Tres Ríos

Origins & Location

Region: Tres Ríos means “Three Rivers” and is located just east of San José, Costa Rica.

Volcanic Influence: The area lies under the shadow of the Irazú Volcano, whose rich volcanic ash nourishes the soil.

Climate: Well-defined wet and dry seasons create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.

 Coffee Characteristics

Flavor Profile: Known for lively acidity, honey-like sweetness, and balanced aromas.

Bean Traits: Beans are physically hard with closed fissures, a sign of high-altitude growth.

Cup Quality: Often described as elegant, smooth, and complex — comparable to fine wine, hence the nickname “Bordeaux of Costa Rica.”

History & Significance

Early Adoption: Tres Ríos was one of the first regions chosen for coffee planting in Costa Rica because of its altitude and protective tree rows.

Specialty Recognition: The region has consistently produced specialty-grade Arabica coffee since the early 20th century.

Challenges Today: Much of the fertile land is being converted for real estate development, reducing coffee production.

Tres Ríos Coffee Export Context

Region: Tres Ríos is one of Costa Rica’s smallest but most prestigious coffee-growing regions, often called the “Bordeaux of Costa Rica.”

Export Profile: Coffee from Tres Ríos is exported as part of Costa Rica’s specialty Arabica offerings. It is prized for bright acidity, honey-like sweetness, and balanced body, making it attractive to roasters worldwide.

Grading: Costa Rican exports are classified by altitude and bean hardness (e.g., SHB – Strictly Hard Bean, grown above 1,350 meters). Tres Ríos beans typically fall into this premium category

Costa Rica Coffee Export Trends

Annual Export Volume: Costa Rica exports 1.2–1.5 million bags of coffee annually, with Tres Ríos contributing a smaller but high-quality share.

Key Markets:

Europe: In 2024, Costa Rica exported 27,494 tons to Europe (42.6% of shipments), surpassing exports to the U.S. for the first time.

United States: Received 25,759 tons (40%) of Costa Rican coffee in 2024.

Sustainability: Costa Rica shipped its first deforestation-free certified coffee to Italy in 2024, aligning with Europe’s strict environmental import standards.

Why Tres Ríos Coffee Matters in Export

Prestige: Though small in volume, Tres Ríos coffee is a premium export that enhances Costa Rica’s reputation in specialty markets.

Market Shift: Europe’s rising demand for sustainable coffee positions Tres Ríos well, given its volcanic terroir and eco-friendly cultivation.

Future Outlook: If Costa Rica stabilizes production, Tres Ríos exports could grow in niche specialty markets, especially in Europe.