Can a geographical indication (GI) generate measurable economic, social and environmental value? "Banano de Costa Rica" — a GI that has become a global symbol of quality, sustainability and responsible production — shows exactly how it can be done.
The creation of CORBANA
Bananas provide sustenance for millions and employment for hundreds of thousands of Costa Ricans. Yet the value of bananas in the market has long been undermined by a number of factors, such as price fluctuations in the international market, adverse weather and crop disease. To address the challenges facing the banana industry, producers, the Government of Costa Rica and national banking institutions established the Corporación Bananera Nacional (CORBANA) in 1971 — a public-interest corporation created to serve the sector.
Since its creation, CORBANA has worked tirelessly on behalf of the industry to improve banana production and forge strong commercial relationships with the global market. Today, CORBANA manages a geographical indication “Banano de Costa Rica” exporting to markets around the world — from Europe to the United States, the Middle East and Asia.
Bringing research and innovation into banana production
As a first step towards improving the competitiveness of Costa Rican bananas on the global market, the industry established a dedicated Directorate of Research and Technical Assistance through CORBANA. Through this Directorate, the Costa Rican banana industry has collaborated with national institutions (such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Institute of National Innovation and Transfer of Agricultural Technology (INTA)), academia (including the University of Costa Rica), as well as international agencies including Rainforest Alliance and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, in order to develop best biosecure practices for banana production and provide support to producers across the country.
Through its Directorate, the industry studies innovative ways to improve the scope, sustainability and security of banana production, and trains farmers in the most state-of-the-art and eco-friendly ways to produce their crops. Support covers soil fertility and drainage optimization, integrated pest and disease management, water efficiency, carbon footprint reduction and biological alternatives to agrochemicals.
For example, a microorganism bank and a 1.5-hectare plantation with 150 varieties were created to carry out experiments for improving a banana plant's resistance to pests. This allowed to investigate and create remedies against a number of crop-destroying organisms including the banana-root nematode (Radopholus similis) – a roundworm that attacks plant roots, making them vulnerable to toppling in heavy rain or wind and reducing banana yields.
Through information dissemination, training and technology transfer, the Costa Rican banana industry continuously improves productivity and maintains strict, nationwide production standards. For example, Costa Rica remains free of Fusarium R4T - a destructive fungus affecting banana plants - thanks to the clear understanding of prevention methods shared across the industry through CORBANA's programs.
This collective effort — uniting, educating and supporting banana producers across the country — has made Costa Rican bananas a product of reliable, consistent quality, and one that merits the protection as a geographical indication.
"Banano de Costa Rica" — the first geographical indication in Costa Rica
A geographical indication is an intellectual property (IP) tool that producers have relied on in order to link their products to a defined place of origin or farming tradition. To secure GI status for Costa Rican bananas, the industry collaborated with a range of stakeholders such as the government of Costa Rica (particularly the Ministry of Foreign Trade), members of academia (including UCR) and international partners (such as the European Union) to produce a detailed study of banana cultivation history and practice in the country.
Based on this study, in 2010 “Banano de Costa Rica” became the first GI to be registered (#20230) in the country (and the first for a banana product in South America) via the Registro Nacional, Costa Rica's national IP office. The following year, “Banano de Costa Rica” – Bananas of Costa Rica – was registered via the Lisbon System for the International Registration of Appellations of Origin managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The registration defines the geographical area of production as “the entire territory of the Republic of Costa Rica”. Farmers from that region who adhere to the industry's strict Code of Conduct (CoC), administered by CORBANA, are permitted to use the 'Banano de Costa Rica' GI label on their products. This GI strengthens the strategic positioning of Banano de Costa Rica in global markets, making it recognizable and increasing its value.
Market position of Banano de Costa Rica
As of 2026, Banano de Costa Rica is exported primarily to Europe, the United States and emerging markets in the Middle East and Asia.
The 'Banano de Costa Rica' GI label has been central to consolidating the industry's market position and opening up new commercial opportunities around the world. As the first Latin American state to receive a GI for bananas, Costa Rica has utilized the IP tool to give its farmers a meaningful competitive advantage.
Moreover, in order to compete against low cost, high volume bananas from other countries, CORBANA has focused on creating a reputation for quality, sustainability and social impact. Driven by a desire to succeed in competitive international markets, the industry has implemented internationally recognized quality, health and safety, and environmental standards across its farms, which underpin the credibility of the GI.
Banano de Costa Rica - a GI with high standards
The environmental standards behind the 'Banano de Costa Rica' GI build on and raise Costa Rica's already strong tradition of ecological responsibility. The country has reversed deforestation, with forest cover increasing from 21% in 1986 to 51% in 2010, and the industry's forest reserves and zero-carbon strategies set a high bar of conservation excellence for banana producers worldwide. Contributing to its internationally recognized status of high-quality and sustainable production, the banana sector in Costa Rica adheres to 100% recycling of polypropylene and polyethylene plastics used in banana production. The industry has already reduced water use in packing plants by 50%. CORBANA farmers also adhere to the Costa Rica Musaceae NAMA, an initiative launched in April 2022, aimed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from banana and plantain production. The industry collectively protects more than 14,500 hectares of forest in the country.
Banano de Costa Rica: social impact
As banana yields and exports have grown, the rural, banana-growing communities in Costa Rica have benefited financially. In 2026, the industry employed over 41,000 workers directly with another 100,000 indirectly working in banana production. These workers enjoy the highest minimum wage in the banana sector in Latin America and better social services and working conditions compared to others employed in similar professions in the region. The industry contributes over USD 5 million per month in employer social security contributions, placing employee health and safety standards at a premium.
Through strict compliance with national labor legislation and international standards, Banano de Costa Rica has become a benchmark for responsible agricultural production. To maintain its reputation, the industry maintains 85 external sustainability and labor audits per year.
With modern and fair production practices at the heart of its model, the 'Banano de Costa Rica' GI has built the confidence of relatively affluent international customers — and the industry is able to command premium prices as a result.
Using a geographical indication for commercial and social success
Having established a recognizable and respected brand for its GI, the Costa Rican banana industry uses coordinated international promotion efforts, participation in global trade fairs and joint campaigns with export promotion agencies to position the 'Banano de Costa Rica' GI as premium banana origin, a reliable supply chain partner and a sustainable and ethically responsible product.
The results speak for themselves. Backed by the strength of its GI, Costa Rica today ranks third in the world in banana exports (as of 2025), with production totaling USD 1.18 billion in 2025. The socio-economic status of Costa Rican banana producers is improving, banana yields are increasing, and the country's rich environment and banana-growing culture are being sustained for future generations.
GI as a driver of rural economic and social prosperity
The story of Banano de Costa Rica demonstrates how geographical indications, when combined with innovation, certification systems and coordinated branding, can generate measurable economic, social and environmental value. As of 2026, Banano de Costa Rica remains the only GI for a banana product in South America. For Costa Rican farmers, the GI has become something more: a strategic intangible asset that enhances competitiveness in markets where sustainability, traceability and standards compliance are key purchasing criteria.
