2024 was a challenging year for Costa Rica's food industry, according to the Cámara Costarricense de la Industria Alimentaria (CACIA). Despite the complexity of the economic and social context, the sector recorded a positive increase of 4%, surpassing the decline of 2023, when the advance was less than 1%. However, companies are struggling again to maintain their earnings and navigate a flying market with consumers more cautious in their purchasing decisions.
Among the factors that mark the year, we note the decrease in the acquired power of those who perceive the ingredients in dollars, due to the low sustainability of the type of exchange. Additionally, international uncertainty, particularly associated with the change of government in the United States, Costa Rica's largest trading partner, and its geopolitical tensions with Mexico, Canada and China, have added to the presidency in the sector.
Impact on jobs and the economy
The food industry continues to be a pillar of the national economy, generating approximately 103,000 direct employees and representing 5% of Costa Rica's Gross Domestic Product (PIB). This example has been supported thanks to the diversification in food marketing and the potential of distribution channels, which have allowed the sector to reduce its traditional dependence on tourism.
Exports growing
One of the most reported points of the CACIA report was the increase in exports, which grew by 5.7% in 2024, from $2,538 million in 2023 to $2,683 million this year. This growth has continued steadily since 2021, consolidating exports as a key driver for the sector.
Among the products showing notable consumption are fruit purees and pastes, which are growing by 38%; snacks and cereals, with an increase of 31.3%; los lacteos, with 25%; and beer, which saw a 22.6% increase.
However, not all items have positive behavior. Products such as vegetable aceites (-16%), canned tomatoes (-12.5%), confitería (-9%), corn and frijol (-6%), and fruit juices (-3%) experimental caídas, reflecting los retos that you are still facing the sector in some segments.
In terms of destination markets, Central America has consolidated itself as the main recipient of Costarrican exports, representing 50% of the external inputs of the food industry.
Strategic projects for 2025
Considering the growth recorded in 2024, the president of CACIA, Juan Ignacio Pérez, emphasized the need to address various issues relevant to 2025 to guarantee the stability and sustained development of the sector.
One of the points mentioned by critics was the importance of maintaining the type of change at competitive levels, seeking 500 settlers per dollar or lower, to protect export competitiveness and mitigate production costs, which are linked to internal economic dynamics .
Additionally, CACIA reiterated its concern about the state of the Caldera Gate, a key infrastructure for external trade. Although an application for the new concession was recently announced, Perez warned that the port cannot hold back its operations at any time. Then, the means planned so far are not sufficient to guarantee a smooth transition nor to resolve structural problems in the short term.
Another relevant issue is the modernization of the port infrastructure. CACIA expressed doubts that the necessary progress will be listed before 2030, which could affect the ability of the manufacturing sector to maintain its growth in the sought future.
A balance between returns and opportunities
2024 will be a mixed panorama for the Costa Rican food industry. While the 4% increase and the sustained increase in exports are exciting signals, the internal and external uncertainties, combined with the logistical and structural deficiencies, underline the need for a strategic focus for 2025.
Compromising the sector with innovation, diversifying markets and improving distribution channels will be key to maintaining its relevance in the national economy as it works to resolve barriers that may limit its long-term potential. term.
