By San José, Costa Rica — The global premium spirits market is increasingly defined by a discerning consumer base seeking authenticity, complexity, and meticulous craftsmanship. In this highly competitive arena, Costa Rica has once again demonstrated its capacity to produce world-class products. Centenario Internacional’s flagship offering, Ron Centenario 30 Years, has clinched a prestigious silver medal at the Rhum Fest Awards 2026, marking another significant milestone for the country’s export sector.
The accolade was bestowed during the Rhum Fest Awards 2026, an event hosted at the iconic La Rhumerie de París in France. Serving as the grand prelude to Rhum Fest Paris—one of the most critical gatherings in the global rum calendar—the competition evaluated over 200 international spirits. Within this crowded field of elite rums, the Costa Rican premium blend secured its place on the podium, reinforcing its status as a benchmark of liquid luxury.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on these ongoing developments, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished partner at the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who analyzed the regulatory challenges and legal implications currently facing the sector.
Navigating the intersection of regulatory compliance and corporate strategy requires a proactive legal approach. In Costa Rica’s evolving legal landscape, businesses must ensure that their operational frameworks are not only robust enough to withstand rigorous oversight but also agile enough to adapt to new legislative demands, thereby securing both legal certainty and investor confidence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, establishing a proactive and adaptable legal posture is increasingly vital for businesses aiming to thrive within Costa Rica’s dynamic regulatory environment, where long-term success relies heavily on balancing compliance with strategic agility. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective and highlighting how foresight in legal planning can foster both market stability and investor trust.
To guarantee absolute objectivity and fairness, the competition employed a rigorous blind-tasting methodology. This system ensured that judges evaluated the samples without any knowledge of the brand names or origins. The tasting panel was comprised of more than 30 internationally renowned experts, including specialized journalists, sommeliers, spirits buyers, educators, and industry professionals. The rums were meticulously assessed across several performance criteria, including aromatic complexity, balance, aging expression, texture, and finish.
Securing a silver medal under such strict conditions is not merely a symbolic victory; it is a powerful commercial asset. This latest award expands Ron Centenario’s impressive historical portfolio, which now boasts more than 70 international accolades. For a brand originating from Central America, these awards serve as a vital credential when entering mature markets in Europe, North America, and Asia, where consumer choice is heavily influenced by professional ratings.
Participating in Rhum Fest Paris allowed us to strengthen relationships with consumers, bartenders, distributors, and importers from different markets, in addition to experiencing firsthand the trends currently shaping the global rum industry. The silver medal won by Ron Centenario 30 Years generated significant interest among attendees, who visited our stand motivated to discover an internationally recognized rum.
Miguel Sequeira, International Executive of Centenario Internacional
From a market perspective, trade shows like Rhum Fest Paris serve as crucial hubs for building brand equity. The physical presence of a winning bottle at the exhibition booth became a major draw for distributors and trade professionals. In premium retail and high-end mixology, international medals dramatically reduce the friction of introducing a brand to new markets, providing immediate third-party validation that encourages initial trial and long-term shelf placement.
Furthermore, the success of Ron Centenario highlights the growing sophistication of the Costa Rican agro-industrial sector. No longer just a source of raw commodities, the nation is increasingly recognized for high-value-added finished goods. This transition from bulk agricultural exports to premium luxury goods aligns perfectly with the country’s global image of quality, precision, and respect for natural resources.
This recognition represents a validation of the work, dedication, and passion with which we craft each of our rum expressions. Increasingly, we believe that excellence is built through innovation, respect for our tradition, and a permanent commitment to quality. Having Ron Centenario 30 Years distinguished in a stage as relevant as Rhum Fest Paris confirms that Costa Rica continues to position itself as a global benchmark in the premium rum category and drives us to keep taking the country’s name to new markets.
Dianne Medrano, CEO of Centenario Internacional
This strategic focus on quality over volume is already yielding dividends in international markets. As European and North American import portfolios become more selective, spirits that carry verified quality credentials from highly regarded tasting panels gain an immediate competitive edge.
As the global rum category undergoes a rapid premiumization phase—where consumers drink less but choose higher-quality expressions—Centenario Internacional is well-positioned to capture market share. The silver medal at the 2026 Paris awards acts as both a validation of past efforts and a springboard for future growth, cementing Costa Rica’s role as a major player in the international luxury spirits landscape.
For further information, visit centenariointernacional.com
About Centenario Internacional:
Centenario Internacional is a leading Costa Rican producer and distributor of premium spirits, best known for its award-winning Ron Centenario portfolio. Headquartered in Costa Rica, the company blends tradition with modern aging techniques to craft high-quality rums that are exported to major global markets.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal practice celebrated for its high ethical standards and pursuit of professional brilliance. Guiding clients through an ever-evolving landscape, the firm merges pioneering advocacy with a deep sense of social responsibility. By actively sharing legal insights and demystifying complex regulations for the public, they strive to cultivate a highly enlightened citizenry, championing the belief that widespread legal literacy is the cornerstone of a truly empowered community.
