For more than 30 years they have been the experts in growing Leather Ferns.

And for much of those years, they supply the leather fern to WBE!

Helechos Ticos is a family-owned company with 250 direct employees in Costa Rica.

The plantation is located on the fertile slope of the Poas volcano.

A beautiful sight!

We spoke with general manager Manfred and asked him all about the company, the Leather Experience and its relationship with WBE.

Can you tell us more about the company?
We are a family business called Helechos Ticos, located on the fertile slopes of the Poas volcano in the central valley of Costa Rica at an altitude of 1,750 above sea level. We are currently the largest exporter of Leather Fern in Costa Rica exporting directly to the Netherlands and the US. We are very proud to have 250 direct employees and a very large economic impact in the local towns around the plantation. We have been operating in the Leather Fern market since 1984.

What does the company stand for?
We are a company that believes in our staff. We treat everyone the same regardless of gender, age, etc.

How long have you been supplying WBE?
I don't know the exact date, but I will say since 1986-1987.

What products do you supply to WBE?
We supply only Leather Fern.

What do you think are the advantages of WBE?
WBE is an example of a well-run, reliable company with an excellent reputation in the market. I have known Mr. Baak and his team for many years and this gives us great confidence in the company with impeccable payment time.

What is your role in the company?
I am the general manager and shareholder of the company.

What does your day look like?
My day starts at 05:30 and I go around the plantation and try to visit all the departments, I make a lot of visits to the packing station to check the product and I have meetings with all the staff, and I finish around 17:30 and then I drive an hour to go home.

Do you have any tips/tricks for the product?
For us, the most important thing on our plantation, besides our workers, is to give everything the plant needs, no matter the situation, our priority is to meet these requirements first.