Guatemala often uses the tagline 'Beyond Expectations' in its branding and tourism campaigns to highlight the country's diverse and extraordinary offerings that exceed what visitors typically anticipate. That's because Guatemala is a land of boundless wonders, with surprises far exceeding what most visitors anticipate. From its breathtaking landscapes and ancient Mayan heritage to the different cultures that thrive in its diverse regions, Guatemala embodies the spirit of going 'Beyond Expectations'. This ethos is not just a tagline for tourism; it resonates deeply with the country’s industries, people, and contributions to the world.
One company is a shining example of this principle: TAK Global, the world’s largest producer of green foliage. A floral designer, importer, or wholesaler must know it because it is the largest producer of leather leaf ferns. But also Aspidistra, Aralia, and Eucalyptus, amongst others. If you ever had one of these fillers, it likely came from one of the TAK's farms in Guatemala. Or from another Central American country in which they are present. At TAK, they’ve perfected the art of growing, sustainability, and post-harvest care. Their innovative techniques ensure that their foliage remains fresh and beautiful for longer, offering you the best quality foliage in the industry.
Besides their products and turning Guatemala's fertile grounds into a thriving global enterprise, Tak has a transformative socio-economic impact. This story is about how TAK Global has elevated the green foliage industry while delivering the best greens and things beyond what anyone could imagine.
TAK Global Is a Legacy That Grows Beyond Borders
TAK Global operates across strategically chosen locations to ensure the highest quality foliage. Headquartered in Muxbal, Guatemala, the company uses the country as a central hub while also cultivating in El Salvador and Costa Rica, taking advantage of each region’s unique climate and soil. This international presence allows TAK Global to deliver exceptional foliage tailored to global demands.
Products by Country:
Guatemala
- Leather Fern
- Anthurium Leaf
- Aralia
- Eucalyptus (Silver Dollar, Cinerea, Parvifolia, Gunnii, Baby Blue)
- Equisetum
- Ruscus Hypophyllum
- Coprosma
- Leucadendron Safari Sunset
- Asparagus Plumosus Nanus
- Podocarpus
- Viburnum
- Monstera
- Pittosporum Green and Variegated
- Euonymus Green and Variegated
- Tree Fern
- Lily Grass
- Liriope
- Quetzal Leaf (Gaultheria Erecta)
- Aspidistra Green and Variegated
- Umbrella Fern
El Salvador
- Leather Fern
- Fishtail
- Jade
- Aspidistra Green
- Aralia
Costa Rica
- Aralia
- Cat Palm
- Eucalyptus (Silver Dollar, Cinerea, Parvifolia, Gunnii)
- Pittosporum Green and Variegated
- Viburnum
From Humble Beginnings to Global Leadership
TAK Global’s story began in 1987 with Alfredo Mirón's vision, who saw the potential for Guatemala’s rich soil and ideal climate to produce world-class foliage. Starting with Leatherleaf Ferns in San José Pinula, the company grew rapidly under Mirón’s leadership, supported by partners Ralph Faircloth, Archie Baldocchi, and John Marcell. What began as a modest venture grew into the world’s largest foliage grower, now operating farms across different countries in Central America.
Today, TAK Global is an industry leader, cultivating over 550 hectares of farmland and employing over 2,000 individuals. It produces 30 varieties of foliage shipped worldwide. Its products, including Leatherleaf, Aralia, Aspidistra, and Tree Fern, are prized for their exceptional quality and sustainability, meeting the demands of international clients who value premium foliage and other cut greens.
Expansive Operations: A Scale That Surprises
When people hear about Guatemala’s role in the global foliage industry, they might imagine small, family-run operations. TAK Global redefines those expectations. With its extensive operations covering over 550 hectares, the company has turned Guatemala into a powerhouse of green production. Each hectare represents a blend of nature, innovation, and dedication, optimized to produce foliage that meets the highest global standards. Guatemala is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes: volcanoes, lakes, rainforests, and black sand beaches. Visiting the leather leaf farms, with the volcano in the background, is truly a sight to behold.
Many people may not initially think of Guatemala as a top travel destination compared to other Central American countries like Costa Rica or Mexico. The tagline 'Beyond Expectations' combats these preconceptions, emphasizing that Guatemala offers much more than expected, often rivaling or surpassing other destinations. For adventure seekers, Guatemala offers activities like hiking active volcanoes (Pacaya, Acatenango), ziplining through rainforests, and whitewater rafting. These thrilling experiences go beyond typical tourist activities, catering to those seeking something extraordinary.
If you're from the flower industry, you can also ask to visit one of TAK's farms when visiting Guatemala. TAK Global’s farms are strategically located to take advantage of Guatemala’s microclimates and rich volcanic soil, providing ideal growing conditions. This natural advantage, combined with the company’s farming techniques and commitment to sustainability, ensures a product that goes above and Beyond the Expectations of its customers.
Green Gold: A Diverse Portfolio
Variety is another hallmark of TAK Global’s success. The company cultivates over 30 types of foliage, offering everything from traditional staples like Leatherleaf to exotic varieties like Tree Fern. This diverse portfolio ensures that TAK Global meets the needs of florists, decorators, and event planners worldwide who rely on high-quality greenery to complement their designs. You can download the portfolio here.
Each variety is carefully nurtured, reflecting the company’s dedication to excellence. TAK Global’s ability to provide consistent quality and freshness is a testament to its advanced farming practices and deep respect for Guatemala's natural resources.
Beyond Agriculture: TAK Global’s Socio-Economic Impact
TAK Global isn’t just about foliage; it’s about people, too. By employing more than 2,000 individuals, the company has become a significant driver of economic growth in Guatemala. These jobs provide stability to families and communities, contributing to the country's overall development. When a company like TAK Global employs so many people in Guatemala, the impact on livelihoods extends beyond direct employees. Here’s an overview of the broader economic and social effects:
Indirect beneficiaries
Each employee typically supports a family; the average household size in Guatemala is around 4-5 people. (Source: Rivermate: Guatemala Overview). Assuming an average household size of 4.5 people, the number of indirect beneficiaries can be estimated as:
2,000 employees × 4.5 = 9,000 family members
This means that TAK Global indirectly supports around 9000 additional individuals through its employees.
Community impact
TAK Global's economic influence extends to the broader community. Employees spend their wages locally, supporting businesses, services, and other economic activities. This spending multiplies, leading to additional jobs and income generation. While quantifying this community impact is complex and varies based on local conditions, it is an essential aspect of the company’s broader contribution.
Total livelihoods supported
In many developing economies, each formal job can support an additional 2-4 people in the community through indirect economic activities (such as local vendors, service providers, and other dependent businesses). Assuming a conservative estimate of 2 additional people supported per direct job, the community impact could be:
2,000 direct employees x 2 people in the community = 4,000 livelihoods
Adding the direct and indirect beneficiaries to the estimated community impact:
2,000 direct employees + 9,000 family members + 4,000 people in the community = 15,000 livelihoods
This approximation highlights TAK Global's significant role in improving thousands of Guatemalans' lives.
But TAK Global’s impact goes even further. The company invests in its workforce by offering fair wages, training programs, and a supportive work environment. This commitment to people reflects a philosophy that goes beyond profits—it’s about empowering communities to thrive alongside the business.
Sustainability: Growing Responsibly
At TAK Global, sustainability is not just a responsibility but a core value guiding its operations across every farm. One of the company’s standout initiatives is its efficient waste separation system, which is implemented throughout all TAK farms. This system ensures that recyclable materials are reused while organic waste is transformed into valuable resources through vermiculture and composting. By reducing landfill contributions and creating high-quality organic fertilizer, TAK enriches its soils and closes the loop on waste.
The AGREQUIMA program
TAK Global also proactively approaches pesticide container management by participating in the AGREQUIMA program. This initiative ensures the proper collection, storage, and disposal of empty pesticide containers, safeguarding the environment from soil and water contamination. Additionally, TAK invests in specialized training for its team, equipping staff with the knowledge and tools needed for the safe and responsible use of pesticides.
To further mitigate its environmental impact, TAK employs biobeds for cleaning equipment and provides its spraying personnel with personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures not only minimize the ecological footprint of agricultural activities but also prioritize the safety and well-being of workers.
Recognized for Excellence: The MPS ABC Certification
TAK Global’s commitment to sustainable practices has earned it the MPS ABC Seal with an A rating, a prestigious certification that recognizes its adherence to environmental and labor standards. This accolade reflects TAK’s dedication to cultivating profitable agriculture harmoniously with nature and its people.
Through these comprehensive sustainability efforts, TAK Global has established itself as a leader in environmentally responsible agriculture. By blending innovation, efficiency, and care for the planet, TAK sets a benchmark for the industry and contributes to a more sustainable future for all.
This sustainability extends to its packaging and shipping processes, where the company uses eco-friendly materials and methods. TAK Global’s commitment to green practices mirrors Guatemala’s efforts to preserve natural beauty while contributing to global markets.
TAK Global: Embodying Guatemala’s 'Beyond Expectations' Spirit
TAK Global is more than a business; it is an ambassador of Guatemala’s extraordinary potential. TAK Global showcases how Guatemala consistently delivers beyond what the world expects by turning the country's fertile land into a global green powerhouse. The company’s commitment to excellence, dedication to sustainability, and impact on local communities make it a true embodiment of the 'Beyond Expectations' ethos. For clients, TAK Global offers more than just greenery—it provides a product of unmatched quality rooted in a tradition of innovation and care.
Because, in the end, it's the quality of the products that matter most. And here, Tak Global excels, too.
TAK Global: Meeting Market Needs With Precision and Quality
At TAK Global, they pride themselves on delivering a versatile range of products designed to cater to the unique demands of diverse markets. With year-round production, they guarantee a consistent supply of premium-quality foliage, ensuring customers always have access to the products they need.
Tak's approach is highly tailored, with each product crafted to align with specific market preferences. Key considerations include length, leaf maturity, color, stem count, and vase life. These factors are meticulously evaluated to ensure every product meets the highest standards and exceeds customer expectations.
Examples of Market-Specific Offerings
- Leather Fern: Available in lengths ranging from 35 cm to 55+ cm, offering flexibility for a variety of floral arrangements.
- Aralia Leaves: Produced in sizes ranging from 20 cm to 80 cm, making them suitable for everything from small decorative arrangements to large statement pieces.
Tak's commitment to flexibility and adaptability enables them to meet the unique needs of each market. By tailoring production to customer preferences, TAK Global consistently delivers products that are not only high-quality but also perfectly suited to their intended purpose.
Tak Global Is Growing Dreams and Surpassing Expectations
TAK Global isn’t just a success story; it’s an example of Guatemala’s ability to surpass expectations. At every turn. From its extensive operations and product range to its profound socio-economic and environmental contributions, TAK Global is a shining example of how businesses in Guatemala can reach global heights while staying deeply connected to their roots.
As the world’s largest green foliage producer, TAK Global redefines what it means to grow with purpose. It doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them, embodying the very spirit of Guatemala’s promise to go 'Beyond Expectations'.
For more images, please visit @tak.global.
Citations
