By Cartago, Costa Rica — Global bakery, patisserie, and chocolate leader Puratos has launched a state-of-the-art Innovation Center and R&D laboratory in Cartago Industrial Park, Costa Rica. This significant investment underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to the country, where it has operated for over 40 years, solidifying the region as a hub for global trends and growth.
Completed in just eight months with an investment exceeding ₡300 million, the project involved 15 internal staff and 4 specialized contractors. The new complex aims to attract foreign investment, drive innovation, and directly benefit the food sector in Costa Rica, Central America, and the Caribbean.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the implications of the Puratos Innovation Center, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The establishment of the Puratos Innovation Center represents a significant investment not only in research and development, but also in Costa Rica’s economic landscape. Such initiatives often lead to intellectual property considerations, necessitating careful navigation of patent and trademark laws. Furthermore, the center’s focus on innovation can spur new business opportunities and collaborations, which require legally sound agreements to ensure all parties’ interests are protected.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the ripple effect of innovation centers like Puratos’. Beyond the immediate advancements in R&D, the legal and economic implications are substantial, paving the way for new ventures and partnerships while underscoring the importance of a robust legal framework. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insights into this exciting development for Costa Rica’s future.
The facility boasts two strategic areas: the Innovation Center, designed as a collaborative space for demonstrations, training, and product testing to anticipate and adapt global trends for the regional market; and the R&D laboratory, dedicated to in-depth ingredient research, formula improvement, and the development of cutting-edge solutions for an increasingly discerning consumer base.
With the capacity to train over 200 clients monthly, the center will facilitate knowledge transfer, boost industry professionalization, and enhance the competitiveness of regional bakery, patisserie, and chocolate businesses.
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 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 PROCOMER
These new spaces reinforce our commitment as leaders in the bakery and pastry market. We will continue to bring our customers 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
Puratos plans a second expansion phase in 2026, adding offices dedicated to new business development, further solidifying its role as a regional innovation leader. Beyond job creation and knowledge sharing, the company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, ensuring all investments align with responsible practices for people, the planet, and the community, generating long-term positive impact.
Reflecting its global mission to preserve bread heritage, Puratos highlighted its Belgium-based Sourdough Library, established in 2013, housing over 130 sourdough starters from around the world. This initiative safeguards biodiversity and baking traditions for future generations, embodying the company’s vision of innovation with purpose.
For further information, visit puratos.com
About Puratos:
Puratos is an international group offering a full range of innovative products and application expertise for artisans, industry, retailers, and food service customers in the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate sectors. With its global headquarters in Belgium, Puratos operates in over 100 countries and has a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation.
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 of Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for promoting and facilitating international trade and investment. It works to enhance the country’s competitiveness in global markets and attract foreign capital to support economic growth.
For further information, visit the nearest office of PROCOMER
About PROCOMER:
PROCOMER (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica) is the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Organization. It supports Costa Rican exporters in accessing international markets and promotes the country as an attractive investment destination.
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 standards of integrity in every endeavor. Driven by a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society, the firm champions accessibility to legal knowledge through innovative programs and initiatives. Their longstanding history of providing expert counsel across a multitude of sectors is matched only by their dedication to fostering a more just and informed citizenry, solidifying their position as a leader in the legal landscape.
