Costa Rica’s Green Gold: A Blooming Presence at Germany’s IPM Essen Fair

In the verdant heart of Central America, a small country known for its pura vida lifestyle and incredible biodiversity is making big waves at the IPM Essen 2024 fair in Germany. Costa Rica, a nation where the rainforest meets the sea, is set to dazzle over 40,000 attendees from 46 countries with its array of ornamental plants, flowers, and foliage.

Costa Rica’s Floral Expedition: A Journey to IPM Essen

From January 23 to 26, the world’s eyes will be on Costa Rica’s vibrant and innovative botanical offerings. The nation’s delegation, including Green Plant, a consortium of expert ornamental plant producers, is ready to transform the IPM Essen fair into a tropical paradise.

Mario Sáenz, the Export Development Manager at PROCOMER, beams with pride at Costa Rica’s participation. “This is more than just a fair; it’s a showcase of Costa Rica’s commitment to quality, diversity, and sustainability in the botanical world,” he says.

Decades of Green Diplomacy

Costa Rica’s journey at IPM Essen isn’t a new trail. For over a decade, the country has been a regular, showcasing everything from the lush dracaena deremensis to the sturdy zamioculcas.

The Esencial Costa Rica stand is more than a display; it’s a statement of the country’s incredible 6.5% contribution to global biodiversity. With over 200 plant varieties and 1,200 exotic flowers and foliage, Costa Rica is a living, breathing greenhouse.

A Blossoming Export Market

As of November 2023, Costa Rica’s plant, flower, and foliage sector exported a blooming $140 million, with the United States accounting for 55% of these exports. “Our agricultural sector has cultivated a global reputation for quality over 135 years, and it shows in every leaf and petal,” adds Sáenz.

Raising the Bar in Agricultural Excellence

Costa Rica’s commitment to quality is evident in its adherence to the highest standards, including the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and the Clean Stock Program. The Certification Program for Healthy Propagative Material between Costa Rica and the United States is a testament to the country’s dedication to quality and sustainability.

A Virtual Walk in the Costa Rican Jungle

The latest innovation from Costa Rica is a 360° virtual reality tour of its plantations, a tech-savvy approach allowing international buyers to virtually step into the lush greenery of Costa Rican farms. This immersive experience showcases the meticulous care and quality standards that go into every Costa Rican plant and flower.