COSTA RICA | Costa Rica has become the first market to export deforestation-free coffee, adding to its national sustainable focus.
Sustainability is a key condition to compete in international markets, and Costa Rica has successfully incorporated this element into one of its most iconic products: coffee. In line with this vision, in 2024, the country became the first worldwide to export deforestation-free coffee.
This achievement is the result of a production model that prioritises both the quality of each bean and the protection of the environment. In Costa Rica, coffee farms implement low-impact practices, such as limiting the use of insecticides, controlling weeds manually or with sustainable solutions, and contributing to the country's overall vegetation cover. Aligned with these practices, coffee plantations represent the second most important "forest" in Costa Rica after natural forests.
From an agricultural perspective, and thanks to legislation in place since 1989, the country exclusively cultivates the Arabica species, renowned for its superior quality. Combined with ideal geographic conditions such as volcanic soils, altitude, and diverse microclimates, this enables Costa Rica to produce highly valued flavour profiles in international markets.
"Costa Rican coffee represents the best of our export offering, combining quality, sustainability, and a traceable value chain that generates well-being. This allows us to compete in demanding markets and stand out with a differentiated proposal over countries that prioritise volume over quality", said Laura López, CEO of the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica.
Beyond its environmental component, Costa Rican coffee also aligns with consumer trends that favour high-value products. Research from Harvard's School of Public Health reveals that moderate coffee consumption may contribute to the prevention of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Thanks to this combination of attributes, Costa Rican coffee has gained ground in new markets. Japan and Saudi Arabia stand out among the fastest-growing destinations, where coffee has been valued as a specialty beverage with high added value. According to PROCOMER's latest data, coffee ranks among the top three products with the fastest export growth in the country, compared to the same period last year.
"Our strategy is to bring Costa Rican coffee to more corners of the world, backed by a reliable origin, a sustainable approach, and an offering that responds to current consumer trends. Traceability, compliance with international standards, and differentiation based on responsible practices allow us to generate greater added value, strengthen product positioning, and create opportunities for the network of producers and exporters behind Costa Rican coffee."
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