With moderate inflationary pressures driving up unit prices, current value growth for drinking milk products in Costa Rica in 2025 is projected to be slightly faster than in 2024. Retail volume growth meanwhile is set to slow from the previous year, partly due to maturity but also because the rising cost of living and heightened economic uncertainty are making consumers somewhat more cautious in their spending habits. Demand remains solid overall, however, as these items are still widely seen as

Cheese in Costa Rica is poised to register an improved performance in current value growth terms in 2025. This is partly attributable to a gradual increase in inflationary pressures, as retail volume growth looks set to slow slightly from 2024 amidst encroaching maturity and elevated cost-of-living concerns. However, value sales have also been lifted by the rising penetration of imported brands, which tend to be more expensive than local alternatives. Most notably, imports from the US have becom

While baby food in Costa Rica is poised to record another positive performance in retail volume and current value terms in 2025, growth in both respects looks set to be down moderately on 2024. This is partly attributable to falling birth rates, but also explained by more cautious attitudes to spending amidst an uptick in inflation and heightened economic uncertainty. Demand remains robust overall, however, as more households can now afford to regularly buy such products thanks to rising incomes

While growth in other dairy current value sales in Costa Rica in 2025 looks set to be up on 2024, this is primarily attributable to price hikes resulting from moderate inflationary pressures. Retail volume growth is expected to fall below that recorded the previous year, partly due to heightened budget-consciousness but also because most product types are somewhat at odds with the increasing adoption of healthier dietary habits. This is especially true of cream, demand for which has slowed amids

Yoghurt and sour milk products in Costa Rica is poised to register another impressive performance in retail volume and current value growth terms in 2025. One of the biggest growth drivers remains rising demand for yoghurts aimed at children, which parents are becoming more inclined to perceive as convenient snack, lunch and dessert foods that strike a good balance between indulgence and nutritional benefits. Recent years have seen several players attempt to capitalise on this trend by expanding

Overall retail volume and current value growth rates for butter and spreads in Costa Rica in 2025 are expected to fall slightly below those recorded in 2024. The slowdown is partly explained by increasing maturity and heightened budget-consciousness amidst elevated cost-of-living pressures, but also reflects the fact that health concerns are driving more people to reduce their consumption of these product types. Nonetheless, demand remains solid on the whole, as margarine and spreads, butter and

Dairy products and alternatives in Costa Rica is set to show an improved performance in current value growth terms in 2025. This is mainly attributable to a moderate uptick in inflation, as retail volume growth is expected to be weaker than in 2024. The slowdown in volume sales is partly explained by encroaching maturity, but also reflects the fact that consumers are becoming somewhat more cautious in their spending decisions due to the rising cost of living and heightened economic uncertainty r

Plant-based dairy is set to be by far the most dynamic performer among the main dairy products and alternatives categories in Costa Rica in retail volume and current value growth terms in 2025. While this is primarily because sales are emerging from a comparatively low base, the impressive pace of its expansion also reflects the fact that rising health-consciousness and increasing concerns about environmental sustainability and animal welfare issues are encouraging more people in the country to

The report examines the economic landscape of Costa Rica and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2024, driven by exports, private consumption, government spending and investments. However, a global economic slowdown, increasing geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation as well as tight financial conditions pose risks to the country’s economic outlook.

Insight into income, wealth and expenditure of consumers and households is vital in helping businesses make strategic decisions with regards to which country (or even which region within a country) to enter, which consumer segment to target, which products or services to market, and at which price point. Other factors such as the size and expansion of the middle class and income inequality are also important in helping companies gauge the potential of a country market.

In late 2024 and in 2025, the global cocoa crisis led to soaring prices in Central American countries. Manufacturers sought to absorb the costs, adjust product recipes, or were forced to pass on the cost to consumers. While prices for cocoa began to decline in 2025, manufacturers do not believe prices will reduce to their 2023 level.

While gum remains a small category in Costa Rica in 2025, a few new products have entered the market, capturing the attention of consumers looking for different flavours or presentations. For instance, Extra introduced a sugar-free version of 40 units in a plastic tub, following Trident's earlier release of a 35-unit plastic tub. Ice Breakers Ice Cubes also offers gum in a 40-unit container. Other brands embracing this convenient packaging include Mentos Pure Fresh and Orbit White. Additionally,

Moderate volume growth in sugar confectionery in 2025 is driven largely by demand from children and parents organising birthday parties. Bulk packages have become increasingly popular for such occasions, offering both convenience and value. Retailers like PriceSmart and El Rey are well known for their wide selection of bulk confectionery options tailored to party needs. While supermarkets and hypermarkets such as Automercado and Walmart offer fewer choices, they still provide suitable options. P

In 2025, consumers in Costa Rica continue to enjoy savoury snacks, driven by both nostalgia and the appeal of new flavours. Brands like Jack’s tap into fond memories with classic products such as Picaritas, which are often used in traditional dishes like “caldosa”, a ceviche. At the same time, brands like Takis attract snack lovers with indulgent and exciting new flavours. Spicy savoury snacks continue to gain traction, with leading brands launching new varieties and intensifying competition in

Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks is registering further value and volume growth in Costa Rica in 2025. To satisfy their craving for something sweet, consumers often turn to options like sweet biscuits, snack bars, or fruit snacks. The market offers a wide range of choices to suit different preferences: while some consumers seek better-for-you alternatives, others opt for the most indulgent treats available, and many prefer to stick with familiar favourites they know and love.

Costa Rica recorded an inflation rate of 0.84% in 2024, according to the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), with the Consumer Price Index (IPC) showing price declines in key snack categories like chips, savoury snacks, ice cream, and sugar confectionery, dampening value growth. In 2025, the industry is facing several cost pressures, including global price increases for chocolate and glucose, affecting snack prices and manufacturers.

Ice cream parlours are popular in Costa Rica, and when consumers crave ice cream, they often prefer visiting one of these establishments over purchasing it in a retail store. While convenience stores do offer ice cream, on-the-go consumption can be inconvenient and messy. Buying ice cream from supermarkets or hypermarkets also presents challenges, as it requires consumers to return home quickly before it melts. As a result, the presence of ice cream in traditional retail channels remains limited

Cider/perry volumes in Costa Rica declined in 2024, extending the negative trend observed over the previous two years. Perry remains largely unknown among local consumers, with cider, while being slightly more recognised, still occupies a niche market. Certain modern retailers, like Automercado, carry a limited selection of ciders, such as the Spanish brand Mayador, which comes in sweet, pink, and semi-dry varieties. However, the category has few competing brands, and availability remains sporad

Wine experienced only marginal volume growth in Costa Rica in 2024 - a noticeable slowdown compared to the strong momentum of previous years. This deceleration was partly due to lingering inflationary pressures and tighter household budgets, which led many consumers to reduce discretionary spending, including on wine. Despite these constraints, wine culture continues to evolve in the country, driven by increasing interest in international varieties and greater accessibility across both on- and o

The market for alcoholic drinks in Costa Rica remained flat in volume terms in 2024. This was despite positive macroeconomic indicators such as falling inflation and a declining unemployment rate. Industry sources described the year as particularly challenging, with players investing considerable resources even to maintain sales levels.

Spirits in Costa Rica experienced a modest increase in volume sales in 2024, driven largely by a wider variety of imported products available through modern retail channels. Despite this, the market continues to face challenges from contraband offerings, particularly those smuggled in from Panama. Due to Panama’s lower taxes, these products are easily accessible and are often sold at a discount through small local retailers or online platforms. Moreover, many consumers remain unaware of the lega

Beer consumption in Costa Rica experienced a slight decline in 2024, particularly in the latter part of the year, when heavy rainfall and flooding dampened sales. Despite this, beer remains the largest category within the alcoholic drinks market. Its enduring popularity is largely attributed to the country’s tropical climate, with beer commonly enjoyed as a refreshing beverage. It is also viewed as one of the most cost-effective drink options, frequently supported by price promotions, especially

Volume sales of RTDs grew strongly in Costa Rica in 2024. These beverages are increasingly seen as a tastier and sometimes healthier alternative to beer and are especially popular among middle- and higher-income consumers, as well as younger generations. In addition, their convenience and suitability for on-the-go consumption are key drivers of sales. However, RTDs remain more expensive than beer, which limits broader adoption.

This report assesses the business environment in Costa Rica, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and innovative capabilities. Companies can evaluate these factors to understand the strengths and weaknesses of a country’s business environment for better strategic investment decisions.