Costa Rica’s Coffee Comeback: Bean Exports Skyrocket, Brewing a Success Story!

In a jolt as invigorating as your morning espresso, Costa Rica’s coffee exports have leaped more than a caffeinated kangaroo. The Central American coffee darling, known for its high-quality arabica beans, is stirring up the coffee market with a significant increase in exports. According to the latest buzz from the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE), November was a particularly robust month, marking the second consecutive month of strong performance in the new coffee season.

A November to Remember:

Picture November in Costa Rica – not just about Thanksgiving turkeys, but about coffee beans flying off the shelves. Exporters sold a steaming 17,723 60-kilo bags abroad, up a whopping 37% from the 12,945 bags in November of the previous year. It’s like Costa Rican coffee decided to hit the gym and bulk up its export muscles.

October’s Brewing Brilliance:

This bean bonanza didn’t start in November. It was preceded by an October that was hotter than a freshly brewed pot of coffee. Sales soared by an eye-popping 116% year-on-year in October, kicking off the coffee cycle with a bang that could wake up even the sleepiest of coffee lovers.

The First Two Months: A Coffee Success Story:

Combining the figures from the first two months of the coffee season, exports have surged by 69%, totaling 36,622 bags. It’s as if Costa Rica’s coffee said, “Let’s turn this party up a notch,” and the world eagerly RSVP’d.

The 2022/23 Season: A Bittersweet Tale:

The previous coffee season, which wrapped up in September, was more of a decaf year, with total exports down by 4.8%. It faced the kind of challenges that would make a barista weep – logistical nightmares and lukewarm international demand. However, like a plot twist in a soap opera, the output actually rose by 14.5%.

Forecast: Brewing at Full Strength:

This season’s harvest is expected to be on par with last year, with ICAFE estimating just a slight 0.17% dip under last year’s figure. It’s like Costa Rican coffee is saying, “I may have stumbled, but watch me make a comeback.”

Costa Rica: The David Among Goliaths:

While Costa Rica might not be the Goliath of coffee production in Central America, it’s definitely the David, with a slingshot full of high-quality arabica beans. Typically exporting close to 90% of its harvest, this small but mighty coffee champion is known for punching above its weight.

The Price of Quality:

Speaking of quality, Costa Rican beans don’t just taste better; they also fetch a higher price. This season, the average price per quintal (a roughly 46-kilo bag) hit a steamy $250. It’s like the coffee world’s version of a luxury brand, but without the snooty salesperson.

Costa Rica’s coffee exports are more than just numbers; they’re a testament to the country’s resilience and dedication to quality. As the new season brews, Costa Rica is serving a reminder that when it comes to coffee, it’s not just about quantity, but the rich, aromatic quality that makes each cup a mini vacation to this tropical paradise. So, next time you sip on a Costa Rican brew, remember, you’re tasting a bean that’s been on quite a journey.