Sakata has acquired the onion and shallot seed business of UK-based Allium Seeds Ltd, expanding its breeding and research activities in Europe. The move follows a 12-year collaboration between the two companies focused on developing intermediate and long-day onion types for the UK and Irish markets.
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Through the partnership, several onion varieties have already been developed, including Rosanna, a pink-skinned onion, and ONI21039 F1, a long-day brown onion currently undergoing trials.
Ten members of the Allium Seeds breeding team will join Sakata as part of the transition, continuing their work at their existing site near Sakata UK's research station. The team will operate under the leadership of Stuart Cox, Managing Director for Sakata Central and Northern Europe, who oversaw the original collaboration and will now lead the integration process.
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Basile de Bary, CEO of Sakata EMEA, said the acquisition supports the company's broader breeding strategy in Europe. "This acquisition aligns with Sakata's commitment to long-term innovation and our ambition to offer a diverse, high-performing seed portfolio. It strengthens our position in the onion and shallot segment and supports our growth in Europe," he said.
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Allium Seeds' onion sets business is not part of the transaction and will continue independently under a new company, Allium Solutions Ltd.
For more information:
SAKATA
Tel: +33 (0) 4 66 71 75 00
Email: [email protected]
www.sakata-vegetables.eu
