The Dos Pinos Cooperative’s production plant in San Carlos processes over 600,000 liters of milk daily, with more than a quarter of this volume dedicated to cheese production. The facility plays a significant role in the rural economy of Costa Rica.
Sofía Valverde, Communications and Community Relations Manager at Dos Pinos, stated: “Dos Pinos is a vital economic pillar for the rural communities of Costa Rica. Every day the Cooperative pays out nearly ₡520 million colones nationwide to its members for the purchase of high-quality milk. This significant economic injection corresponds to the daily acquisition of about 1.3 million liters of milk, which underscores the cooperative’s commitment to its members and the direct impact its operation has on the development and stability of producing areas.”
This daily payment not only supports local dairy families but also strengthens the local economy by providing a stable source of income for rural communities.
Approximately 600 people are employed at the San Carlos plant, reflecting Dos Pinos’ commitment to quality job creation. In late July, Dos Pinos was recognized in the Merco Talento Costa Rica 2025 ranking for its leadership in talent management and its ability to attract, retain, and develop employees.
Since centralizing cheese production in San Carlos in 1993, Dos Pinos has contributed to making this region both Costa Rica’s main dairy basin and what it calls “the heart of cheese-making” in the country. The cooperative has invested in advanced technology at this site, including what it describes as Central America’s largest automatic fresh cheese molding machine and automated packaging lines designed to ensure freshness and food safety from factory to table.
Valverde added: “That is how we are and how we will continue to be—a proudly Costa Rican cooperative that transforms every liter of milk into progress and into a legacy that continues being written alongside Costa Rica.”
The plant produces various cheeses for domestic consumption, ranging from traditional fresh cheese to specialized varieties like Manchego and Gouda. While some processes remain artisanal due to product requirements, modern quality controls have been implemented throughout operations.
San Carlos stands as an example within Costa Rica’s agricultural sector—showing how community vision, cooperative work ethic, and shared purpose can build both products and livelihoods.
