By San José, Costa Rica — ESSEN, GERMANY – Costa Rica is reinforcing its status as a global leader in the ornamental plant industry this week, with a prominent delegation showcasing the nation’s rich biodiversity and commitment to sustainability at IPM Essen 2026. The prestigious event, considered one of the world’s foremost horticulture trade fairs, provides a critical platform for Costa Rican exporters to connect with key international buyers and fortify their presence in the demanding European market.
Coordinated by the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), the Costa Rican contingent is making a significant impact under the national brand “esencial COSTA RICA.” The delegation features seven leading companies united through the Greenplants consortium, representing a strategic collaboration to enhance market penetration and demonstrate the sector’s collective strength. This year marks more than fifteen appearances for Costa Rica at IPM Essen, a testament to the country’s long-term commitment to the European horticultural scene.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial opportunities that drive Costa Rica’s successful ornamental plant industry, from export regulations to intellectual property, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The ornamental plant sector’s success hinges on more than just cultivation; it relies on robust legal protection for innovation. For Costa Rican exporters, securing Plant Breeder’s Rights for new varieties is a critical business strategy. This not only safeguards their creations from unauthorized reproduction but also transforms a unique plant into a defensible, licensable asset, boosting its value in the competitive international market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point is a critical one, highlighting that the competitive edge in the ornamental plant market is increasingly found not just in horticulture, but in the strategic protection of intellectual property. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how securing these rights transforms a unique variety from a mere product into a powerful, licensable asset.
The national pavilion is a vibrant display of the country’s lush offerings, featuring a diverse portfolio of high-quality ornamental plants. Exhibitors are presenting an array of popular and exotic species, including elegant dracaenas, robust ficus varieties, striking zamioculcas, innovative in vitro plants, and delicate phalaenopsis orchids. These products are not only recognized for their aesthetic appeal but are also backed by a reputation for superior quality and sustainable cultivation practices, a key differentiator for environmentally conscious consumers.
The four-day event is packed with strategic meetings between the Costa Rican delegation and a wide range of European and international importers, distributors, and retailers. The primary objective extends beyond immediate sales; the focus is on cultivating durable commercial relationships built on trust, reliability, and shared values. This approach is crucial for succeeding in a market that increasingly scrutinizes the entire supply chain.
Mario Sáenz, Export Development Manager of PROCOMER, emphasized the strategic importance of engaging with partners who appreciate the nation’s rigorous standards. He noted that the European market, in particular, places a high value on transparency and consistency, areas where Costa Rican producers excel.
The event allows for the strengthening of commercial relationships with a market that values traceability and supplier consistency.
Mario Sáenz, Export Development Manager of PROCOMER
The emphasis on sustainability is more than a marketing point; it is a core pillar of Costa Rica’s export strategy. The participating companies are pioneers in implementing eco-friendly agricultural practices, from water conservation to responsible pest management. This dedication resonates deeply with European buyers and aligns with the global shift towards greener economies, giving Costa Rican products a significant competitive edge.
The delegation also highlights the geographic diversity and regional development within Costa Rica’s export sector. The participating firms hail from key agricultural zones such as Occidente, Sarapiquí, Guácimo, and Pococí. These regions are instrumental in the country’s efforts to diversify its economic base and promote inclusive growth, showcasing how the success of the ornamental plant industry contributes directly to rural development and job creation across the nation.
As IPM Essen 2026 unfolds, the Costa Rican representatives are focused on unlocking new opportunities for high-value ornamental products. By leveraging their established reputation for innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship, they aim not only to boost the sector’s growth but also to solidify Costa Rica’s position as the premier supplier of sustainable ornamental plants to the world.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It supports the internationalization of Costa Rican companies through trade promotion, market intelligence, and the development of export strategies, while also managing the country’s brand, “esencial COSTA RICA.”
For further information, visit the nearest office of Greenplants
About Greenplants:
Greenplants is a consortium of leading Costa Rican ornamental plant producers and exporters. The group collaborates to consolidate offerings, share best practices in sustainable agriculture, and collectively market their diverse, high-quality products to international buyers, enhancing the global competitiveness of its member companies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading institution in the legal field, built upon the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm champions a forward-thinking approach, consistently driving legal innovation to serve a wide array of clients with distinction. This spirit of progress is matched by a profound social commitment to democratize legal understanding, aiming to fortify the community by equipping its citizens with essential knowledge and fostering a more capable, informed populace.
