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History of Seminis

Generations of Experience 2005 Seminis becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Monsanto Company. 2004 In China, Seminis opens an operations center and its third research facility. 2003-04 In India, Seminis adds four research stations, opens an operations center and greatly expands commercial activities. 2003-04 Seminis launches innovative products such as Bambino®, a personal watermelon and Lettuce Jammers™, a new type of lettuce for wraps. 2002 Seminis completes the integration of its legacy systems. 2001 Seminis introduces Seminis Vegetable Seeds brand. 1998 Seminis purchases Korean firms Hungnong Seed Company and Choong Ang Seed Company to enhance product lines in Asia. 1998 Seminis purchases Horticeres, the vegetable division of Sementes Agreceres SA, strengthening its presence in South America and product lines for tropical climates. 1995 Seminis acquires Petoseed Company and Royal Sluis. 1994 Seminis founded through the acquisition of Asgrow Seed Company, as well as the Bruinsma and Genecorp brands, specializing in greenhouse and lettuce, respectively. 1967 Horticeres was founded. It was the first Brazilian plant breeding company. 1950 Petoseed founded in California. Petoseed led the hybridization of hot peppers and tomatoes in the 1970s and 80s; they built a strong presence in Mexico and the United States with disease-resistant seed varieties. 1946 Bruinsma (est. 1934), a specialist in greenhouse and protected culture, introduces the first commercial tomato hybrid in Europe. 1946 Korean seed company, Choong Ang, is established. 1936 In Korea, Hungnong Seed Company is established. Hungnong is the leading provider of radish and hot pepper seed as well as many Asian vegetables. 1906 The global seed industry begins. Royal Sluis became the first European vegetable seed company to grow seed crops in both Europe and the Americas. They also opened the first branch office in the United States. 1868 Royal Sluis is established in Holland and later becomes a leading European vegetable seed company. 1865 Seminis' oldest brand, Asgrow Vegetable Seeds, is established.