President of Sakata's European division, Pierre Decaillet outlined the company's hopes: 'We are becoming more focused in research for new products, and vegetable seed sales are a main target. We are also working towards responding faster in an ever-changing market and becoming more effective.' 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.' Smith added: 'Sakata will be working on developing new species of broccoli which will have beneficial side effects with regard to health.' Guests were shown the Sakata trial site to view new varieties of cauliflower such as Cool F1 were seen. The brassica is intended to compete with established varieties Mayflower and Gypsy during the important June slot. It produces a vigorous dark frame of leaves that protect the curd, and helps to maintain its very white colour. The hybrid has now had its second season of commercial production and results have been promising.

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