After trading for 176 years, the name has been changed to that of the company's Japanese owner, Sakata Seed Corporation. The name change became effective on July 24 as the UK operation opened its new premises and trials site at Sutterton, near Boston, Lincs. More than 90 guests attended the opening ceremony including Jun Obara, Sakata World-Wide md and Michael Yates, the last member of the family involved in the company before his retirement 10 years ago.

Tim Smith, Managing Director of Sakata UK, described why he thought the Japanese company had performed so well: 'Consumers increasingly demand new species; for example, improved taste or increased flower size. Sakata is particularly well placed to develop innovative products and approach the process from a different perspective.' Guest speaker Professor Johnson, from the Institute of Food Research, highlighted the opportunities ahead for companies involved in fruit and vegetable production. 'There are protective effects of fruits and vegetables against cancer. We are giving a positive message to the consumer that they should eat more.' Johnson added that brassica vegetables in particular have had very effective results. 'Broccoli reduces the risk of bowel cancer significantly, if served an average of 3.7 times per week.' Smith added, 'Sakata will be working on developing new species of broccoli which will have beneficial side effects with regard to health.' After the talk and official opening of the new offices, guests were shown the trial site featuring new varieties of cauliflower such as Cool F1.

Topics