Licensed businessesproudly carry the nation brand, and actively contribute to the economic growth of Costa Rica. They also represent the 5values, and take advantage of them and how relevant they are on the international market.
Café Britt is a company dedicated to the production of gourmet coffee, chocolates, snacks (confections, cookies and alfajores), and complements its offering with the sale of fine jewelry, books, and crafts. The company was founded in 1985 and its products can be found throughout the country. Currently, Café Britt has surpassed our borders, placing itself in one of the most important supermarket chains in Guatemala: Unisuper, which has 56 stores. In 2014, Café Britt recorded sales of $117 million, with a growth of 2% per year.
Derivatives of Nutritional Corn (Derivados de Maíz Alimenticio, DEMASA) is backed by 35 years of experience in the market to satisfy consumer tastes. Since 2014, and working hand in hand with PROCOMER, they have managed to position their products in the US market. They also export to places as far away as Japan, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Kuwait, South Africa, Egypt, Reunion Islands as well as to Mexico, Canada, Italy, Argentina, and Guatemala. They have IFS, BASC, Kosher and HACCP certifications.
Established in 1992, La Zarcereña stands as Costa Rica's premier artisanal pastry company, boasting a workforce of 300 employees and an extensive catalog of over 20 products. They have ambitious plans to expand their presence on the international stage within the next 5 years. In 2019, they made the strategic decision to embrace the esencial COSTA RICA national brand, enabling them to promote their offerings abroad while also aligning with the brand's core values, which emphasize excellence and sustainability.
Turriplantas, based in Pavones, Turrialba, employs 25 people, with 32% being women. In 2003, they began direct exports to the United States, United Kingdom, and The Netherlands. Sustainability has always been a core focus, with two of their eight hectares dedicated to conservation and reforestation. They meet the stringent Clean Stock program requirements for US exports. Turriplantas proudly joined the esencial COSTA RICA brand, embracing values of sustainability, excellence, and innovation. They prioritize sustainability through solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and eco-friendly practices. Excellence and innovation drive their operations, with a focus on efficiency and productivity over physical expansion in the future.
Grupo Irex, a 100% Costa Rican-owned company with over 68 years of history, more than 1,000 employees, and a visionary commitment to quality and innovation, has evolved from its origins in household cleaning product manufacturing to diversify its business with food production, customs services, and more. They offer a range of cleaning and food products under various brands, exporting to multiple countries. Committed to sustainability and social responsibility, they support numerous organizations and provide extensive benefits to their employees and families.
NICOVERDE, founded in 2017 and located in Pital, San Carlos, has rapidly become a key player in the sustainable pineapple production industry, collaborating with small pineapple producers and focusing on quality, safety, and sustainability. They employ biotechnology and circular economy principles, producing edible mushrooms from pineapple waste and working on biomaterial production. NICOVERDE embodies the values of the esencial COSTA RICA brand, particularly excellence, with international certifications and a commitment to quality. They encourage other companies to pursue the esencial COSTA RICA license, highlighting the global support it provides for biodiversity, the environment, and other aspects that boost product negotiations in international markets and enhance brand positioning.