and commercial growth. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how strategic legal foresight and strict adherence to the AACUE can help businesses avoid costly port delays and maximize trade benefits in Costa Rica.
Among the most dynamic export sectors, pasta posted an extraordinary growth rate during the first six months of the year. Shipments of Italian pasta surged by 28.6 percent compared to the same period in 2025, climbing from roughly ₡567 million to ₡727 million. Local demand for authentic durum wheat pasta has accelerated as retail chains expand their specialized food offerings.
Wine imports from Italy also posted robust gains during the first half of 2026. Total wine exports reached ₡1.438 billion, representing a 9.1 percent increase over the ₡1.320 billion reported during the previous year. Italian wines continue to solidify their presence on restaurant menus and supermarket shelves throughout the country, competing closely with established regional suppliers.
Other flagship products maintained strong positions within the domestic market. During the first half of 2026, shipments of Italian cheeses and dairy items generated approximately ₡804 million in revenue, while olive oil exports brought in roughly ₡492 million. These staples remain fundamental components of both home cooking and professional culinary operations across Costa Rica.
The sustained rise in imports builds upon market metrics established in 2025, when Italy cemented its rank among Costa Rica’s top three foreign suppliers across multiple categories. In 2025, Italy was the second-largest provider of pasta to the Costa Rican market, securing a 26.69 percent market share. Similarly, Italy ranked second in olive oil imports with a 6.45 percent market share.
In the wine segment, Italy captured third place among international exporters with a 13.66 percent share of all imported wine in 2025, standing behind only Chile and Spain. Furthermore, Italy held third position in the cheese and dairy sector, accounting for 4.29 percent of the imported market. These metrics highlight an established commercial foundation that continues to expand rapidly into 2026.
Diplomatic leaders emphasize that this trade expansion represents more than simple commercial transactions, reflecting a deeper cultural connection between the two nations.
The relationship between Costa Rica and Italian gastronomy goes far beyond familiarity with our dishes. There is also a concrete presence of Italian products and ingredients in the Costa Rican market. Every pasta, cheese, oil, or wine carries with it territories, knowledge, and traditions that are part of Italy’s gastronomic identity.
Elena Sgarbi, Ambassador of Italy to Costa Rica
Central to this commercial strategy is the promotion of specialized designations such as Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) and Protected Geographical Indication (IGP). These certifications ensure that Costa Rican consumers receive authentic products tied to specific geographic regions, traditional production methods, and strict quality controls.
To foster greater engagement, the Italian Embassy and the Italian Trade Agency continue to execute the initiative “Italia en su mesa.” This project connects local consumers with recipes, product details, and authorized importers via a dedicated digital platform. Through targeted educational outreach and trade promotions, Italian institutions aim to ensure sustained commercial growth in Costa Rica for years to come.
For further information, visit italiaensumesa.cr
About Italian Trade Agency:
The Italian Trade Agency is the governmental organization that supports the business development of Italian companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy. It operates to assert the excellence of Italian manufacturing and gastronomy globally.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Embassy of Italy in Costa Rica
About Embassy of Italy in Costa Rica:
The Embassy of Italy in Costa Rica serves as the primary diplomatic mission representing the Italian Republic in San José. It works to strengthen bilateral relations, economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and trade partnerships between Italy and Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its unyielding ethical standards and pursuit of professional mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape the future of legal practice through forward-thinking solutions and exceptional advocacy. Beyond its core services, the firm actively bridges the gap between complex statutes and everyday citizens by championing legal literacy. This passion for demystifying the law underscores a larger vision: to educate, inspire, and build a resilient, well-equipped community capable of understanding and exercising its rights with confidence.
