#Paris #Costa Rica #PROCOMER #SIAL Paris

Costa Rica's Quest for Global Food Markets at SIAL Paris

From October 17 to 21, 2026, Paris hosts the renowned SIAL trade fair, attracting over 8,000 exhibitors and 295,000 professionals, including manufacturers, distributors, and buyers. Among the participants, the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is leading an initiative with 18 local companies to explore fresh opportunities in the global food market. The aim is to diversify and expand the presence of Costa Rican products within Europe.

During the first eight months of 2026, Costa Rica's food industry reported exports totaling $1.938 million, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This growth underscores the importance of international exposure at events like SIAL Paris, where Costa Rican businesses can showcase their offerings, which include dehydrated fruits, frozen goods, sauces, and canned foods. Laura López, general manager of PROCOMER, emphasized the need for transforming product innovations into competitive export offerings that cater to evolving consumer demands.

At the Costa Rican stand, the delegation presents a variety of products that transform local ingredients such as pineapple, banana, cassava, and plantain into diverse forms suited for various culinary uses. The display features everything from frozen and dehydrated fruits to pre-cooked cassava, tostones (fried plantain), flours, spicy sauces, canned fish, juices, purees, coffee, cacao, and bottled coconut water.

Throughout the event, Costa Rican companies are conducting business meetings, introducing their products to potential buyers. They also plan live demonstrations featuring professional chefs and baristas to highlight the unique qualities and applications of their products. These interactive experiences foster deeper connections by allowing buyers to engage with the offerings through preparation and tasting, which can enhance commercial exchanges.

SIAL Paris not only serves as a platform for attracting new clients but also allows Costa Rican companies to connect with existing buyers while keeping abreast of global trends. This face-to-face interaction provides valuable insights that can help shape their commercial strategies and guide product development towards real market opportunities. PROCOMER's objective remains focused on amplifying the international reach of Costa Rica's food industry and facilitating new business development.

As Costa Rican businesses work diligently to accentuate every aspect of their food products at SIAL Paris, the shared ambition remains clear: to innovate and thrive in the ever-competitive global food marketplace, thus ensuring a promising future for the local food industry.