March 15, 2013, Morgan Hill, CA — Sakata Seed Corporation, a company
with a rich history of breeding and producing breakthrough flower and
vegetable varieties, is celebrating 100 years in business this year.
March 15, 2013, Morgan Hill, CA — Sakata Seed Corporation, a company
with a rich history of breeding and producing breakthrough flower and
vegetable varieties, is celebrating 100 years in business this year..
Sakata Seed Corporation was founded in 1913, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is recognized today as a global leader in the development of innovative flowers and vegetable genetics.
Sakata is organized into four major divisions operating in Asia, South America, Europe, and North and Central America and has presence in more than 32 countries.
Sakata’s mission is to quickly and efficiently meet industry expectations for high quality varieties that offer optimum performance for growers, and to promote retail and consumer demand.
Sakata Seed America was established in California in 1977 – over 35 years ago – and was the first overseas division for Sakata Seed Corporation. Sakata Seed America serves as the headquarters for the North and Central American operations.
“A century of continuity in business matters to our customers,” says Sakata Seed America president/CEO Dave Armstrong. “Sakata has not only survived through world wars, economic crises and natural disasters, but has continuously adapted, creating new standards in both ornamentals and vegetables lines. In a global marketplace characterized by intensive consolidation, Sakata stands as symbol of independence, innovation and reliability.”
Sakata credits its staff, customers, growers and other industry members for its longevity and success.
DEEP INDUSTRY ROOTS
1913: Takeo Sakata founded Sakata Noen – now known as Sakata Seed Corporation.
1934: Sakata’s F1 petunia Victorious Mix, the world’s first all double petunia, earned an All- America Selections award.
1943: World War Two conflicts caused Sakata to safeguard seed stock by sending it to Canadian partners, including Stokes’ Seeds.
1951: Opening of Sakata Garden Centre in Yokohama, Japan.
1965: Takeo Sakata awarded All-America Selections Medallion of Honor for his exemplary work in the ornamentals industry.
1966: World’s first commercial F1 hybrid pansy Majestic Giants, bred by Sakata, receives an All-America Selections award.
1977: Sakata Seed America was established.
1981: Introduced celosia Apricot Brandy – this variety wins an All-American Selections award.
1985: Opened the Salinas Research Station in California.
1988: The Morgan Hill office opened, becoming the Sakata America headquarters
1990: Opened the Yuma Production/Research facility in Arizona.
1999: Introduced zinnia Profusion in the United States, Cherry and Orange are awarded All-America Selections Gold Medals.
2006: Ground-breaking new series SunPatiens® wins The Home Depot Most Innovative New Product award.
2010: Established Sakata America Holding Company, Inc.
2011: Devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which miraculously caused no significant damage to Sakata’s business activities or personal injury to our staff.
2013: Zinnia Profusion Double Hot Cherry and Double Deep Salmon win All-America Selections awards.
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