Vidaloe: Ecological, Natural, and Sustainable

In this geographical enclave, the company Agualoe S.L. grows ecological plantations of aloe vera in a sustainable way, to be made into cosmetic products, complementary foods, etc. under the brand of Vidaloe.

Running this business is Daniel Acosta, a formative agricultural technical engineer. After years of experience in a company dedicated to aloe vera, he decided to embark on a new adventure in 2014, establishing his own production center for ecologically grown aloe vera.

The regenerative and healing properties of aloe vera have led to its commercialization in a multitude of products for hair and skin care. It is one of hundreds of species of plants which, without being native to the Canaries, have become a symbol of the islands due to their incredible adaptation and quality.

The aloe vera that grows in the Canary Islands has superior qualities compared with that grown elsewhere thanks to the favorable climate and volcanic soil. These qualities were observed by the ancient indigenous populations, who recognized its therapeutic properties as a painkiller, natural antiseptic, and antiallergenic, and to heal wounds.

The aloe vera of Fuerteventura is special because it receives so much sunlight thanks to the absence of atmospheric contamination on the island. Light, temperature, richness of soil, absence of contamination: "In the end, it is the climatic conditions which make it different from any other location.”

Daniel stipulates that aloe vera is not a miracle plant, nor is it a medicine. “It has been scientifically proven that aloe helps to heal burns and wounds on the skin. It can help to alleviate other pains, but is not a substitute for medication.”

In the Canaries, there are many companies dedicated to the ecological cultivation of aloe vera, but currently in Fuerteventura, only Agualoe deals with its transformation. In the case of Vidaloe, both the cultivation and manufacturing process are ecological.

All of Vidaloe's products are made with the maximum possible percentage of ecological aloe vera, with no added water. Its ingredients are natural, plant-based, and are obtained sustainably. No petrol derivatives, parabens, or perfumes are used; just a subtle touch of carefully selected, pure, essential oils.

The range of cosmetics includes face and body creams, gels, balms, soaps, toothpastes, hygiene items, and hair products.

The original idea of the business was never to focus solely on aloe cultivation, but rather to diversify. That's why they started experimenting with spirulina.

“We realized it was a crop that could adapt perfectly to the conditions in Fuerteventura, and could build in demand. It is a product with many benefits, with a lot of protein and antioxidants. Now it seems we were right, because it's selling very well.”

“We are a small company in which we all do a bit of everything. There is an agricultural side to it, and also an industrial side, dealing with the transformation of the gel, and the manufacture of food and cosmetic products. Then there are the administrative and commercial aspects.”

Most of the customers at the sales outlet in the factory in Aguas de Bueyes are tourists, although more and more locals are stopping by to buy the products from the factory itself.

Vidaloe's products are sold in numerous stores across the Canary Islands. They also have their own online channel for selling their products, which customers from across the continent can access, both Spaniards and foreigners.

Innovation and adaptation are the hallmarks of Vidaloe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company started making hydro-alcoholic hand gel with aloe vera. Daniel points out that they came up against problems due to the scarcity of alcohol, and its exorbitant price.