Foods to Try in Puerto Rico

Our beautiful island of Puerto Rico boasts exquisite beaches and is home to a vibrant culture that includes upbeat music, people, and most importantly, exquisite cuisine. When visiting the island, prepare to fuel up on some of the most delicious dishes of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican cuisine is extremely diverse and is influenced by West African, Spanish, and Indigenous Taino ingredients and cooking styles. Popular ingredients in Puerto Rican cuisine include plantains, yucca, rice (Arroz), papaya, tropical fruits and vegetables, and more. Here are some of the best foods to try in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rican Foods to Try

There are some traditional and popular foods that are loved by Puerto Ricans and visitors alike.

Some of the most authentic foods to try in Puerto Rico are as follows:

Mofongo

This Puerto Rican delight is made with green plantains, mashed garlic, and meat such as chicken, beef, fish, or small pieces of chicharron.

The plantain is chopped into pieces and fried, they are then crushed and molded into a bowl with a hollow inside where the meat is placed.

Mofongo can be found at various food trucks and restaurants and is considered one of the most popular Puerto Rican dishes.

tostones puerto rico

Tostones

This dish, which is often served as an appetizer, is made with thinly sliced plantains coated in batter.

Tostones are deep-fried and flattened using a tostonera, which is a wooden press.

They are often served with a condiment made from ketchup, mayonnaise, garlic, and other spices, also known as mayo ketchup.

Tembleque

Tembleque is a dessert pudding made from coconut milk, sugar, salt, and cornstarch.

It has a smooth consistency and is often topped with cinnamon.

This dessert is enjoyed all year round but is a staple for the Christmas season.

Pasteles

Pasteles are a combination of vegetable dough and meat filling and can be made with either yucca or green plantain.

They are stuffed with meat, usually pork, but can also include vegetables and pumpkin.

They are wrapped in banana leaves and boiled until the leaves fall off. Once ready, they are seasoned with achiote and sofrito.

octopus salad puerto rico

Ensalada de Pulpo

In English, this dish translates to octopus salad, and that’s exactly what it is.

Ensalada de Pulpo is made from chewy octopus and tart vinegar.

This dish is usually served with another Puerto Rican favorite, Tostones.

Rellenos de Papa

Rellenos de papa is a popular island appetizer best described as a savory mashed potato croquette stuffed with ground meat or picadillo and seasoned with sofrito.

Other ingredients, such as cheese, onions, and other vegetables can also be found in Rellenos de Papa.

arroz con gandules puerto rico

Arroz con Gandules

This is probably one of the most popular foods to try in Puerto Rico.

This holy grail dish centers around rice and Gandules, or pigeon peas.

Gandules are used often in Caribbean cuisine and manifest as small, green, oval beans that contain a nutty flavor.

Arroz con Gandules or Puerto Rican rice is the island’s national dish along with roasted pork, or Pernil.

Pernil

Pernil is a slow-roasted pork leg or shoulder marinated with adobo mojado, which is a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Pernil is most often served with Arroz con Gandules or sweet plantains and is usually enjoyed during the holidays.

mofongo with shrimp puerto rico

Advertising in Puerto Rico

The marketing opportunities are endless in Puerto Rico; however, a unique and localized communication strategy is needed because of the island’s uniqueness.

Puerto Rico is a unique market because we see U.S influence mixed with Hispanic culture and the Spanish language.

The island is usually thought of as a middle ground between North America and South America, which is why businesses see lucrative opportunities on the island. However, it helps to know who your audience is – including what they eat.

Food Advertising

Food advertising, especially with the use of billboards, is aimed to reach a wide range of people and demographics.

In 2016, approximately $13.5 billion was spent on advertising by food companies.

In Puerto Rico, restaurants held 2.69% of the total spending on digital advertising in 2021.

Food companies invest in advertising such as billboards because it’s an effective way to increase return on investment (ROI).

Advertising can easily influence an individual’s food choices, so this is a great way to advertise your company’s new food product or to highlight your restaurant’s new menu item.

Billboards and OOH Advertising

Gone are the days of static billboards, today we see digital and smart billboards that are transforming the advertising market. If you’re looking for foods to try in Puerto Rico or you’re looking to influence certain foods to try, chances are that advertising will play a part.

Effective advertising can help you get ahead and stand out from the competition, and billboards are the easiest way to do that.

Here are some reasons why:

  • Outdoor advertising is more noticeable than mobile or television ads.
    • Online advertising can be ineffective due to ad-blockers. Additionally, due to the increasingly high number of mobile and television ads we see each day, it can be challenging to make your advertisement stand out on these platforms.
  • Billboards are more accepted by consumers.
    • Billboards have been around for a long time, and are generally accepted as a form of advertising. The ethical issues surrounding social media and online ads have made people wary.
  • Billboards help with brand building.
    • OOH advertising can build brand awareness as people are most perceptive of their surroundings when outside of the home.
  • Billboards are cost-effective.
    • Billboards are generally cheaper than print or online advertising. Additionally, they are more long-term than other forms of advertisement that often require businesses to make repeated payments.

bMedia and Your Business

BMedia is the leader in OOH advertising in Puerto Rico. We work with people from all types of industries, including the food industry, to help them reach their target audience and increase their return on investment.

With decades of experience erecting high-performing and eye-catching billboards, we aim to maximize your businesses using strategic locations and advanced analytics to optimize billboard engagement.

The billboard real estate in Puerto Rico is thriving, and we’re here to help you find the perfect spot for your advertisement.

Through best practices, we aim to help your business reach its maximum value.

Contact us today!

Best Rum in Puerto Rico

One of Puerto Rico’s greatest claims to fame is its rum manufacturing. Not only is rum an important export of the island. The industry also employs lots of people all across the island to make this distinct drink.

Although high-quality Puerto Rican rum can be pricey, great rum doesn’t have to be expensive. If a rum has rich and complex flavors, it will absolutely drink well on its own. If it tastes good in a rum cocktail, as well as on its own as a sipping beverage, then you have certainly found a great, high-quality rum — no matter the cost. So if you’re asking yourself, “What’s the best rum in Puerto Rico,” read on to find out!

whats the best puerto rican rum

Types of Rum

Rum varies in type according to the way it is made, the length of distillation, and the type of materials used. Rum types include:

  • Dark Rum
  • Light Rum
  • Premium Aged Rum
  • Fruit Infused Rum
  • Vintage Rum
  • Overproof Rum

There are many types of rum from all over the world. Puerto Rico happens to be one of the most well-known places that produce rum.

History of Rum Making in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is certainly known for its rum production. This small island has captured the attention of the world, as well as a good percentage of North American rum drinkers.

Rum makers on the Caribbean island of Barbados bear the title as the original rum manufacturer. Rum production there dates back to the early 18th century. Puerto Rican rum production, on the other hand, dates back over a century and a half.

By the mid-1800s, sugarcane farming had become a major industry of the Caribbean. At one point, there were over seven hundred sugarcane plantations on the island of Puerto Rico alone. In addition to exporting sugarcane and sugar on its own, Puerto Rico began to produce rum from its sugarcane crops.

Spaniard Don Juan Serrallés imported a still from France, and in 1865, he produced the first casks of Don Q rum, named for the novel Don Quixote. The Don Q manufacturers set out to produce the perfect rum using a unique yeast and white oak barrels from America. Don Q rum is still produced in Puerto Rico to this day.

best rum in puerto rico

Even though it is a small island, Puerto Rico has established its place in rum production on an international scale.  In fact, Puerto Rico calls itself the rum capital of the world. The island produces over eighty percent of all rum consumed in the US.

Puerto Rican rums are made by five major companies. These include: Don Q, Bacardí, Palo Viejo, Ron del Barrilito, and Ron Llave. These Puerto Rican rum brands have a reputation for high standards of production and consistent, high-quality products. Each of these can be considered by many to be the best rum in Puerto Rico.

Best Puerto Rican Rums

Don Q

The Serrallés family has been perfecting their Don Q rum for six generations. It is the best-selling rum on the island and the preferred rum of Puerto Rican drinking establishments. Current production includes Don Q Cristal, Don Q Añejo, Don Q Gold, and Don Q Limon.

Bacardí

Bacardí rum business began in Cuba. Facundo Bacardí Masso started his rum production over a century and a half ago. Although Bacardí started in Cuba, it has an important facility in Cataño, Puerto Rico. Established in 1930, this distillery became the largest premium rum distillery in the world. Tourists visiting Puerto Rico can visit Casa Bacardí at the distillery to learn about the Bacardí brand and its history, as well as engage in tastings. As well as several rum varieties, Bacardí products include Grey Goose vodka, Dewar’s whiskey, Bombay Sapphire gin, and Cazadores tequila.

puerto rican rum

Palo Viejo

Palo Viejo rum, like Don Q, is made by the Serrallés Distillery. Palo Ready, created in 2015, comes in a ready-to-drink pouch containing Palo Viejo rum and various juices. These can be used to create such rum cocktails as sangria, limoncello, and island rum punch.

Ron del Barrilito

The Ron del Barrilito rum business was created by Pedro F. Fernández. He established the distillery in 1871.  It is located on what once was his father’s sugarcane plantation. The name Ron del Barrilito refers to its aging in barrels. The distillery has fewer than ten employees. Four are family members. The company continues to use the same formula Pedro Fernandez used. Although small, Ron del Barrilito is part of Puerto Rico’s rich rum tradition.

Ron Llave

Ron Llave is another premium Puerto Rican rum whose history dates back to the 19th century. Ron Llave, unlike some of the other primary Puerto Rican rums, is produced in Arecibo, a city on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. Ron Llave has a wide variety of premium rums to choose from.

Rum Advertising

Rum companies, like other manufacturers of alcoholic beverages, face tight competition. Especially in a place like Puerto Rico, where rum is very popular and there are many different manufacturers, it’s important to stand out. The goal should be to produce brand awareness, encourage drinkers to buy their brand over others, and showcase new products.

With effective advertising, rum producers can persuade drinkers to switch to rum from another alcohol. They can also advertise to reach new customers or even convert those who tend to drink other rum brands. Through ads targeting customers who don’t know much about rum, these brands can build a new niche market from a target audience.

As new companies begin rum production and as new products emerge, rum manufacturers strive to attract consumers in a competitive business.

Benefits of Outdoor Advertising

Whether in Puerto Rico or anywhere else in the world, we are a society on the move. We spend a lot of time in cars, buses, trains, on bikes, and on foot getting to work, to school, or touring. That is why outdoor advertising is such an effective way to get brands known, new products introduced, and special events publicized.

We see advertising communications everywhere. Brand messaging can be shared on highway billboards, transit posters, and ads on buildings, trains, and buses.

Because outdoor advertising is big, bold, and interactive, it grabs the viewer’s eye. Many passersby make the same trip multiple times per day. Especially when caught in traffic, they are a captive audience.

Outdoor advertising gives advertisers a great return on investment. A survey found that seven in ten people read billboards consciously as they pass. Over ten percent say they made a purchase based on outdoor ads within a week of seeing the ad. So whether you’re making the best rum in Puerto Rico, or you’re just getting your brand off the ground, you can certainly benefit from outdoor advertising.

how to advertise rum

Why Choose bMedia to Advertise Your Rum?

Like every other business, rum manufacturers want to get their brand out there and recognized. They want to boost sales and outsell their competition. When a new product is released, the company wants the public to know about it. If they are planning a special event to showcase their product, they want to entice potential buyers to attend.

Any brand will have only so much money to put into advertising. Thus, they will want to put their advertising dollars where they will attract buyers. Outdoor advertising has proven to be one of the most effective ways to tell the public about a product.

To optimize your advertising dollars in Puerto Rico, you need a firm with proven ability to analyze a target market and get your brand optimum exposure. bMedia has a proven record. With tons of prime advertising locations, years of experience, and proven practices, bMedia is certain to help boost your company’s sales. To learn more about how bMedia can help your brand, contact us today!

Sightseeing in San Juan

San Juan, Puerto Rico is a truly fantastic city to visit. It’s full of culture, beautiful architecture, delicious food, and interesting sights to see. The gorgeous weather and beaches don’t hurt either! There are so many different sights to see in San Juan that you’ll most likely want multiple days to fully experience the city. Sightseeing in San Juan is an unmissable experience.

San Juan truly has something for everybody, making sightseeing in San Juan an extremely customizable activity. It has beautiful beaches and world-class luxury resorts both in the city and in neighboring towns. The heart of the city, Old San Juan, is a UNESCO world heritage site that blends traditional colonial architecture with contemporary Puerto Rican culture. Old San Juan has tons of delicious restaurants and great shopping.

puerto rico sightseeing

History of San Juan

Spanish colonists founded San Juan in 1521. They gave it the name Ciudad de Puerto Rico. Under Spanish rule, merchant and military ships often used it as a port when traveling to the Americas. Its use justified building an extensive network of barriers and forts to serve as protection.

Because of the city’s prominence and expensive cargoes in ships that would stop in San Juan, San Juan was often attacked by other foreign powers. One such famous attack occurred in 1595, led by Sir Francis Drake and George Clifford. Over the next 200 years, both the Dutch and the British attacked the city. Spanish soldiers were able to continuously repel any attacks.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, various events, such as colonial revolutions, liberalized commerce with Spain. The opening of Puerto Rico to immigrants greatly increased San Juan’s population.

In 1898, United States Navy ships attacked San Juan. This attack was extremely powerful, and the ultimate result was the Spaniards ceding control of Puerto Rico to the United States in the Treaty of Paris.

The United States used San Juan and Puerto Rico extensively as training camps for both World War I and World War II. Interestingly, the man who fired the first shot by the United States armed forces in World War I was a Puerto Rican native.

Modern History

In 1947, Felisa Rincon de Gautier was elected as mayor of San Juan.

This election gave Rincon de Gautier the honor of being the first woman to be elected as Mayor of any capital city in all of the Americas. 

In 1950, San Juan was the site of the San Juan uprising. In this uprising, insurrectionists attempted to attack the governor’s palace in a protest against the Puerto Rican and United States governments. The attack on the governor’s palace was short-lived, as police killed 4 of the 5 attackers.

sightseeing in san juan

San Juan is currently the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico. The city has a population of around 400,000. It is a major source of Puerto Rico’s income and GDP. This is especially true as Puerto Rico transitions to a service-based economy, rather than manufacturing. The services sector, which includes things like trade, tourism, finance, and government work, has quickly become the leading industry in Puerto Rico, accounting for around half of its GDP and employing up to 75% of all workers on the island.

Top Tourist Attractions

San Juan is a very popular tourist destination, both for individual travelers and as a major cruise-ship stop. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best tourist destinations that you must visit when sightseeing in San Juan.

Old Town San Juan

Probably the best tourist attraction in San Juan, Old Town San Juan is a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Viejo San Juan showcases 500 years of architecture and history. It hosts historic forts and traditional Spanish colonial architecture. The Old Town contains hundreds of beautifully restored colonial buildings, many of which house restaurants, shops, museums, and hotels. You can explore the whole area on foot, which makes for a great half-day walking tour.

San Juan Cemetery

The San Juan Cemetery consistently ranks among the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. The cemetery lies along the coast, right next to the famous fort El Morro, and has elaborate tombstones and statues. The centerpiece of the cemetery is a chapel with a red dome. The chapel is dedicated to Mary Magdalene. It is certainly a worthy stop for anybody sightseeing in San Juan.

things to do in san juan

El Morro

El Morro is the name of the fort that has protected San Juan for hundreds of years. It was built in 1539 and has been continuously expanded and renovated for the following 200-300 years. El Morro is a National Historic Site and a UNESCO world heritage site, and both the fort itself and the lawn approaching the fort offer incredible views of the ocean and the city of San Juan.

Fort San Cristobal

Although El Morro is the more famous fort, you can’t miss San Cristobal. San Cristobal is not only a bigger fort but is actually the largest Spanish fort in the New World. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, and unlike El Morro, which was designed to protect San Juan from naval attacks, Fort San Cristobal was designed to protect San Juan from land attacks.

Museo De Las Americas

The Museo De Las Americas, located in Old San Juan, is a great way to learn about the history of Puerto Rico. The museum focuses on the art, ethnic groups, and colonization of the country, and is a great stop before you embark on any other cultural experiences.

Condado and Ocean Park Beach

The Condado district was developed as Puerto Rico’s first tourist district in the 1950s. Condado offers many different hotels and accommodations at every price point. The white-sand beach here is beautiful, soft, and very popular.

where to go in san juan puerto rico

Advertising in San Juan with bMedia

With so many tourists visiting, San Juan is a great place to advertise your business. Additionally, since the weather is warm and mild year-round, San Juan lends itself very nicely to outdoor advertising. bMedia has consistently been Puerto Rico’s Premier Outdoor Advertising Company, with hundreds of billboards island-wide.

bMedia leverages technology and advanced analytics to optimize billboard location and design, providing your company with an extremely high return on investment. If you’re interested in advertising in Puerto Rico, contact us today.

Outdoor Activities in Puerto Rico

The small Caribbean island of Puerto Rico boasts picture-perfect beaches, lively nightlife, and vibrant local culture. The people are friendly, the beaches are beautiful, and the list of outdoor activities in Puerto Rico is endless. You can decide to dwell in nature or choose to explore the island’s urban centers. Either way, there is a guaranteed adventure for everyone.

Puerto Rico offers a diverse list of unique destinations and activities, so it’s no surprise that it’s considered one of the best vacation spots in the Caribbean. From the deep rainforests to San Juan’s urban gems, you’ll never run out of things to see and do on the island. Here are some outdoor activities in Puerto Rico for you to enjoy.

outdoor activities in puerto rico

Some of the types of places you can explore in Puerto Rico include, but are not limited to:

  • Tropical rainforests and jungles
  • Pristine beaches
  • Open water
  • Mountains
  • Caves
  • Historic urban sites

Tropical Rainforests and Jungles

Puerto Rico is not just white sand and blue waters. In fact, the island is covered by tropical wilderness that offers some of the most exquisite trails and views. 

El Yunque National Rain Forest, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is approximately 45 minutes outside of San Juan. This rainforest is the perfect destination for a hike. You might even encounter some of the rainforests’ wild inhabitants such as tropical birds, green lizards, and slimy frogs during your adventure. The island’s jungles also host beautiful bike trails, with lots of single tracks, downhill trails, and of course, some of the best views Puerto Rico has to offer.

If you’re looking for something more daring, try ziplining through various parks across the island. “The Monster,” one of the longest ziplines in the world at Toro Verde Adventure Park, is 2.5 kilometers long and 843 feet high. There’s nothing more thrilling than flying superman style above the tropical jungle. 

Beach and Water Activities

Puerto Rico has over 270 miles of sandy beaches. These beaches welcome visitors all year round. The gorgeous beaches in Puerto Rico offer picture-perfect views and exciting water adventures.

The island’s beaches are consistently selected as some of the best beaches in the world, and you’ll know why the moment you step afoot the island.

The coral coastline is home to some of the best water experiences in the Caribbean. Whether it’s swimming or surfing, sailing or scuba diving, Puerto Rico offers an impressive list of watersports and activities. You can scuba dive in Isla de Mona or surf the waves at Aguadilla Beach. Either way, all of Puerto Rico’s beaches are ready for you to kick back and relax. 

puerto-rico-adventures

Caves and Mountains

The natural mountainscapes and caves of Puerto Rico offer visitors the chance to partake in outdoor activities such as spelunking, rock climbing, or rafting. Canon de Tanama, a picturesque network of waterfalls, caverns, canyons, and limestone cliffs is one of the most recognizable caves on the island. It’s also a great place for rock-climbing, caving, and tubing

You can also overlook the Rio Grande de Arecibo and the beautiful green mountains at Cueva Ventana (Window Cave). The window-like opening gives this cave its name, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. It’s arguably the most “Instagrammable” location in Puerto Rico. 

During your adventure, make sure to keep an eye out for authentic Taino petroglyphs that have been preserved for centuries. You can even choose to pay a visit to some of the cave’s animal residents, like bats! 

Explore Old San Juan

A great way to spend time outdoors is to explore old San Juan and feel the historic charm. In this part of San Juan, visitors will find some of the oldest and most carefully preserved architectural structures in the world. Walk the cobblestone streets and eat some of the best street food Puerto Rico has to offer. Not only will you get some great food, you will also be supporting local businesses.

You can even choose to stop at some of the area’s famous colonial landmarks, including Castillo San Felipe del Morro, known as ‘El Morro’ to locals. This citadel was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and was designed to protect the island’s coast. Another notable landmark is the Castillo San Cristobal which covers over 27 acres and is the setting of many Puerto Rican cultural and historical stories.

City Life

San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is where many visitors stay on the island. The city provides an abundance of activities, dining, and entertainment. However, it’s the locals that make the city so vibrant and exciting. So make sure you spend some time in some of San Juan’s coolest neighborhoods.

The Santurce barrio is the place to be if you want to immerse yourself in local art and culture. The neighborhood showcases the island’s vibrant culture through hip dining spots, colorful street art, museums, and art galleries. Later in the day, you’ll also find crowds at La Placita de Santurce for drinks and dancing in the streets, so don’t forget your dancing shoes!

The Condado barrio is considered the most cosmopolitan area of San Juan and gives off a Miami vibe. This area is perfect for shopping, dining, or relaxing on the oceanfront. A popular activity in Condado is to kayak or paddleboard through the Condado Lagoon while on a clear-bottom kayak decorated with LED lights.

things to do in puerto rico

Be Where The People Are

Because there are so many outdoor activities in Puerto Rico, this presents the opportunity for your brand to present itself where the people are. People are spending more and more time outside their homes and we’re seeing the island welcome back visitors and tourists. Being visible through outdoor advertising will ensure your brand becomes visible and familiar to a large audience.

The business opportunities are rapidly growing in Puerto Rico, and American businesses are taking note. The island draws global visitors and in 2019 earned about give and a half billion US dollars. OOH (Out-of-home) Advertising is one of the best ways to promote your business in Puerto Rico, not only are the locals moving around and about, the visitors are too!

bMedia Advertising Experts

No matter what industry your business is in, bMedia can help you reach your target audience and increase the ROI of your marketing campaign. We are the island’s leader in outdoor media. Our advertising professionals are ready to maximize the effectiveness of your next OOH advertising campaign. 

With bMedia, the possibilities are endless. Contact us today.

Industries in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s economy has had a long and dynamic history, especially as it relates to its status as a US territory. The island is known especially for the incredible beaches and storied sightseeing destinations. This makes tourism one of its most important economic sectors. However, there is a lot about the industries in Puerto Rico that you may not know.

Up until the mid-1900s, agriculture was the main industry supporting Puerto Rico’s economy. The island, which had limited mineral resources, was largely neglected by Spanish colonial rulers. However, San Juan became a major trade port in the Caribbean. In the decades that followed World War II, factories and manufacturing became very important to the Puerto Rican economy under American rule. This shift happened because of government-sponsored economic development and social welfare programs. These developments supported private business and updated Puerto Rico’s transportation infrastructure.

Now, however, Puerto Rico’s economy has shifted into a service economy, as manufacturing growth has slowed in the past few decades. The services sector, which includes things like trade, tourism, finance, and government work, has quickly become the leading industry in Puerto Rico. The services sector accounts for around half of Puerto Rico’s GDP and employs up to 75% of all workers on the island.

industries in puerto rico

Major Industries in Puerto Rico

Agriculture

The agriculture industry is still alive in Puerto Rico. However, it is nowhere near the most dominant industry. According to recent data, agriculture makes up less than 1% of Puerto Rico’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Puerto Rico used to have a relatively large sugarcane production industry, but this has mostly ceased to exist. This is in large part due to government regulations on sugar companies in the US and its territories, as well as on producers abroad that import to the US. Puerto Rico does have a thriving rum production industry, but it imports most of the molasses necessary.

The three traditional farm products still produced in Puerto Rico are:

  • Coffee
  • Tobacco
  • Milk

However, due to its tropical climate, many farms also produce tropical fruits including mango, pineapple, and melon. Additionally, there are beef, pork, and poultry farms that serve both local and international markets.

Manufacturing

In 2010, the manufacturing sector made up 46.4% of Puerto Rico’s GDP. However, in the past decade, a few key changes have caused the closure of many Puerto Rican manufacturing plants. Firstly, global competition has increased. This has caused companies to look elsewhere to satisfy their growing demand. Additionally, the repeal of Section 936 ended a decades-long practice where US corporations had a tax exemption on income produced in US territories, including Puerto Rico.

Despite all this, Puerto Rico still has a relatively active manufacturing sector. Over half of the manufacturing industry relates to pharmaceutical production. Pharmaceuticals make up over half of Puerto Rico’s total exports. The pharmaceutical production industry in Puerto Rico is responsible for employing over 18,000 people. Chemical and chemical products, as well as computers and electronics, make up some other large parts of Puerto Rico’s manufacturing sector.

puerto rico economy

Service

The service industry is Puerto Rico’s fastest-growing industry, and it has most recently overtaken manufacturing as Puerto Rico’s primary industry in terms of GDP production.

The three branches of Puerto Rico’s service industry, described in further detail below, are finance and real estate, trade, and tourism.

Finance & Real Estate

Finance, real estate, and insurance produce up to 20% of Puerto Rico’s annual GDP. Puerto Rico benefits from having its financial system fully integrated with the mainland American system, meaning that many American banks, real estate firms, and insurance companies have offices in Puerto Rico. 

Trade

Trade accounts for about 10% of Puerto Rico’s annual GDP. Puerto Rico is included in the USA’s customs system, and the USA is Puerto Rico’s largest trading partner. The island’s key exports are pharmaceuticals, chemicals and chemical products, and computers and electronics. Puerto Rico also has significant trade agreements with Singapore, Japan, Brazil, and the European Union.

Tourism

Tourist interest in Puerto Rico has continued to grow year after year. Tourists from both the mainland United States and from international destinations continue to be drawn to Puerto Rico’s stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and gorgeous tropical weather. In addition, many Caribbean cruises include San Juan as a stop. It is estimated that upwards of 5 million visitors stay at a hotel in Puerto Rico every year, with larger numbers of cruise ship passengers visiting annually as well. Tourism supplies an estimate of over $5.5 billion to the Puerto Rican economy every year.

puerto rico industries

Outlook: Which Industries in Puerto Rico are Poised for Growth?

The service industry in Puerto Rico is the most obvious for continuous future growth. Tourism interest will only continue to grow. Additionally, experts project growth in real estate and financial services for the foreseeable future as well. 

Additionally, entrepreneurship is another area with potential for growth. Entrepreneurship is currently is still at the beginning of its growth in Puerto Rico. Nevertheless, many organizations focused on growing small businesses have begun to establish a presence on the island. The Puerto Rican government also has many programs that allow aspiring entrepreneurs to access funding. 

A key factor that many companies tend to overlook is the importance of advertising. Advertising can help convey a brand’s image and desire to new and current consumers. This in turn helps to drive sales and foster brand loyalty. It’s extremely important to understand the local culture of the city, state, town, country, or territory that you hope to advertise in, and there’s no better way to do that than by working with a local advertising group.

How bMedia Can Help

No matter what industry your business operates in, bMedia’s experienced team can help you reach new customers across Puerto Rico. bMedia is Puerto Rico’s leader in outdoor advertising, with over 300 high-impact locations to choose from. Moreover, bMedia’s billboards statistically have the highest consumer traffic in Puerto Rico. bMedia leverages cutting-edge technology and industry-specific leading practices to ensure that your advertisement will be seen and noticed by the right customers. Feel free to contact us with any inquiries you have