esencial COSTA RICA Wins Country Brand of the Year at London Awards

esencia COSTA RICA Recognized as Country Brand of the Year

In a remarkable achievement for the nation, esencial COSTA RICA has been awarded the prestigious title of Country Brand of the Year at the City Nation Place Awards 2026 held in London on November 6, 2026. This milestone not only highlights the country's branding success but also places it in the international spotlight alongside other recognized nations such as Finland, Sweden, and Australia.

A Historic Win

This victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks the second time that Costa Rica has won this accolade, the first being in 2019. The Country Brand received additional recognition for its outstanding Citizen Engagement Strategy and an honorable mention for its Communication Strategy, showcasing a comprehensive approach towards promoting the nation's unique identity on a global scale.

Adriana Acosta, the Director of esencial COSTA RICA, expressed pride in these achievements, emphasizing how they reflect Costa Rica's vision and actions in building a robust national reputation. Acosta noted, “The reputation of Costa Rica can open opportunities for our products while also engaging people with our efforts to protect the nature that defines our country.” This synergy has been cultivated through collaboration with various entities—companies, institutions, communities, and organizations—aligned with their goals.

Awards Received

During the ceremony, esencial COSTA RICA clinched three awards:
1. Country Brand of the Year: This accolade acknowledges the effective strategies implemented over the past year as part of the 2035 Strategy, aimed at enhancing the preference for Costa Rican products in key markets and fostering national pride.
2. Best Citizen Engagement: This award was granted for the innovative Costa Rica Azul campaign, an interactive platform designed to educate users about Costa Rica's marine territory and its rich biodiversity, further connecting citizens with their environment.
3. Highly Commended for Best Communication Strategy: The Producers of Wellbeing campaign, which specifically targeted agricultural products from Costa Rica to consumers in Europe and Asia, also received favorable mention. This initiative utilized various media platforms, including collaborations with Amazon Ads for exposure on Prime Video, Fire TV, and Alexa, while creatively employing anime-style content to resonate with Asian audiences.

Community and Global Impact

The City Nation Place Awards jury praised the combination of the various initiatives launched in the past year, highlighting their clear focus on strengthening national identity through impactful projects designed to leave a lasting legacy. As noted by Claire Dewhirst, founder and CEO of City Nation Place, these initiatives not only enhance Costa Rica's global brand reputation but also leverage positive perceptions to generate opportunities in commerce and sports.

Recognizing the profound value of a country brand in creating a significant national asset, these awards add to the legacy of esencial COSTA RICA's international accolades. Notably, the brand had previously won for Best Use of Design for the Costa Rican biometric passport in 2022, and in 2024, it received a special mention for Best Use of Data through an AI-driven strategy.

In conclusion, these recognitions underscore the extraordinary efforts of esencial COSTA RICA in promoting its identity, enhancing its global footprint, and showcasing its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and impactful communication, reinforcing the nation’s position as an exemplary model in country branding.