A Celebration of Service

A Look Into our Past

A Note from our President and CEO, Dave Armstrong

A century in business matters. Sakata has survived world wars, economic crises and natural disasters to continuously create new standards in global vegetable and ornamental markets. In a marketplace characterized by intensive consolidation, Sakata stands as a symbol of independence, innovation and reliability. A century of business matters to Sakata staff, who have shown their commitment through decades of dedication. It matters to our customers, who have become partners, supporting Sakata genetics over these many years, while realizing value in their businesses from our innovation. On this momentous occasion, we express our deep appreciation to all of Sakata’s stakeholders.

Our Roots: 1913 - 1966

1913

The company’s founder, Takeo Sakata, founded Sakata Noen

1920

The first Sakata Noen export catalog was published.

1930

The Chigasaki Breeding Station in Japan was established. Research and development over a wide range of crops began.

1934

Sakata’s hybrid petunia Victorious Mix, the world’s first all double petunia, earned an All- America Selections award.

1943

Due to the political conflict during World War II, Sakata safeguarded its seed stock by sending it to Canadian partners, including Stokes Seeds.

1951

Opening of Sakata Garden Center in Yokohama, Japan.

1965

Takeo Sakata was awarded the All-America Selections Medallion of Honor for his exemplary work in the industry.

1966

World’s first commercial hybrid pansy Majestic Giants, bred by Sakata, receives an All-America Selections award.

First Steps in America: 1972

1972

The Sakata broccoli presence was enhanced with the introduction of hybrid broccoli Green Duke, opening the door for other market-leading varieties.

1972

Co-operation began with Northrup King, Alf Christianson Seed Company (ACS) and other companies for U.S. sales and global production needs.

The Beginning of Sakata Seed America: 1977 - 1987

1977

Sakata Seed America, Inc. was established. The first office was located in downtown San Francisco, CA, and was staffed by a small team of dedicated employees.

1981

Introduced celosia Apricot Brandy – this variety wins an All-American Selections award.

1982

Hybrid beet Red Ace was introduced by Alf Christianson Seed Company, a close partner and future subsidiary of Sakata.

1985

Grand opening of our first Research Station in the U.S. in Salinas, California.

1987

Sakata introduced hybrid broccoli Marathon.

Growth & Expansion: 1988 - 2017

1988

Grand opening of the Sakata America headquarters in Morgan Hill, California.

1990

  • Sakata Seed Corporation listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section.
  • Established Sakata Europe in The Netherlands (SOE/SVE).
  • Grand opening of Production/Research Station in Yuma, Arizona.

1993

Sakata Seed de Mexico (SMX) was established.

1994

  • Grand opening Research Station in Ft. Myers, Florida.
  • Acquisition of Agroflora S.A., which became Sakata Seed de Brazil(SDA).

1999

Introduced zinnia Profusion in the United States. Cherry and Orange are awarded All-America Selections Gold Medals.

2000

Sakata Seed de Guatemala (SGU) was established.

2001

Alf Christianson Seed Company (established in 1926) became a subsidiary of Sakata.

2002

Dubbed “The Fantasy Tour” Sakata America led its third highly-acclaimed customer tour to Japan.

2003

  • Acquisition of the flower division of L. Daehnfeldt A/S.
  • Introduced hybrid pansy Majestic Giants II.

2003

  • Acquisition of the flower division of L. Daehnfeldt A/S.
  • Introduced hybrid pansy Majestic Giants II.

2005

  • Introduced hybrid broccoli Avenger.
  • Introduced hybrid grape tomato Sweet Hearts.
  • Introduced hybrid Spinach C2-606 to US markets.
  • Acquisition of Qualiveg Seed.

2006

Ground-breaking new series SunPatiens® wins The Home Depot Most Innovative New Product award.

2007

Introduced petchoa SuperCal® series, combining the best qualities of petunia and calibrachoa.

2008

Acquisition of market-leading cabbage genetics from Reed’s Seeds.

2009

Introduction of sunflower Vincent® series.

2010

Established Sakata America Holding Company, Inc.

2011

  • Introduced hybrid triploid watermelon Bold Ruler and Citation.
  • Opened state-of-the-art offices and supply chain facility in Burlington, WA.

2012

Introduced Centennial Collection, including hybrid tomato Rally and hybrid broccoli Centennial.

2013

Triple

2014

Diamante

2015

2016

  • Sakata expands partnership with garden and lifestyle expert, P. Allen Smith, to include SunPatiens® and Cut Flower Collection.
  • Profusion Orange zinnia becomes the first flower to bloom in outer space.
40th

2017

  • Sakata Seed America Celebrated 40 years of business in North America!
  • Profusion Red Zinnia announced AAS Winner.

Our Future: 2018 and Beyond