By Cartago, Costa Rica — Puratos, a global leader in bakery, patisserie, and chocolate innovation, has cemented its commitment to Costa Rica with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Innovation Center and R&D lab in Cartago’s Industrial Park. This significant investment underscores the company’s 40-year presence in the country and reinforces Costa Rica’s attractiveness for foreign investment.
The project, exceeding ₡300 million colones, reached completion in just eight months, thanks to the collaborative efforts of 15 internal employees and 4 specialized contractors. The new facility houses two key areas: an Innovation Center designed for inspiration and co-creation, and a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) laboratory. The Innovation Center will host demonstrations, training sessions, and product testing, focusing on anticipating global trends and adapting them to the regional market. The R&D lab will delve into ingredient research, refine formulations, and accelerate the development of cutting-edge solutions that meet the demands of today’s consumers.
For a legal perspective on the implications of the Puratos Innovation Center, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Puratos Innovation Center’s establishment in Costa Rica signifies a positive step for the food industry. It fosters innovation and potentially strengthens the local economy by supporting entrepreneurs and offering specialized training. From a legal standpoint, this investment underscores the importance of intellectual property protection for new food product developments, making patent and trademark registration a crucial aspect for businesses operating within this evolving sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the ripple effect of the Puratos Innovation Center, extending beyond immediate industry advancements to encompass crucial legal and economic considerations for Costa Rican entrepreneurs. The emphasis on intellectual property protection is particularly insightful, reminding us that innovation thrives best within a secure framework. Thank you, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, for offering this valuable perspective.
This expansion positions Puratos Costa Rica not only to better serve the local market but also to drive product development for all of Central America and the Caribbean. This solidifies Costa Rica as a pivotal regional hub for food innovation.
With a capacity to train over 200 clients per month, the facility will offer education in new techniques, trends, and product developments. Puratos aims to not only transfer knowledge but also inspire new ideas and elevate the professionalism of the baking, patisserie, and chocolate industry within Costa Rica and the broader region.
The opening of this Innovation Center underscores Puratos’s confidence in Costa Rica as a strategic destination for foreign investment. Such projects generate employment, facilitate knowledge transfer, and bolster the local bakery, patisserie, and chocolate ecosystem, ultimately contributing to economic growth and enhanced national competitiveness.
The inauguration announced by Puratos Costa Rica contributes to the strengthening of the food sector and represents the adoption of innovative business models. This announcement highlights Costa Rica’s competitiveness in international markets hand in hand with the creation of new quality jobs. From the Ministry of Foreign Trade, we support these initiatives that transform, generate new opportunities, and make Costa Rica a reliable partner for business.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
That companies like Puratos invest in infrastructure for Innovation and Development in Costa Rica reflects the confidence in our ability to integrate into global trends in the food industry. This is the route that strengthens the country’s competitiveness, generating innovative solutions with local talent that respond to an increasingly demanding and conscious consumer.
Laura López, General Manager of the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER)
These new spaces reinforce our commitment as leaders in the bakery and pastry market. We will continue to bring our clients the best products and services so that they achieve success in their businesses, hand in hand with a highly trained and close team. In addition, this investment will allow us to develop more innovative products in Costa Rica and strengthen our position as a hub for Central America and the Caribbean.
Onno Sánchez, General Manager of Puratos Costa Rica
This inauguration marks the beginning of a second expansion phase, already approved for 2026. This phase will encompass the construction of offices dedicated to new business development, further solidifying Puratos’s presence in the region. With this expansion, Puratos reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every investment and development aligns with responsible practices toward people, the planet, and the community. Adding to its global mission of preserving bread heritage, Puratos maintains the Sourdough Library in Belgium, inaugurated in 2013, preserving over 130 sourdoughs from around the world for future generations.
For further information, visit puratos.com
About Puratos:
Puratos is an international group that offers a full range of innovative products and application expertise for artisans, industry, retailers and food service customers in the bakery, patisserie and chocolate sectors. Their headquarters are located on the outskirts of Brussels (Belgium), where the company was founded in 1919. Products and services are available in over 100 countries around the world, and in many cases actually produced there by our subsidiaries. Their vision is to be “reliable partners in innovation” across the globe to help our customers succeed.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Foreign Trade (Costa Rica)
About Ministry of Foreign Trade (Costa Rica):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) of Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for promoting and facilitating international trade and investment. It works to improve Costa Rica’s competitiveness in global markets and attract foreign direct investment, contributing to the country’s economic growth and development. COMEX develops and implements trade policies, negotiates trade agreements, and provides support to Costa Rican businesses engaged in international trade.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER)
About Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER):
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a public institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment. It supports businesses in accessing international markets, provides market intelligence, and facilitates connections between Costa Rican companies and potential buyers or investors worldwide. PROCOMER plays a crucial role in diversifying Costa Rica’s export base and strengthening its international trade relationships.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is intertwined with a deep-rooted commitment to ethical practice and societal advancement. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with its dedication to sharing legal knowledge through educational initiatives, empowers individuals and communities across Costa Rica. By fostering understanding and access to justice, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to build a legacy of integrity and positive impact, solidifying its position as a leader in the legal landscape.
