Sakata Seed Corporation celebrates 100 Years: 1913-2013
Sakata Seed Corporation was founded in June of 1913 and is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. It is now recognized as a global leader in the development of innovative vegetables and flowers 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 thirty-two countries. Sakata’s mission is to quickly and efficiently meet industry expectations for high quality seed that offers optimum field performance for growers, and to promote retail and consumer demand for delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Sakata Seed America, Inc. was established in 1977, and is now a major research, seed production and marketing-distribution subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation. Sakata Seed America serves as the headquarters for the North and Central American operations. Sakata America Holding Company Inc. was formed in 2010 to serve as the parent holding company for all of Sakata’s businesses in North America and Central America, including Sakata Seed America, Alf Christianson Seed Company, Sakata Seed de Mexico and Sakata Seed de Guatemala. Sakata is very proud of the value represented throughout North and Central America by the Sakata and Chriseed brands.
Sakata Seed America President/CEO Dave Armstrong expresses his thoughts about the 100th Anniversary, "A century of continuity in business matters to our customers; Sakata has not only survived through world wars, economic crises and natural disasters, but has continuously adapted, creating new standards in both vegetables and ornamentals product lines. In a global marketplace characterized by intensive consolidation, Sakata stands as a symbol of independence, innovation and reliability."
Sakata wishes to thank its staff, customers, growers and other industry members all over the world – since Sakata owes so much to them for their longevity and success. To learn more about the Sakata Seed Corporation Centennial and view all timeline events, please visit www.sakatavegetables.com.
Key Events in Sakata Seed History:
1913: Takeo Sakata founded Sakata Noen – now known as Sakata Seed Corporation
1943: WWII conflicts caused Sakata to safeguard seed stock by sending it to Canadian partners, including Stokes’ Seeds
1965: Takeo Sakata awarded All-America Selections Medallion of Honor for his exemplary work in the ornamentals industry
1977: Sakata Seed America was established
1985 Opened the Salinas Research Station in California
1988: The Morgan Hill office opened, becoming the Sakata America headquarters
2003: Acquired Alf Christianson Seed Company
2010: Established Sakata America Holding Company, Inc.
2011: Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, which caused no significant damage to Sakata’s business or personal injury to staff
About the Sakata Anniversary Commemorative Logo: The Centennial logo denotes a large flower with seven
colorful seed-shaped petals enclosing the words "PASSION in Seed”. These seven petals symbolize seven values
represented by the letters in the word "PASSION." The logo's design also expresses Sakata's hope that these
values will feed the passion in the hearts of all of the company's customers and employees all over the world.
For more information:
Alecia Troy
Sakata
Tel: +1 408-778-7758
atroy@sakata.com