How Costa Rica Is Reviving Its Coffee Exports

In 2015, Costa Rica’s coffee export revenue dropped sharply to $306 million—down 26% from $412 million just three years earlier in 2012. By early 2016, global coffee prices continued to slide, averaging $1.14 per litre in Q1, a 26% year-on-year decline from 2014. At the same time, local farmers faced rising production costs due to higher fuel and energy prices compared to neighboring countries, as well as shrinking coffee-growing areas. These issues combined have created a perfect storm for Costa Rica’s coffee industry.

Costa Rica’s coffee exports fell 26% from 2012 to 2015, with revenues dropping from $412 million to $306 million. In early 2016, global coffee prices were down 26% year-on-year, and the country’s coffee-growing area shrank by 3% between 2014 and 2015.

Why Costa Rica’s Coffee Exports Are Declining

Several factors have contributed to the downturn in Costa Rica’s coffee sector. First, international coffee prices have been on a steady decline since 2012. By 2015, the country’s export revenue had fallen to $306 million, a significant drop from $412 million in 2012. In early 2016, global coffee prices averaged just $1.14 per litre—a 26% decrease from the same period in 2014. Meanwhile, between 2014 and 2015, Costa Rica lost 3% of its coffee-growing land, partly due to climate change and increased pest pressure. On top of that, rising fuel and energy costs, which are higher in Costa Rica than in neighbouring countries, have made production more expensive, further reducing export competitiveness.

What Costa Rica Is Doing to Support Coffee Growers

To combat these challenges, the Costa Rican government and industry stakeholders have introduced several measures. The first priority is providing technical and financial support to coffee farmers. This includes resources to help growers adapt to climate change, such as improved pest management and sustainable farming techniques. The government is also investing in infrastructure for farmers who lack access to essential equipment. Another key strategy is market diversification—efforts are underway to open up new export opportunities in high-demand markets such as Turkey and Tunisia, both among the world’s largest coffee importers.

The Role of Processing Methods and Regional Identity

Costa Rica has built a reputation for high-quality coffee thanks in part to its distinctive processing methods. While traditional washed processing was once dominant, water shortages led many producers to develop a unique local version of honey process. This technique involves removing the coffee cherry skin and pulp but leaving most or all of the sticky mucilage (fruit pulp layer) intact during drying. The result is a sweeter, fruitier cup with more complex flavours. Depending on how much mucilage is left and how long the coffee is dried, producers classify their honey-processed coffees into four types: Black Honey (most mucilage, longest drying), Red Honey, Yellow Honey, and White Honey (least mucilage).

Costa Rica’s coffee is grown in eight main regions, but the most renowned for specialty coffee is Tarrazú. Located at high altitudes between 1,700–1,800 metres, Tarrazú benefits from cool temperatures, volcanic soils, good drainage, and forest shade. These conditions contribute to a pronounced day-night temperature variation, which slows ripening and enhances sugar development in the coffee cherries. The result is a cup known for its bright acidity, medium body, and notes of citrus, caramel, and nuts.

Competitive Landscape and Regional Threats

Colombia remains Costa Rica’s primary quality competitor, offering similarly clean and balanced profiles. However, Nicaragua is emerging as a growing threat. Over recent years, Nicaraguan coffee production has steadily increased, with a wider variety of processing methods and cultivars entering the market. Though still developing its global brand identity, Nicaraguan coffee is gaining recognition for both volume and diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Costa Rica’s coffee exports drop so much between 2012 and 2015?

Costa Rica’s coffee export revenue fell by 26% from $412 million in 2012 to $306 million in 2015, largely due to declining international coffee prices and rising production costs. The country also lost 3% of its coffee-growing area between 2014 and 2015 due to climate change and pests.

How much did global coffee prices fall in early 2016?

In the first quarter of 2016, the average global coffee price was $1.14 per litre, down 26% compared to the same period in 2014.

What is the honey process and how is it used in Costa Rica?

The honey process, developed in Costa Rica as a water-saving alternative to traditional washed processing, involves removing the coffee cherry skin and pulp but leaving most of the mucilage. The beans are then dried with the sticky layer intact. This creates a sweeter, fruitier cup. Costa Rican producers classify honey processed coffee into Black Honey, Red Honey, Yellow Honey, and White Honey based on how much mucilage is retained and the drying duration.

Which region in Costa Rica is best known for specialty coffee?

Tarrazú is Costa Rica’s most famous specialty coffee region, located at high altitudes of 1,700–1,800 metres. The area’s volcanic soils, cool climate, and dense shade create ideal conditions for producing bright, sweet, and complex coffees with notes of citrus, caramel, and nuts.

What countries is Costa Rica trying to export more coffee to?

Costa Rica is working to expand its coffee exports to new markets, particularly Turkey and Tunisia, which are among the world’s largest coffee importers.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Costa Rica Fans

For lovers of Costa Rican coffee character, try FrontStreet Coffee’s (Blackberry) — a honey-processed bean using the richest (Black Honey) method, with 14+ days of sun-drying under shade for intense berry sweetness and full body. Also consider (Mozart), made with (grape raisin honey), where whole fruit pulp dries into wrinkled raisin-like texture before hulling, giving deep grape, rose, and vinous notes. Both beans showcase Costa Rica’s signature honey process finesse. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.