Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormGreen (Unroasted) Dried Bean
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product (Post-harvest processed)
Raw Material
Market
Green coffee beans are a core export-oriented agricultural product in Costa Rica, produced exclusively from Arabica coffee and differentiated by recognized producing regions. The national coffee sector is overseen by ICAFE under Costa Rica’s coffee-sector legal framework, with private actors operating across producers, mills (beneficios), roasters, and exporters. Production is distributed across eight ICAFE-recognized coffee regions, and harvest timing varies by region, generally spanning mid-year through early the next year. Export marketing emphasizes quality and sustainability positioning, including deforestation-free claims highlighted by PROCOMER.
Market RoleProducer and exporter (Arabica green coffee)
Domestic RoleExport-oriented agricultural value chain with domestic roasting/consumption as a secondary outlet
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityHarvest timing varies by region; ICAFE publishes estimated start and end months for coffee collection (recolección) by producing region, with several regions harvesting from mid-year through early the following year and higher-altitude regions commonly harvesting during the late-year dry-season window.
Specification
Primary VarietyCoffea arabica (Arabica)
Physical Attributes- Green coffee quality is commonly assessed through physical defect sorting and lot uniformity, aligned with specialty green grading practices.
- Bean hardness/altitude-related classifications (e.g., SHB/GHB/HB) are referenced in regional production descriptions.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture management during drying and storage is critical to reduce mold risk and preserve cup quality during export logistics.
Grades- SCA Green Coffee Classification (defect-based grading reference in specialty trade)
- Regional hardness references such as SHB, GHB, and HB are used in Costa Rican regional descriptions.
Packaging- Bulk export packaging for green coffee is typically in sacks suitable for containerized sea freight, with attention to protecting beans from moisture ingress.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Selective hand harvest (cherry) → delivery to beneficio (wet mill) → pulping/cleaning → drying → milling/classification → bagging → export logistics via customs and port dispatch
Temperature- Not a cold-chain product; quality protection focuses on keeping green coffee dry and avoiding heat/humidity exposure that can accelerate quality loss.
Atmosphere Control- Ventilation and moisture control during storage and container loading are important to reduce condensation and mold risk.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life performance depends on dryness, stable storage conditions, and protection from moisture/odor contamination during warehousing and ocean transit.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Plant Disease HighCoffee leaf rust (roya del café; Hemileia vastatrix) is a critical biological threat that can sharply reduce yields and disrupt export availability and contract fulfillment for Costa Rican green coffee.Require supplier rust-management plans aligned with ICAFE technical guidance; diversify sourcing across multiple Costa Rican regions and farms to reduce single-zone disease exposure.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPhytosanitary export requirements vary by destination market; missing or incorrect official documentation can delay shipments or trigger holds at export/import clearance.Validate destination requirements in advance and coordinate certification with SFE; use a destination-specific document checklist and pre-shipment compliance review.
Logistics MediumOcean freight delays and container conditions (humidity/condensation) can degrade green coffee quality and increase claims risk, especially for specialty lots with tight quality tolerances.Use moisture-protective packaging/liners where appropriate, control container loading conditions, and plan buffer lead times for peak shipping seasons.
Quality MediumInadequate drying, storage, or handling can increase mold/defect incidence and lead to rejection by specialty buyers relying on defect-based green grading and sensory performance.Implement lot-level QC at the beneficio/dry mill (physical defect screening and storage controls) and align grading references with SCA standards used by buyers.
Sustainability- Deforestation-free and sustainability positioning in export promotion, increasing the importance of origin documentation and traceability evidence for buyers.
- Climate and disease pressures can drive agronomic adaptation needs and influence sustainability claims over time.
FAQ
When does the coffee harvest typically run in Costa Rica, and how does it vary by region?ICAFE publishes region-specific estimated harvest windows. Examples include Tarrazú (November–March), Valle Central (October–February/March), Tres Ríos (October–February/March), Valle Occidental (November–March), Brunca (August–February), Guanacaste (August–February), Orosi (roughly July/August–January/February), and Turrialba (July–January).
Which institution oversees the Costa Rican coffee sector and what is its legal basis?The Instituto del Café de Costa Rica (ICAFE) is the sector’s overseeing institution and states it is regulated under Costa Rica’s Law No. 2762, with objectives that include supporting production, processing, export, commercialization, and research for Costa Rican coffee.
Who is the phytosanitary authority for export documentation from Costa Rica?Costa Rica’s Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (SFE) is the competent phytosanitary authority and states it issues the necessary documentation for exported products to meet destination-country phytosanitary requirements, which exporters must identify and present for certification.
How many coffee-producing regions are formally recognized for Costa Rican coffee origin descriptions?ICAFE describes Costa Rica as having eight coffee-producing regions, which it presents as distinct origin zones for the country’s coffee.