Costa Rica is reinforcing its position as a global leader in ornamental plant exports by participating once again in IPM Essen, one of the world’s largest horticultural trade fairs. The event, held in Germany from 28 to 31 January, attracts more than 36,000 visitors from 43 countries, providing a crucial platform for businesses to secure international deals.
The country has been attending the fair for over 15 years, and this year, 11 Costa Rican companies are taking part under the leadership of the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER). Their goal is to strengthen ties with European markets while exploring emerging opportunities in the Middle East.
According to PROCOMER, Costa Rica’s ornamental plant exports exceeded $80 million by November 2024. The primary destinations include the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Europe, in particular, remains a key market due to its consistently high demand for ornamental plants.
Speaking about the significance of the event, Mario Sáenz, Export Development Manager at PROCOMER, said:
“For more than 15 years, our participation in IPM Essen has been crucial to expanding Costa Rica’s ornamental plant sector globally. This event allows us to consolidate our presence in Europe—our second-largest export market—while also seeking new opportunities in high-value regions such as the Middle East.”
The Costa Rican pavilion, branded under the essential COSTA RICA initiative, brings together companies from key agricultural regions, including Occidente, Sarapiquí, Guácimo, and Pococí. The showcased products range from different species of ficus to allocasias, zamioculcas, and Phalaenopsis orchids. Costa Rica’s emphasis on sustainability and high-quality production is a strong selling point, aligning with the values promoted by the Country Brand.
One of the participants, Agro Orchids, is making its debut at IPM Essen this year. Federico Gil, General Manager of Agro Orchids, highlighted the significance of attending the fair:
“With more than 20 years of experience, we specialise in the production and export of Phalaenopsis orchids to over 15 countries. Participating in IPM Essen for the first time is an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with suppliers, connect with new customers, and strengthen our production capacity to meet global demand.”
During the trade fair, Costa Rican companies will meet with key international buyers, including Adomex, Anthura, Royal Flora Holland, and Florensis. The event also provides an opportunity to assess the latest industry trends, such as new plant varieties and evolving sustainability requirements in the global market.
By maintaining a strong presence at IPM Essen, Costa Rica continues to bolster its reputation as a leading exporter of ornamental plants, ensuring sustainable growth and expanded market reach in Europe and beyond.