September 15, 2024.– The Embassy of Costa Rica in the United Kingdom, the Costa Rica Coffee Institute (ICAFE) and SINTERCAFE joined forces to commemorate Costa Rica’s Independence Day with a significant Unveiling event of the Commemorative Plaque dedicated to Costa Rican Coffee.

The event took place at St. Katharine Docks, an emblematic site for being the first port to receive Costa Rican coffee. From now on, the commemorative plaque will be permanently located in this historic place, symbolizing the deep commercial and cultural ties between Costa Rica and the United Kingdom.

The activity was also an outstanding opportunity to promote Costa Rican Coffee, with the participation of British government authorities and key actors in the coffee sector in the United Kingdom. In advance of the event, Lulu Cato-Olude, Estate Experience Manager at St. Katharine Docks stated, “We are really proud of our heritage at this unique estate and pleased to be hosting this event on such a significant day.“, highlighting the value of this alliance to commemorate the historic event.

In his speech, ICAFE Executive Director Gustavo Jiménez remarked the importance of this activity, stating that “It is an honour to participate in this event of great relevance for our country and its coffee history. The unveiling of this plaque at St. Katharine Docks symbolises not only the first European port to receive our golden grain, but also the strong commercial and cultural relationship that Costa Rica has forged with the United Kingdom over the years. This recognition is a tribute to the thousands of Costa Rican coffee producers whose hard work continues to bring the name of Costa Rica to every corner of the world. We are deeply proud of this achievement, and we are sure that this milestone will continue to strengthen the ties between both countries, further boosting the trade and promotion of Costa Rican coffee in the British market.”

The Ambassador of Costa Rica to the United Kingdom, Rafael Ortiz Fábrega, addressed those present and said that “Today, on our independence day, seeing this plaque placed in a historic and iconic place in the city of London also reminds us of the value of visionary men and women who, through the coffee trade, laid the foundations for the economic and social growth of our country, thereby strengthening political, commercial and cultural relations between two friendly nations”

The celebration included a vibrant performance by a group of Costa Rican dancers, who, with their art, highlighted the cultural and artistic value of Costa Rica within the framework of this commemoration of independence.

This event not only reflected the rich cultural and historical heritage of Costa Rica, but also served as a platform to present to authorities and strategic actors in the United Kingdom the capabilities and quality of the Costa Rican coffee sector, further consolidating commercial ties between both countries.