Costa Rica’s agricultural sector extends far beyond its famous pineapple and coffee exports. A sophisticated agribusiness ecosystem — including value-added food processing, organic certification infrastructure, aquaculture, and specialty crops — presents compelling sourcing and nearshore opportunities for North American food and beverage companies.
Agricultural Export Profile
Costa Rica is one of the world’s top exporters of fresh pineapples, specialty coffee, bananas, and ornamental plants. The country is also a significant exporter of processed foods, seafood, and organic produce. PROCOMER data shows agricultural exports of $4B+ annually.
USDA Organic & Fair Trade Certification
Costa Rica has a well-developed organic certification infrastructure — multiple USDA-accredited certification bodies operate in-country, and thousands of hectares of production are certified organic. Fair Trade certification is also widespread.
Key Companies in This Sector
Costa Rica is a global leader in tropical fruit exports and sustainable agriculture:
- Dole (Limón / Pacific Lowlands) — One of the world’s largest fresh fruit producers. Major banana and pineapple operations. 10,000+ employees
- Chiquita Brands (Limón / Pacific Lowlands) — Major tropical fruit grower and exporter with extensive plantations. 5,000+ employees
- Del Monte (San José / Puntarenas) — Global fresh produce company with major pineapple and fruit operations. 3,000+ employees
- Tropicales del Valle (Costa Rica) — 100% Costa Rican pineapple exporter, producer, and packer. 500+ employees
- Starbucks (Hacienda Alsacia) (Alajuela) — Global Agronomy R&D Center for coffee genetics and sustainable farming. 100+ employees
View all agribusiness companies in our Business Directory →