Costa Rica's PROCOMER Joins SIAL Paris to Enhance Food Industry Exports
Costa Rica's PROCOMER Explores New Opportunities at SIAL Paris
From October 17 to 21, 2026, Costa Rica's trade promotion agency, PROCOMER, along with 18 local companies, takes the spotlight at the renowned SIAL Paris food exhibition. This event, held at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center, is a key sector gathering that features over 8,000 exhibitors and welcomes around 295,000 professionals, including manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and buyers from around the globe.
The primary objective of Costa Rica's participation is to enhance the country's food industry's visibility in European markets. With an impressive export record of $1.938 billion from January to August 2026—a 8% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2025—PROCOMER is keen to further boost these figures by showcasing a diverse array of products ranging from dried fruits and frozen foods to sauces and canned goods.
Laura López, CEO of PROCOMER, emphasized, "To increase our presence in international markets, we need to transform product innovation into high-value exports that meet evolving consumer needs. PROCOMER aims to connect innovation capabilities with business opportunities. SIAL Paris provides us with a platform to present distinctive products to international buyers, translating our food industry advancements into new commercial prospects.”
The Costa Rican delegation at the essential COSTA RICA booth is showcasing how key ingredients like pineapple, banana, cassava, and plantains are processed into various food items for multiple uses. Their exhibit includes frozen and dried fruits, pre-cooked cassava, tostones (fried plantain snacks), flours, hot sauces, canned fish, juices, fruit purees, coffee, cocoa, and bottled coconut water.
During the five-day exhibition, participating companies will hold business meetings and present their offerings to potential buyers. An exciting feature of their booth is the live demonstrations led by a chef and a barista, who will highlight the unique qualities of Costa Rican products and their versatility in culinary applications. These cooking demonstrations and tastings provide firsthand experiences for buyers, fostering meaningful discussions around potential deals.
PROCOMER's data shows that Costa Rica's food industry continues to thrive, with significant export growth reflecting the increasing global demand for high-quality food products. Beyond connecting with prospective clients, SIAL Paris allows companies not only to engage with current buyers but also to glean insights into international market trends. Such interactions are invaluable for refining business strategies and directing product development towards specific market opportunities, supporting PROCOMER's efforts to expand the international footprint of the Costa Rican food sector.
In essence, participating in SIAL Paris is a critical step for PROCOMER and the involved Costa Rican companies, not just for the immediate business opportunities it presents, but also for establishing a lasting presence in one of the world’s most competitive markets. The future looks promising for Costa Rica as it embraces this global stage to showcase its rich agricultural heritage and culinary innovations.
Costa Rica’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality positions it well in the global food industry landscape. The ongoing efforts to enhance its exports demonstrate the country’s potential to become a key player in international food supply chains, paving the way for a prosperous future for its agricultural sector.