Market
Fresh Red Globe table grapes in Costa Rica are primarily supplied through imports rather than domestic production. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Costa Rica importing fresh grapes (HS 080610) mainly from Peru and Chile, with additional supply from Mexico and the United States. As a highly perishable product, grapes depend on a continuous cold chain through arrival ports and domestic distribution. Market access hinges on compliance with Costa Rica’s phytosanitary import requirements administered by the Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (SFE) and on standard customs documentation under the national customs framework.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleRetail and foodservice fruit category supplied mainly via imported table grapes; Red Globe is one traded red table-grape variety within this imported mix.
Market GrowthGrowing (2019–2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS))import-value growth from 2019 to 2023
SeasonalityYear-round retail availability is typically achieved via imports from multiple origin countries.
Risks
Phytosanitary Compliance HighNon-compliance with Costa Rica’s SFE phytosanitary import requirements (including origin-specific conditions or required certificates) can result in shipment holds, rejection, or other enforcement actions that effectively block market entry.Before contracting, confirm the exact SFE import requirements for fresh grapes for the specific origin and presentation via the official SFE consultation portal; ensure importer registration status is valid and all required phytosanitary documentation is prepared and consistent with the shipment.
Documentation Gap MediumCustoms document mismatches (e.g., invoice, bill of lading, origin documentation when claiming preference) can delay clearance and increase quality loss risk for a perishable refrigerated product.Use a pre-shipment document checklist aligned to Costa Rica’s customs documentation framework and ensure data consistency across invoice, packing, transport, and origin documentation; coordinate early with a customs broker and TICA filing.
Cold Chain MediumTemperature or humidity excursions during ocean transport, port handling, or inland distribution can accelerate stem drying/browning and decay, reducing salable yield and increasing claims.Specify cold-chain set points aligned with table-grape best practices (near 0°C and high RH), require reefer data logging, and prioritize fast port pickup and cold storage after arrival.
Logistics MediumReefer capacity constraints, freight-rate volatility, and port-side delays can raise landed cost and heighten spoilage risk for imported table grapes.Diversify origin windows and carriers, contract reefer capacity in advance during peak seasons, and maintain contingency inventory planning for retail programs.
FAQ
Which countries supply most fresh grapes to Costa Rica?UN Comtrade data reported via the World Bank WITS platform shows Peru as the largest supplier of fresh grapes (HS 080610) to Costa Rica in 2023, followed by Chile. Mexico and the United States are also significant suppliers.
Who sets phytosanitary import requirements for fresh grapes entering Costa Rica?Costa Rica’s Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (SFE) under the Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG) administers the official phytosanitary import requirements. Importers can consult product- and origin-specific requirements through the SFE’s official import requirements portal.