The Evolution of Seminis® Brand: A Story of Transformation and Growth

Our story begins with a vision—one that sought to unite a fragmented industry, to bring together the best of innovation, science, and the relentless passion of those who cultivate the future. Seminis Vegetable Seeds Inc. was born in 1994 from the dream of transforming vegetable breeding, an industry built on centuries of tradition, into something even greater.

In our early days, we were a collection of pioneering seed companies, each with its own rich history and expertise. Petoseed Co. Inc., Asgrow Seed Co., Royal Sluis—these names carried legacies of discovery, resilience, and deep-rooted knowledge of what it takes to grow. But standing alone, their impact was limited. United under the Seminis name, they became something more. We became something more.

The late 90s brought change—growth and challenge in equal measure. As we expanded our portfolio, we sold our field crops to Monsanto, signaling our unwavering commitment to vegetables. It was a bold step, one that refined our focus and deepened our purpose. We were no longer just a seed company; we were shaping the future of food.

Then came the early 2000s, a time of transformation yet again. We went private, finding strength in new collaborations that fueled our evolution. But it was in 2005 that our story took another leap forward—when Monsanto, recognizing our impact, brought us into their fold. The power of a strong R&D engine met decades of breeding expertise, accelerating our ability to bring innovation to farmers worldwide.

For over a decade, we thrived. We adapted. We pioneered. Yet the world was changing faster than ever, and we needed to evolve once more. In 2018, another chapter unfolded—Bayer, a company with a deep commitment to global health and food security, acquired Monsanto, and with it, Seminis® brand seeds. The transition was more than a change in ownership; it was a shift in purpose.

Bayer brought with it a vision that resonated deeply with everything we stood for: “Health for all, hunger for none.” This mission wasn’t just about medicine—it was about agriculture, about ensuring people everywhere have access to safe, nutritious food. With Bayer, we found a home where our work in vegetable breeding could take on an even greater role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable world.

Each merger, each acquisition was not just a business decision—it was a transformation. A rebirth. Every stage of our journey has strengthened us, shaping who we are today: a global leader in vegetable seeds, with a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the farmers who feed the world.