Voluntary Report - public distribution

**Date:** 2/17/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** CS4001

CS4001

**Costa Rica**

**Food Processing Ingredients Sector**

**REPORT**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Alan D. Hrapsky, AgAtt

FAS San Jose

**Prepared by:**

BAC ASSOCIATES, San Jose

**Report Highlights:**

The Costa Rican market for processed food is growing 4-5 percent per
year, which equals growth in food sales at supermarket chain.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

San Jose \[CS1\]

\[CS\]

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

SECTION I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

SECTION II. ECONOMIC STATUS 1-4

SECTION III. MARKET SUMMARY 4-6

SECTION IV. ROAD MAP FOR MARKET ENTRY 7

A. ENTRY STRATEGY 7

B. MARKET STRUCTURE 7

C. COMPANY PROFILES 8-9

D. SECTOR TRENDS 10-12

SECTION V. COMPETITION 12-15

SECTION VI. BEST PRODUCT PROSPECTS 15

SECTION VII. POST CONTACT

16

**I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**

Costa Rica's total imports in year 2002 amounted to US\$6.8 billion. The
United States, Mexico and Central America accounted for 67% of total
import volume. Imports of agricultural and food products amounted to
\$2.4 billion, accounting for 35% of total imports. As a result of this,
Costa Rica is seen as an attractive market to export food products and
an interesting prospect to exporters of processed food products.
Domestic demand and consumption increased 4.8% in year 2002 and are
expected to continue growing in year 2003.

In the last few years significant changes have taken place in product
structure, income, and price in Costa Rica, as a result of variation in
consumer tastes and the increased participation of women in the labor
force. Additionally, demand has been fostered by the increase in per
capita income, a high concentration of population in the urban area,
tourism expansion, and the continuous change in the lifestyle of the
Costa Rican population.

The young population, 65% of which is located in the urban areas in the
country, rapidly adopts the new products and trends and maintains a
continuous demand for American goods. These are very welcome, as they
are perceived as high-quality products sold at good prices.

Costa Rica's processed-food sector is competitive, with \$880 million
worth of production in year 2002. In the last few years, this sector has
undergone structural changes through internal investment and strategic
alliances with international partners who aim at modernizing the
industry and seizing a larger market share. Economic circumstances,
international competition, and changes in consumption habits have led to
this variation.

A large number of products have entered the sector chiefly from Mexico,
Chile, Venezuela, and Colombia. This has led to a change in consumer
preferences, as consumers feel strongly attracted by new products and
brand names with better prices than those of national products.

> In response to this, national producers are making efforts to refine
> products and attain higher efficiency, in order to cut costs and
> improve product prices to make them more competitive. This is
> something very positive for American exporters of processed food
> products, as they can offer high-quality products at competitive
> prices in a market stressing value and where changes in consumer
> trends result in significant growth and consolidation opportunities
> for new products.

The major sub-sector seen in the Processed Food Sector is Meat and Fish,
with US\$205.2 million worth of production, followed by Prepared
Foodstuffs with US\$152.5 million. Third comes Dairy Products with\
US\$ 121.2 million; fourth Milling with US\$83.2 million; fifth Wines
and Spirits, with US\$63.5 million; sixth Fats and Oils, with US46.4
million; seventh Fruit and Vegetables with US\$ 43.1 million; eighth
Soft Drinks together with Sugar and Sugar Products, with US\$42.4
million; ninth Pet Foods with US\$34.9 million; tenth Bakery and Pastry
with US\$ 33.7 million and finally Cocoa and Candy with US\$12.2 million
worth of production.

> **II. ECONOMIC STATUS**
>
> Costa Rica has shown sustained economic growth over the last few
> years. In year 2001, Costa Rica's GDP grew 1.1% as compared to the
> previous year. In year 2002, it grew 2.8% as compared to year 2001.
> GDP reached US\$17.1 billion in year 2002.

GDP's growth was characterized by a more dynamic evolution in
transportation, warehousing, communications, and manufacturing and, to a
lesser extent, in electricity and water production as well as in
financial intermediation and insurance. The rest of the industries
recorded lower growth rates and, specifically in agriculture and
construction, a decrease of about 1% occurred.

> The inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI),
> showed a cumulative growth of 9.68% in year 2002, not only lower than
> the inflation rate in the previous year (11% in year 2001), but also
> than the goal set in the monetary plan (10%).
>
> Net international reserves reached US\$1,495 million in year 2002. In
> year 2001 they amounted to US\$1,330 million.
>
> According to the"Encuesta Nacional de Hogares" (ENH, i.e. National
> Home Survey), employment grew 2.2% as compared to year 2001. However,
> the total underemployment rate (8.2%) was increased in six tenths and
> the unemployment rate reached 6.4%**,** the highest rate recorded over
> the last six years.
>
> Final home consumption expense in year 2002 grew faster, reaching
> 2.5%. Available indicators related to the evolution of family
> expenditure indicate a significant increase in the availability of
> imported consumption goods. Car and food purchases are prominent here.
> Family expenditure to purchase imported goods contributed nearly 45%
> to the increase in value added, in contrast with the evolution in the
> consumption of domestic goods. These latter decreased about two
> percentage points in terms of their contribution to the growth of
> consumption.
>
> The external public debt balance at the end of year 2002 amounted to
> \$3,338 million. As a percentage of GDP, it equals 19.8%, which is
> lower than the percentage found in the previous year. From total
> external public debt, 60% is attributable to the government, 19% to
> the Central Bank, and 21% to the rest of the public sector.

Foreign investment flow in year 2002 reached \$642 million, its
historical high. This result was chiefly influenced by the purchase of
25% of Florida Bebidas S.A., a subsidiary of the Costa Rican firm
Florida Ice and Farm. That portion of Florida Bebidas S.A was acquired
by the multinational company Heineken International of Holland for \$218
million.

> **SUMMARY OF MAJOR ECONOMIC VARIABLES**

-   Costa Rica's GDP grew 2.8 percent in 2002. This would be the best
    growth rate since year 2000. Intel's impact on national account
    statistics is so great that it is becoming customary to calculate
    growth with and without Intel. Big swings in Intel's production have
    a large impact on Costa Rica's GDP.

-   Year 2002 is showing clear signs of recovery. Domestic demand and
    household consumption are projected to increase by 5% and 6% in
    2003.

-   The economic statistics for the first quarter of 2003 reinforce
    these estimates: GDP growth equals 0,3%; the accumulated inflation
    amounts to 3.1% and the unemployment rate reaches 6.0%.

> ![](media/image2.wmf)
>
> ![](media/image3.wmf)
>
> ![](media/image4.wmf)
>
> ![](media/image5.wmf)

  ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------
  **GDP (US\$ millions)**                  **17,060**

  **Per capita GDP in US\$**               **4,160**

  **Exports (FOB) (US\$ millions)**        **5,251**

  **Imports (FOB) (US\$ millions)**        **6,798**

  **Imports (CIF) (US\$ millions)**        **7,175**

  **Inflation rate:**                      **9.7%**

  **Devaluation rate:**                    **11.0%**

  **Unemployment rate:**                   **6.4%**
  ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------

> ***Source: Banco Central de Costa Rica-BCCR- www.bccr.fi.cr***
>
> **SECTION III. MARKET SUMMARY**
>
> **[Overview]{.underline}**
>
> Despite a small decrease in the processed-food sector in Costa Rica
> seen in the last few years, the sector still provides significant
> opportunities to suppliers as a result of the volume of raw materials
> and goods it requires to operate. There are 1,158 food companies
> recorded in the country, with \$880 million worth of total production
> and a labor force of 35,288 people. Also the sector has significant
> growth prospects.
>
> The industry is divided into twelve sub-sectors, most of which are
> dominated by a few large companies. The following chart shows each of
> these sectors. All of the sectors, with no exception, have shown
> negative growth between 1999 and year 2001.
>
> This negative growth, however, is partially justified by the fact that
> some industries in the sector have joined the Fee Zone and Active
> Improvement Plan to enjoy its benefits. Companies such as Gerber y Del
> Oro are good cases in point.

+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
|                      |          | **         |        |             |
|                      |          | PRODUCTION |        |             |
|                      |          | US\$**     |        |             |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **FOOD INDUSTRY**    | **1999** | **2000**   | **     | **GROWTH    |
|                      |          |            | 2001** | RATE**      |
| **BY SECTOR**        |          |            |        |             |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Wines and          | 77.775   | 67.050     | 63.540 | **(5.23)**  |
| Spirits**            |          |            |        |             |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Fats and Oils**    | 61.890   | 54.217     | 46.396 | **(14.43)** |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Soft Drinks**      | 51.850   | 44.700     | 42.360 | **(5.23)**  |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Pet Food**         | 42.538   | 41.864     | 34.896 | **(16.64)** |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Sugar and Sugar    | 50.754   | 46.620     | 42.365 | **(9.13)**  |
| Products**           |          |            |        |             |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Dairy Products**   | 134.942  | 127.443    | 21.208 | **(4.89)**  |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Fruit and          | 60.007   | 50.795     | 43.106 | **(15.14)** |
| Vegetables**         |          |            |        |             |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Meat and Fish      | 228.314  | 214.989    | 2      | **(4.55)**  |
| Products**           |          |            | 05.206 |             |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Milling Industry** | 92.101   | 88.855     | 83.167 | **(6.40)**  |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Prepared           | 168.768  | 156.281    | 1      | **(2.42)**  |
| Foodstuffs**         |          |            | 52.503 |             |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Bakery and         | 36.470   | 34.676     | 33.626 | **(3.03)**  |
| Pastry**             |          |            |        |             |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **Cocoa and Candy**  | 16.431   | 12.719     | 12.213 | **(3.98)**  |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+
| **TOTAL**            | **1.0    | *          | **880  | **(6.34)**  |
|                      | 21.840** | *940.209** | .586** |             |
+----------------------+----------+------------+--------+-------------+

> Source: BCCR, Banco Central de Costa Rica (Costa Rica's Central Bank)
>
> Some general characteristics of the Costa Rican food processing
> industry follow:

-   Costa Rica's agricultural system in not a hundred percent efficient.
    Farms are numerous and small, most of them are less than five
    hectares in size. Less than half of Costa Rican farmers use tractors
    or modern seeds. Yields per acre are low compared to countries with
    modern farm technology. Costa Rica's agricultural sector is also
    under mechanized. When used at all, most agricultural machinery and
    equipment is antiquated, often between 10 and 15 years old. However,
    some crops have been developed that are competitive in the
    international market. At present Costa Rica is successfully
    exporting banana, melon, pineapple, ornamental plants, leaves, oil
    palm, coffee and hearts of palmetto trunk.

-   Food processing facilities range from large, modern installations to
    small, mom & pop operations. Of the 1,158 food processing
    facilities, only 75 employ more than 250 employees while the vast
    majority has fewer than 29 employees. Many of the largest firms can
    be classified among the most efficient and mechanized in the world.

-   Packaging for many products is generally less sophisticated than in
    the United States in terms of attractiveness and convenience.
    However, to comply with the increased demand for processed and
    packaged foods, Costa Rican manufacturers are modernizing and
    purchasing high-tech processing and packaging equipment.

-   Costa Rica has been a good destination for foreign investment;
    almost \$899 million were invested in the food and beverage
    processing industry between 1997 and 2002.

-   The total market for raw materials in this sector is growing. Raw
    inputs to the food-processing sector are primarily supplied by Costa
    Rican firms. Nevertheless, the import market for these components
    has been growing. The growth in demand for raw products is due, in
    part, to the increased local production of processed products that
    are in high demand and are expensive to ship over long distances.

> **Advantages and Challenges Facing U.S. Products in Costa Rica**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Advantages**                      **Challenges**
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Costa Rican consumers are demanding Processed food consumption is still
  more varieties of food products     small.
  like dietetic, light and healthy    
  products.                           

  The major strength of imported      Costa Ricans prefer menus based on
  consumer-ready products is quality. fresh produce.

  High tariff charges on importing    High tariffs applied to some
  inputs for processing animal feed   products like soft drinks.
  locally are creating a market for   
  imported animal feed and pet foods. 

  An increasing level of supermarket  New local brands appearing in the
  sales and an increasing number of   market at very low prices.
  outlets create a window for the     
  growth of the food-processing       
  sector.                             

  The small number of processed food  Smuggling.
  producers\                          
  (20 percent of the entire Costa     
  Rican food market) shows a          
  potential market. Marketing efforts 
  from US exporters are expected.     
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

> **SECTION IV. ROAD MAP FOR MARKET ENTRY**
>
> **A. ENTRY STRATEGY**

-   To penetrate the Costa Rican food-processing sector the investors
    can establish direct contact with local food processing companies,
    or indirect contact through brokers, agents or representatives.
    Also, they can establish direct contact with government
    representatives.

-   Regardless of which strategy is chosen, personal visits are
    mandatory. They will strengthen knowledge of the domestic
    food-processing industry and also will help to identify niche
    markets for specific products.

> **B. MARKET STRUCTURE**
>
> ![](media/image6.wmf){width="1.4395833333333334in"
> height="1.1465277777777778in"}![](media/image7.wmf){width="1.0291666666666666in"
> height="0.9638888888888889in"}

-   The main food processing sector suppliers are domestic suppliers
    (75%) and foreign sources (25%). Imports of processed food are
    concentrated with few distributors/importers/wholesalers.

-   As shown in the chart above, wholesalers/distributors play an
    important role in the market structure, as they diversify the
    sources of their purchases from both domestic suppliers and
    importers, or U.S. exporters. In addition, they supply their
    products to the local food-processing sector's wholesalers,
    retailers and the HRI food sector.

-   Distribution is both the most important element of any product's
    success in the Costa Rican food sector, and also one of the most
    problematic.

> For the most part, food ingredients are distributed directly from the
> U.S. exporter to the processor in Costa Rica. Most major food
> processors contacted for this study reported that they import raw
> materials directly.
>
> ***C. COMPANY PROFILES***

+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| > **PROFILE OF THE TOP      |           |       |        |         |
| > FOOD-PROCESSING           |           |       |        |         |
| > COMPANIES**               |           |       |        |         |
+=============================+===========+=======+========+=========+
| > **COMPANY**               | > **SALES | >     | **Prod | *       |
|                             | > 2002\   | **End | uction | *Procur |
|                             | > (US\$   | ‑User | Loca   | ement** |
|                             | > MI      | >     | tion** |         |
|                             | LLION)S** | Chann |        | **Cha   |
|                             |           | els** |        | nnels** |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Florida Ice and Farm (beer  | 141       | > R   | Costa  | >       |
| and soft drinks)            |           | etail | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Rica Foods.(poultry)        | 127       | > R   | Costa  | >       |
|                             |           | etail | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Cargill (meat)              | 77        | > R   | Costa  | >       |
|                             |           | etail | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Fábrica Nacional de Licores | 34        | > R   | Costa  | >       |
| (spirits)                   |           | etail | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Ingenio Taboga (sugar)      | 30        | > R   | Costa  | >       |
|                             |           | etail | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Gruma S.A. (corn products)  | 29        | > R   | Costa  | >       |
|                             |           | etail | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Panamco-Coca Cola (soft     | 23        | > R   | Costa  | >       |
| drinks)                     |           | etail | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Compañía Costarricense del  | 17        | > R   | Costa  | >       |
| Café (coffee)               |           | etail | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Cuétara (cookies)           | 8         | > R   | Costa  | >       |
|                             |           | etail | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Rosti Pollos (poultry)      | 5         | > HRI | Costa  | >       |
|                             |           |       | Rica   |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+
| Industrias Cárnicas         | 3         | > R   | Costa  | > Im    |
| Integradas (meat products)  |           | etail | Rica   | porters |
|                             |           |       |        | >       |
|                             |           |       |        |  Direct |
+-----------------------------+-----------+-------+--------+---------+

> Source: ESTYNEG and CACIA: Cámara Costarricense de la Industria
> Alimentaria (Costa Rica\'s Food
>
> Industry Chamber), 2002

### Subsector Profiles

#### Overview of Costa Rica´s Food-Processing Sector - 2001

+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| ###### SUBSECTOR  | ###           | ##           | #####             |
|                   | ## INDUSTRIES | #### WORKERS |  PRODUCTION US\$M |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Wines and     | > **10**      | > 336        | > 63.540          |
| > Spirits**       |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Fats and      | > **14**      | > 1,132      | > 46.396          |
| > Oils**          |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Soft Drinks** | > **38**      | > 4,398      | > 42.360          |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Pet Food**    | > **35**      | > 539        | > 34.896          |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Sugar         | > **17**      | > 1,688      | > 42.365          |
| > Products**      |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Dairy         | > **45**      | > 3,620      | > 121.208         |
| > Products**      |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Fruit and     | > **74**      | > 3,867      | > 43.106          |
| > Vegetables**    |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Meat and Fish | > **112**     | > 3,442      | > 205.206         |
| > Products**      |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Milling       | > **138**     | > 3,765      | > 83.167          |
| > Industry**      |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Prepared      | > **159**     | > 4,917      | > 152.503         |
| > Foodstuffs**    |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Bakery and    | > **487**     | > 6,560      | > 33.626          |
| > Pastry**        |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **Cocoa and     | > **29**      | > 1,024      | > 12.213          |
| > Candy**         |               |              |                   |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+
| > **TOTAL**       | > **1,158**   | > **35,288** | > **880.586**     |
+-------------------+---------------+--------------+-------------------+

> Source: BCCR and CACIA, Cámara Costarricense de la Industria
> Alimentaria (Costa Rica\'s Food Industry\
> Chamber)
>
> **Retailing and Distribution of Food Products**

-   Bigger stores with more refrigerated/freezer space. Foreign
    > investment in Costa Rica's retail sector has meant that stores are
    > modernizing and increasing their capacity in the refrigerated and
    > frozen-foods sections. Food distribution practices have changed
    > over the past five years as multinational chains have brought
    > modern logistics and technology to the sector.

-   Consolidation of the retail sector. Power in the retail sector is
    increasingly concentrated in the hands of relatively few major
    companies such as Grupo Constenla S.A, DIPO S.A, and BELCA S.A.

-   Direct retail purchases from producers. Major retail chains are
    increasingly side-stepping distributors and purchasing directly from
    processed food producers.

**Retailing and Distribution of Food Products**

>  Bigger stores with more refrigerated/freezer space. Foreign
> investment in Costa Rica's retail sector has

meant that stores are modernizing and increasing their capacity in the
refrigerated and frozen-foods sections. Food distribution practices have
changed over the past five years as multinational chains have brought
modern logistics and technology to the sector.

 Consolidation of the retail sector. Power in the retail sector is
increasingly concentrated in the hands of relatively few major companies
such as Grupo Constenla S.A, DIPO S.A, and BELCA S.A.

 Direct retail purchases from producers. Major retail chains are
increasingly side-stepping distributors and purchasing directly from
processed food producers.

**Raw Materials for the Industry**

-   Some traditionally imported foods, such as snacks, salad dressings,
    pasta sauces, and other processed foods that are relatively
    inexpensive but have high freight costs, will be increasingly
    produced locally. Similarly, foods whose elaboration requires large
    amounts of sugar will also be increasingly produced in Costa Rica.

-   Increased exports of Costa Rican foods to the United States to serve
    a growing Hispanic market. Costa Rican food processors are
    capitalizing on the demand for their products in the population
    across the border. This trend increases production in Costa Rica.

-   Use of imported ingredients. The United States dominates Costa Rican
    imports of whey protein, tallow, edible lactose, seasonings,
    sweeteners, colorings, and flavors. Buyers turn to the U.S. for
    innovative products.

```{=html}
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-   Move toward higher-quality ingredients. There is a sector-wide trend
    toward better-quality ingredients instead of ingredients chosen on
    the sole basis of their cost, although cost remains a determining
    factor in selecting ingredient suppliers.

Despite the fact that the majority of Costa Rican food processors import
raw materials directly, they often rely on foreign suppliers' local
representatives or distributors to carry out the process. Thirty to
one-hundred twenty day financing is standard in selling to Costa Rican
buyers. The following list shows a selection of major food processing
firms in Costa Rica and describes the process by which they import raw
materials:

-   *Nestle:* the biggest player in chocolate, candy, cereals and
    cookies. It prefers to import raw materials directly from foreign
    suppliers (primarily Hormel) but also buys from a local distributor.
    Ten percent of its raw materials are imported; of these, 75 percent
    comes from the United States. Foreign suppliers give Nestle 30 to 60
    days credit.

-   *Musmanni*: the largest producer of bread and baked goods in Costa
    Rica. It imports its products directly from a foreign company, but
    relies on a local representative when its supplier cannot provide
    the product quickly. It pays its raw material suppliers within 30
    days.

```{=html}
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```
-   *Del Monte*: a major canned foods manufacturer that imports 20
    percent of its raw materials. Of this, 60 percent comes from the
    United States and the remainder from a number of countries including
    Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Venezuela. Del Monte pays one supplier 25
    percent down and 75 percent against shipment.

-   *Ricafoods:* the most traditional poultry firm with the highest
    sales level in Costa Rica. It is vertically integrated and it has a
    number of by-products, including pet foods. Seventy-five percent of
    its purchases are domestic.

There are several ways to sell raw materials through a local distributor
or directly to the end-user. An Export Management Company (**EMC**) can
act as a representative to turn export sales into domestic sales. For
companies looking to maintain the low risk of a domestic transaction, an
EMC may be the best way to sell to Costa Rica. The EMC holds the
receivable and is therefore vulnerable to any economic turbulence in the
Costa Rican economy, such as a devaluation of the Costa Rican colon, or
changes in the exchange rate. A broker is a trader that will identify
niches or temporary shortages in certain international markets and will
source and supply as needed. A manufacture's representative will go
further to act as a foreign producer's sales arm in supplying products
to Costa Rica.

US companies often begin their sales to Costa Rica after being contacted
by end-users or brokers. Following a successful period of growing sales,
the US company may establish its own sales subsidiary.

> The local representative must have experience working with foreign
> suppliers and must be well-connected in the food processing sector in
> Costa Rica. The U.S. Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) can identify
> distributors for specific products. For specific inputs to dairy
> products, the U.S. Dairy Export Council also maintains listings of
> potential importers.

####### UNITED STATES![](media/image8.wmf){width="6.259722222222222in" height="6.805555555555555e-2in"}

#######  COSTA RICA

> **COSTA RICA FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY**
>
> **MAJOR RAW MATERIALS**

+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
|                     |                     |                         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
|                     |                     |                         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Alfalfa           | > Glucose & syrup   | > Rice flour            |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Anisette          | > Glycerol          | > Saffron oil (crude)   |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Baking powders    | > Lard              | > Salt                  |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Barley            | > Lard stern oil    | > Sauces and preps      |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Bean flour        | > Leaven            | > Soy oil fly-refined   |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Butter            | > Linseed oil,      | > Soybean oil (crude)   |
|                     | > refined           |                         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Cereals           | > Malt extract      | > Soybeans, ex seed     |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Cheese (all       | > Maple sugar/syrup | > Spices                |
| > kinds)            |                     |                         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Cinnamom          | > Margarine & lqd   | > Starches              |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Cloves            | > Mayonnaise        | > Sugar/syrup and       |
|                     |                     | > flavour               |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Cocoa             | > Miscellaneous     | > Sugar cane, fr/dr     |
| > powder/subs.      | > flour             |                         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Colour/flavour    | > Mix of spices     | > Sunflower oil (crude) |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Concentrated &    | > Mixed seasonings  | > Tapioca and subs.     |
| > subs.             |                     |                         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Coriander seeds   | > Mixes, dough      | > Tomato ketchup        |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Corn              | > Mustard fl/ml pr  | > Tomato sauces         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Corn flour        | > Mustard seeds     | > Vanilla essence       |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Corn oil          | > Natural honey     | > Vegetable oils        |
|                     |                     | > hydrate               |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Corn starch       | > Nuts/seeds, pr/ps | > Vegetable oil         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Creme /milk sub.  | > Oats              | > Vegetable saps,       |
|                     |                     | > extract               |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Degras            | > Olive oil, virgin | > Vinegar & subs.       |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Dextrins          | > Peanuts,          | > Wheat flour           |
|                     | > raw-unshelled     |                         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Egg , fr, fz, ck  | > Pectic substance  | > Wheat gluten          |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Fermented         | > Pellets, rold,    | > Wheat x, seed         |
| > beverage          | > flk               |                         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Fructose syrup    | > Pepper,did/cr/gr  | > Whey, fresh and dried |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Fructose, s form  | > Phosphates        | > Yeasts, active        |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Fruit filling     | > Pig & poultry fat | > Yeasts, inactive      |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+
| > Glucose /dex,     | > Pistachios pr/ps  | > Yellow grease         |
| > solid             |                     |                         |
+---------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

1\) Dextrins: derived from potato starch.

2\) Degras: residues resulting from the treatment of fatty substances or
animal or vegetable waxes (kg)

> ***D. SECTOR TRENDS***
>
> **Sector Trends**
>
> The food processing sector is undergoing changes in every aspect. Some
> important trends are listed below:
>
> **Market Size**
>
>  Growth in the general market. Costa Rica's food processing sector
> has been expanding in the last three years. Florida Ice and Farm, Rica
> Foods, Riviana-Pozuelo, El Gallito, Musmanni, Bimbo, and others all
> concur in that the market is growing. The reasons for this growth
> include:

-   increase in population and purchasing power.

-   increase in dual-income families, so convenience is valued;

-   new product development; and

-   lower prices for some inputs.

>  According to bank analysts, the Costa Rican food market has a high
> growth potential, estimated to be between 4 and 5 percent of its
> current size in 2003, due to an expected increase in consumption
> demand.
>
>  Costa Rica is a country of 4.1 million inhabitants with 65 percent
> of them concentrated in the Central Valley. During 2002, Costa Rica's
> GDP reached \$17.1 billion and the economy is estimated to grow 2-3
> percent during 2003. Inflation in 2002 was 9.68 percent and the
> exchange rate was stable at 379 Costa Rican colones per dollar by at
> the end of December.
>
>  During 2002, total sales for the major domestic food-processing
> companies reached \$1.4 billion. This amount accounts for 75 percent
> of the Costa Rican food market, with the remaining 25 percent
> generated by small producers.
>
>  Food products are merchandised chiefly through traditional markets,
> which still handle 53 percent of Costa Rica's food market, including
> municipal market, street vendors and grocery stores; 47 percent of
> food products are sold through supermarkets/hypermarkets concentrated
> in three main chains with a total of 162 outlets.
>
>  Costa Rica has been moving toward liberalizing the agricultural
> sector, which is creating new opportunities for foreign companies in
> the food-processing industry.
>
>  Key market drivers for food processing in Costa Rica include: a)
> income level; b) income distribution, and c) population structure,
> with a large portion of the population concentrated in the Central
> Valley. Low-income groups in general consume food prepared at home
> with domestic fresh produce.
>
>  The key social factors leading to a demand for processed food
> include: a) increasing urban population; b) more participation of
> women in the workforce; c) a young population (about half of the
> population are under 20), and d) exposure to more information about
> foreign products through the media.
>
>  Inputs used by the Costa Rican food processing industries as a whole
> are approximately 75 percent domestic and 25 percent imported.
>
>  Demand for low-fat and sugar-free products is still in its early
> stages but has a high growth potential because of growing awareness
> about health issues.
>
>  Between 1997 and 2002, foreign direct investment in the Costa Rican
> food-processing sector reached US\$899 million.
>
>  The main destination for the Costa Rican food-processing exports is
> the United States, followed by The Netherlands, Central America and
> Puerto Rico Chief exportss include bananas, coffee, pineapple, sugar,
> beverages, oil and baby food[.]{.underline}
>
> **[SECTION V. COMPETITION]{.underline}**
>
>  US food products in the Costa Rican market face strong competition
> mainly from United States, Mexico, Venezuela, and Central America. The
> main foreign competitors are United States (dairy products) with 52
> percent of market share, follow by Mexico (fresh produce and wine)
> with 6 percent, Venezuela (meat, processed food) with 5 percent of
> market share and CA with 5 percent of total imports[.]{.underline}
>
> **COSTA RICA IMPORTS BY COUNTRY IN YEAR 2002**

+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **RANK**       | **COUNTRY**                 | **IMPORTS %**         |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **1**          | ######## United States      | **51.97**             |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **2**          | **Mexico**                  | **6.05**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **3**          | **Venezuela**               | **4.76**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **4**          | **Japan**                   | **3.67**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **5**          | **Colombia**                | **2.43**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **6**          | **Guatemala**               | **2.24**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **7**          | **Germany**                 | **2.18**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **8**          | **South Korea**             | **2.16**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **9**          | **The Netherlands**         | **1.89**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **10**         | **Brazil**                  | **1.76**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **11**         | **Panama**                  | **1.75**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **12**         | **Spain**                   | **1.66**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
| **13**         | **China**                   | **1.61**              |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+
|                | **TOTAL**                   | **84.13**             |
+----------------+-----------------------------+-----------------------+

> ![](media/image9.wmf)
>
> Source: Banco Central de Costa Rica-BCCR
>
> ***[COSTA RICAN IMPORTS 2002, BY PRODUCT]{.underline}***

+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > **PRODUCT**                             | > **Value**              |
|                                           | >                        |
|                                           | > **(US\$ thousands)**   |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Beans and Soybeans                      | > 7,465                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Corn                                    | > 5,260                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Fresh Fruit                             | > 3,216                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Wines and Spirits                       | > 2,871                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Processed Fruit & Vegetables            | > 2,748                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Sauces and Soups                        | > 1,782                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Breakfast Cereals                       | > 1,522                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Fats and Oil                            | > 1,414                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Pet Foods                               | > 1,287                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Malt                                    | > 1,172                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Candy                                   | > 1,154                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Fruit & Vegetables Juices               | > 1,043                  |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Wheat                                   | > 960                    |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Dairy Products                          | > 506                    |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Fresh Vegetables                        | > 486                    |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Fish Fresh/Chilled/Frozen               | > 414                    |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Rice                                    | > 51                     |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > **Total**                               | > **33,351**             |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+

> Source: BCCR and Costa Rica\'s Customs Department
>
>  Also, US food processors in Costa Rica face very strong competition
> from Costa Rican companies that dominate many of the sub-sectors and
> are large, self-sufficient operations. The following table illustrates
> the competition by sub-sector in the Costa Rican processed-foods
> industry:
>
> **Level of Competition by Sub-sector in the Costa Rican
> Processed-Foods Industry**

+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **Sub-sector**        | > **Level of Competitiveness**             |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > Beverages             | > High; Florida Ice & Farm dominates the   |
|                         | > market                                   |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > Canned Goods          | > Medium; especially from frozen           |
|                         | > fruit/vegetables                         |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > Cereals               | > Low                                      |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > Confectionery and     | > High; Nestlé dominates the industry      |
| > Candy                 |                                            |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > Dairy Products        | > Medium; very high for yogurt and high    |
|                         | > for cheese                               |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > Edible Oils           | > Medium; Numar is strong.                 |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > Processed Meats       | > High                                     |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > Salty Snacks          | > High                                     |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+

> Source: Industry interviews.
>
> In the case of food ingredients, the United States is the main source
> of imports to Costa Rica. The following list indicates the major
> inputs imported from United States.

-   *Whey protein:* The United States supplies almost 74 percent of
    Costa Rica's imports with the balance divided between Canada,
    Mexico, and The Netherlands.

-   *Food starches:* Costa Rica is fairly self-sufficient in terms of
    starches, exporting a quantity equal to 55 percent of its food
    starch imports. The United States supplies half of all Costa Rican
    food starch imports with Mexico and Canada as its largest
    competitors.

-   *Tallow***:** Costa Rica is almost totally dependent on the United
    States for tallow.

-   *Edible lactose:* Costa Rica produces edible lactose, some of which
    is exported. Ninety-three percent of Costa Rica's imports come from
    the United States.

-   *Seasonings:* Costa Rica has a strong production of seasoning
    products, exporting a quantity equal to 71 percent of its imports.
    The United States is the source of 81 percent of all seasonings
    imports in Costa Rica.

-   *Natural and artificial sweeteners, coloring, flavoring, dough
    conditioners, and beverage base:* Costa Rica also has a significant
    national production, exporting a quantity equal to 31 percent of its
    imports. The United States dominates imports with almost 65 percent
    of the total, with Mexico, The Netherlands, and Canada supplying the
    balance.

-   *Enzymes:* Costa Rica is fairly dependent upon imports to meet its
    enzymes needs. The United States has a 60 percent share of the Costa
    Rican import market, with the rest supplied by Denmark, Germany,
    Finland, and Ireland.

> **MAJOR PROCESSED FOODS IN COSTA RICA**

+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **CATEGORY**          | > **BRAND NAME**                           |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **SAUCES**            | > Maggi, Lizano, Kraft, Alfaro, Knorr,     |
|                         | > Hellmann's, Santa Cruz, Banquete,        |
|                         | > Negrini                                  |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **PASTA**             | > Roma, Prince, Vigui, Lucema, Barilla     |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **CRACKERS AND        | > Nestle, Pozuelo, Cuétara, Gama, Nabisco  |
| > COOKIES**             |                                            |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **CANNED FOODS**      | > Del Monte, Ligo, Richly, Del Trópico,    |
|                         | > Del Campo, Sardimar, Tesoro del Mar, La  |
|                         | > Costeña, Malher, Ducal, Pay Pay          |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **COCOA AND CANDY**   | > Nestle, Gallito, Milka, Perugina         |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **CEREAL**            | > Kellog's, Jack's, Nestle, Gerber, Quaker |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **SNACKS**            | > Jacks, Tosty, Diana, Rumba, Act II       |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **DAIRY GOODS**       | > Dos Pinos, Numar, Monteverde, Coronado   |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **FROZEN FRUIT AND    | > Hortifruti, Dole                         |
| > VEGETABLES**          |                                            |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **JUICES**            | > Dos Pinos, Coronado, Del Campo, Hi C,    |
|                         | > Jumex, Kerns, Del Monte, Naturas, Welch, |
|                         | > Del Prado, Kapo                          |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **BABY FOOD**         | > Gerber, Heinz,                           |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **BREAD**             | > Breddy, Bimbo, Camacho, Musmanni, Durán  |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **COFFEE**            | > Britt, Rey, Volio, 1820, Dorado, La      |
|                         | > Meseta, Fedecoop, Americo, Triángulo,    |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **MEATS**             | > PIPASA, As De Oros, Monteverde, Cinta    |
|                         | > Azul, Retana, Montecillos, Zar, Porquis, |
|                         | > La Lonja, Tega, París                    |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| > **SOFT DRINKS AND     | > Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola, Canada Dry,       |
| > SPIRITS**             | > Tropical, Tampico, La Mundial, Pilsen,   |
|                         | > Imperial, Bavaria, Heineken, Rock Ice,   |
|                         | > Bacardi, Riunite, Smirnoff, Concha Y     |
|                         | > Toro, Britt, Johnnie Walker, Chivas      |
|                         | > Regal, Ron Rico, José Cuervo,            |
|                         | > Centenario, Nikolai                      |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+

> **SECTION VI. BEST PRODUCT PROSPECTS**
>
> **A. Products in the market with good sales potential:**

-   Fresh fruit, corn, wine and spirits, soybean, pet food, candy, fresh
    vegetables, packaged bread, pasta, sausages, french-fries and
    sauces.

-   Also imported processed food products like confectionary, dairy
    products and vegetable oil, among others with an interesting level
    of demand in this sector.

> **B. Products not present in significant quantities in the market, but
> with good sales potential:**

-   Juices, ingredients, flavorings, salad dressings, beer, liqueurs,
    snacks, consumer-ready food products, microwave able foods and
    canned products.

-   Most of these are almost entirely retailed through supermarket
    chains oriented toward segments with high and medium purchasing
    power.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   A great potential for retailing processed food products through
    traditional markets is foreseen.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers must optimize
    their marketing efforts to change the habits of the consumers who
    until today are not shopping at supermarkets/hypermarkets.

-   The demand for low-fat products is still at its initial stage, but
    it has growth potential based on the increasing appeal healthy
    products have for consumers.

> **C. Products not present in the market due to significant barriers:**

-   There are no special trade barriers to enter the Costa Rican market,
    only the stipulated trade tariffs and the sanitary certificates
    required for imported food products.

######### SECTION VII. POST CONTACT

> If you have any question or comments regarding this report or need
> assistance in exporting to Costa Rica, please contact the US Embassy
> in San José at the following address:
>
> **1. U.S. Embassy Commercial, Agricultural and Trade-Related
> Contacts**
>
> U.S.Department of Commerce-U.S.Commercial Service-Unit 2508
>
> APO, AA 34020-9508
>
> Phone:(506)220-3939 extensions 2203, 2207, 2263/220-2454
>
> Fax:(506)231-4783
>
> E-mail: san.josecr.office.box@mail.doc.gov
>
> Website: www.USATRADE.gov/CostaRica
>
> Ms. Margaret Hanson-Muse,Commercial Attaché
>
> Mr. Víctor Cambronero,Senior Commercial Specialist
>
> Mr. Rodrigo Rojas, Commercial Specialist
>
> Ms. Eugenia Solera,Commercial Assistant
>
> Mr. Roy Fernández,Commercial Assistant
>
> U.S. Department of Agriculture
>
> Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)-Unit 2507
>
> APO AA 34020
>
> Phone (506)220-3939 Ext. 2333 Fax (506)232 -7709
>
> E-mail: fassjo@racsa.co.cr
>
> Website: www.fas.usda.gov
>
> Mr. Alan C. Hrapsky, Agricultural Attaché
>
> Mr. Víctor González, Agricultural Specialist
>
> Ms. Illeana Ramírez, Agricultural Marketing Assistant
>
> Ms. Rossie Murillo, Assistnat
>
> Ms. Cinthya Smith-Palliser, Marketing Clerk
>
> U.S. Department of Agriculture
>
> Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS)-Unit 2522
>
> APO AA 34020-9522
>
> Phone (506) 290-4548 Fax (506) 296-3556
>
> E-mail: aphiscr@sol.racsa.co.cr
>
> Website: www.aphiscr.com
>
> Contact: Mr. Mark Dulin, APHIS Attaché
>
> U.S. Department of State-Economic Section-Unit 2501
>
> APO AA 34020-9501
>
> Phone (506) 220-3939 Fax (506) 220-2305
>
> Website: www.usembassy.or.cr
>
> Mr. Frederick, Kaplan, Political and Economic Counselor
>
> Mr. Todd Chapman, Economic Officer
>
> Mr. José María Quirós, Economist
>
> For further information:
>
> **2. AMCHAM (Local American Chamber of Commerce)**
>
> Cámara Costarricense-Norteamericana de Comercio\--AMCHAM
>
> (Costa Rican-American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM)
>
> US mailing address: 1576 P.O. Box 025216
>
> Miami, FL 33102-5216
>
> International mailing address:
>
> Apdo. 4946-1000
>
> San José, Costa Rica
>
> Phone (506)220-2200 Fax (506)220-2300
>
> E-mail: chamber@amcham.co.cr
>
> Website: [www.amcham.co.cr]{.underline}
>
> Contact: Ms. Lynda Solar, Executive Director
>
> **3. Country Trade and Industry Associations in Key Sectors**
>
> Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica
>
> (Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce)
>
> Apartado 1114-1000
>
> San José, Costa Rica
>
> Phone (506)221-0005/221-0124 Fax (506)233-7091
>
> E-mail: camaraco@racsa.co.cr
>
> Website: www.camara-comercio.com
>
> Contacts: Emilio Bruce , President or Coimbra Sáenz, General Manager
>
> Cámara de Representantes de Casas Extranjeras (CRECEX)
>
> (Chamber of Representatives of Foreign Firms)
>
> Apartado 3738-1000
>
> San José, Costa Rica
>
> Phone (506)253-0126 Fax (506)234-2557
>
> E-mail: crecex@sol.racsa.co.cr
>
> Website: www.infoweb.co.cr/crecex
>
> Contact: Mr. Walter Marín, Executive Director
>
> Cámara de Industrias de Costa Rica
>
> (Costa Rican Chamber of Industries)
>
> Apartado 1003-1000
>
> San José, Costa Rica
>
> Phone (506)281-0006/0004/0005/ Fax (506) 234-6163
>
> E-mail: camind@sol.racsa.co.cr
>
> Website: www.cicr.co.cr
>
> Contact: Mrs. Mayi Antillón, Executive Director
>
> Cámara Nacional de Agricultura y Agroindustria
>
> (National Chamber of Agriculture and Agribusiness)
>
> Apartado 1671-1000
>
> San José, Costa Rica
>
> Phone (506) 280-2173/225-8245/2801569/280-0096
>
> Fax (506) 280-0969
>
> E-mail: cnaacr@racsa.co.cr
>
> Contact: Mr. José A. Madriz, President
>
> Coalición de Iniciativas de Desarrollo
>
> (CINDE/Costa Rican Investment and Trade Development Board)
>
> Apartado 7170-1000
>
> San José, Costa Rica
>
> Phone (506) 220-0036 or 299-2803 Fax (506) 299-2866 or 220-4750
>
> E-mail: abonilla@cinde.or.cr
>
> Website: www.cinde.or.cr
>
> Contact: Ms. Anabel González, Director

Ms. Aleida Bonilla, Coordinator, Special Projects

(CINDE/Costa Rican Investment and Trade Development Board)

E-mail: cindeny@aol.com

Contact: Mr. Eduardo Hernández, Investment Officer

Ms. Pilar Madrigal, Assistant

(Office in California)

4516 Carlyle Court, Suite 1622

Santa Clara, California 95054

Phone (408) 988-9001 or 988-8079 Fax (408) 988-8090

E-mail: jmorales@cinde.or.cr

**COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC INFORMATION:**

Central Bank of Costa Rica www.bccr.fi.cr

Ministry of Foreign Trade www.comex.go.cr

Ministry of National Planning www.mideplan.go.cr

Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce meic.go.cr/ingles/

Costa Rican Foreign Trade Corporation www.procomer.com

U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics http://stats.bls.gov

**BUSINESS INFORMATION:**

Costa Rican American Chamber of Commerce www.amcham.co.cr

**TOURISM:**

Costa Rican Tourism Board www.tourism-costarica.com

Costa Rican National Chamber of Tourism www.costarica.tourism.co.cr

**STATISTICS AND POPULATION:**

National Institute of Statistics and Census -- INEC www.inec.go.cr

**NEWSPAPERS:**

La Nación www.nacion.co.cr