Sugarcane

  
Sugarcane is a major industry in Costa Rica, with 11 mills processing the crop: 

Production

In 2022, Costa Rica produced nearly 4 million metric tons of sugarcane, and exported
almost 78,000 metric tons to the United States. However, production in the 2022/23
marketing year was at its lowest in over a decade, due to high precipitation, lower
fertilizer use, and a decrease in the area planted. 

Mills

The country has 11 active sugarcane mills, including Ingenio Cutris in the Alajuela Province. 

Sugarcane harvesting

Sugarcane harvesting in Costa Rica can be dangerous, with risk factors including high
temperatures, dehydration, and kidney disease. 

Sugarcane-based products

Costa Rica's best-selling distilled spirit is Cacique Guaro, a sugar cane-based liquor
with a neutral taste. 

Future production

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service expects Costa Rica's sugar production to recover
in the 2023/24 marketing year, and to continue to rise in the 2024/25 marketing year.