Deal with boost R&D capabilities and ensure access to cutting-edge varieties for growers and partners
Florida’s A Duda & Sons and UK-based G’s Group have announced the joint venture acquisition of independent British vegetable seeds specialist Tozer Seeds.
Founded in West London in 1944 by Arthur Tozer and owned by the Dawson family since 1950, Tozer Seeds has earned a global reputation for innovation in vegetable breeding and the production of premium-quality seed crops. Over the past 80 years, Tozer has introduced industry-first breakthroughs, including the world’s first commercial F1 hybrid parsnip and celery varieties.
The transaction includes Tozer’s operations in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and the US. “Under the new ownership, Tozer Seeds will continue to operate as an independent seed business, retaining its name, leadership team, and long-standing commitment to excellence,” the companies said.
Tozer Seeds will remain focused on breeding, multiplication, and global sales of specialty horticultural crops such as celery, parsnip, kale, coriander, rocket, squash, legumes, and leeks.
The deal builds on a decade-long partnership between A Duda & Sons and G’s Group, during which G’s has enjoyed exclusive access to Duda Generations proprietary celery genetics and seed varieties in Europe. G’s has collaborated with Tozer for more than 30 years across its growing regions.
“By combining Tozer’s global breeding strategy with Duda’s advanced celery genetics programme, this joint venture creates a powerful platform for future innovation –benefiting growers and customers worldwide,” the companies said.
The parties said the collaboration would enhance innovation, strengthening research and development capabilities and ensuring access to cutting-edge varieties, while providing continuity and stability to partners and growers.
Steven J Winterbottom, managing director, Tozer Seeds, commented: “The executive team of Tozer Seeds and the Dawson family are delighted to see the continuation of the Tozer name and legacy after stewarding it for over 75 years. By joining forces with Duda and G’s, we anticipate the business evolving into an even more exciting and dynamic future”.
Guy Shropshire, CEO of G’s Group, said: “We have long admired Tozer’s diversity of genetics across its crop portfolio. Through this acquisition we have enabled the bringing together of Tozer and Duda’s world-leading celery genetics.
“This new venture provides deeper vertical integration, giving us greater engagement in the science of breeding and seed production, and we look forward to welcoming our new Tozer and Duda colleagues into the broader G’s Group”.
Sammy Duda, CEO/president of A Duda & Sons, added: “With over 200 years of celery breeding research and development – including our proprietary Duda Generations varieties, grown by Duda Farm Fresh Foods – we’ve built an unmatched foundation of innovation.
“By combining Duda’s celery genetics with Tozer’s global breeding portfolio, we’re positioned to accelerate the next generation of celery products that elevate flavour, quality, and category growth. This partnership marks a significant milestone for the industry, and we look forward to working with Tozer and G’s to expand opportunities for growers and customers worldwide”.
