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
1930
1934
1943
1951
1965
1966
First Steps in America: 1972
1972
1972
The Beginning of Sakata Seed America: 1977 - 1987
1977
1981
1982
1985
1987
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
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.
1994
- Grand opening Research Station in Ft. Myers, Florida.
- Acquisition of Agroflora S.A., which became Sakata Seed de Brazil(SDA).
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
- Zinnia Profusion Double Hot Cherry and Double Deep Salmon win All-America Selections awards.
- LSL hybrid cantaloupe, Infinite Gold, introduced to the market.
2014
- Sakata launches new stable of hybrid triploid watermelon genetics, including: Charismatic, Kingman, Secretariat and Unbridled.
2015
- Introduced broccoli hybrids, Diamante and Millennium.
- SunPatiens® Spreading Shell Pink is the inaugural vegetative plant from cuttings to receive the AAS Flower Award.
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.
2017
- Sakata Seed America Celebrated 40 years of business in North America!
- Profusion Red Zinnia announced AAS Winner.