Our visit to Café Britt started with a tour of the plantation where we were able to see the coffee plants along with other crops grown on the property, like eucalyptus and bananas. I found it interesting to learn why Costa Rica has some of the best coffee-growing conditions in the world, thanks to its high altitude, nutrient-rich volcanic soil, and tropical rainy climate. One of the most surprising things I learned was that coffee from different regions of Costa Rica can taste different because of the country’s microclimates. One area may experience rain while another remains dry, which changes the flavor of the coffee beans. I also gained a greater appreciation for how hands-on the coffee production process is, since workers still hand-pick the coffee cherries and hourly rake and dry them in the sun rather than relying on machines.

I believe Café Britt is a company that genuinely helps lift Costa Rican culture and the economy. Before the company’s presence, Costa Rica’s coffee was simply grown and exported, meaning that many Ticos were not able to enjoy or benefit from the product themselves. Café Britt helped create a business model that allowed high-quality coffee to remain in Costa Rica while also building international partnerships that supported the local economy. I also appreciated learning about the company’s partnerships with foundations that give back socially through programs that support children. Another aspect that seemed genuine was the company’s approach to sustainability. When Café Britt sells coffee internationally, the agreements include machinery and recycling requirements so that the process benefits both parties while still supporting environmental responsibility. This reflects Costa Rica’s emphasis on sustainability, even when products are exported abroad to places like China.

Our visit also showed how the company uses strategic marketing techniques to sell its products and brand. While visiting the gift shop, there were promotions such as “buy 6 bags, get 3 free,” which initially sounded like a great deal. However, it also made me realize how businesses encourage consumers to spend more money by making large purchases than necessary because they seem more valuable than they actually are. This complicated my perspective slightly because although Café Britt clearly promotes Costa Rican culture, sustainability, and local products, it is still ultimately a business using marketing strategies to maximize sales. I still believe the company presents Costa Rican culture in a genuine way because its business practices appear to provide real benefits to local people, the economy, and the environment rather than simply using Costa Rican identity as a marketing tool.