COUNTRY PROFILE
Discover more about the Costa Rica market including overviews about the retail, foodservice, and food-processing sectors. Events, resources, and more are linked throughout the profile.
$396.20 million
total U.S. exports of processed foods to Costa Rica in 2024
98%
of the country’s electricity produced from renewable sources
5.2 million
total population in 2024
USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs, OAA in San José, hereinafter referred to as “FAS Post San José,” reports that steady economic growth over the last 30 years has been driven by an outward-oriented strategy, based on foreign investment and trade liberalization. Costa Rica has a well-educated labor force, close geographic proximity to the U.S., and attractive free trade zone incentives appealing to multinational corporations, especially in the age of “near-shoring.”
In 2024, U.S. exports of processed foods to Costa Rica rose notably 13% to US$396.20 million, ranking third in the region and a new record high.
Top U.S. processed food exports to Costa Rica in 2024 included:
$4.7 Billion
estimated total of retail sales of packaged food products in 2024
12%
growth in U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products in 2024
$6.7 Billion
estimated in sales of packaged food products by 2029
Euromonitor reported that the retail sales value of packaged food will reach US$4.7 billion in 2024. By 2029, they predict the value will reach US$6.7 billion.
FAS Post San José reports that the dynamic Costa Rican retail sector reflects the country’s growing economy and increasing demand for new products. Consumers are influenced by tourism, culinary trends, and social media, with higher end consumers paying premiums for healthy products and environmentally sustainable packaging. In 2024, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products reached another record high of US$512 million.
FAS Post San José anticipates economic and pricing headwinds in 2024 could bolster prospects for private label and “value” products. Demand for healthy and/or gourmet snack items has been increasing in Costa Rica. Top products in the Costa Rican retail food market with good potential include soup and other food preparations, bakery goods, cereals & pasta, processed vegetables, fresh fruit, dairy products, dog & cat food, beef & beef products, non-alcoholic beverages, condiments & sauces, distilled spirits and pork & pork products.
2.8 million
tourists visiting Costa Rica in 2024
60%
of tourists to Costa Rica originate from the U.S.
FAS Post San José reports that continued restaurant sector recovery offers U.S. exporter’s opportunities to supply international franchises and fine dining outlets in the greater metropolitan area (GAM).
Estimates forecast a record 2.8 million tourists by the end of 2024 compared to 2.4 million in 2023. Of the total of 2.4 million travelers arriving in Costa Rica by air in 2023, 1.43 million are from the U.S. States, nearly 60% of the total. Hotels and resorts in Costa Rica offer a wide range of accommodations for the growing business and tourism industries, with a special emphasis on eco-tourism.
FAS Post San José reports that specialty ingredients and products are regularly imported from the U.S. These products include wine, beer, distilled spirits, dairy products, beef, pork, fruits, frozen potato products, sauces, condiments, sauces, drink mixes, and ingredients for foreign cuisines such as Italian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Peruvian, and Mexican.
$1 billion +
U.S. agricultural and related products exports to Costa Rica in 2023
#1
The U.S. remains the primary supplier of food-processing ingredients to Costa Rica
FAS Post San José reports that though relatively small, the Costa Rican food-processing sector relies on U.S. exporters to maintain critical supply chains. Proximity, reliability, and familiarity help make the U.S. the preferred supplier for a wide range of food-processing ingredients. U.S. agricultural and related products exports to Costa Rica exceeded US$1 billion in 2023, despite global logistics challenges and associated increased shipping costs.
FAS Post San José projects imports of U.S.-origin raw materials will continue to grow and will benefit from full implementation of the CAFTA-DR in 2025. Costa Rican demand for higher quality food products is supported by increasing economic growth and growth in “healthy eating” trends that have created new markets for imported products and ingredients.
FAS Post San José reports that Costa Rican food and beverage manufacturers offering high-value products to wealthier consumers present the best opportunities for U.S. ingredient suppliers. High-in-demand products in this sector include pork and pork products, poultry, dairy products, bakery goods, cereals and pasta, fresh vegetables, condiments and sauces, beer and seafood.
