Key Takeaways
- DENSO CORPORATION has acquired Netherlands-based Axia Vegetable Seeds, a developer of high-yield tomato seeds for greenhouses.
- The acquisition aligns with DENSO’s broader expansion into agricultural technology and controlled-environment farming.
- The collaboration aims to integrate DENSO’s industrial and AI technologies with Axia’s seed breeding expertise.
- Efforts will focus on developing seeds suited to automated cultivation and climate resilience.
- The move supports DENSO’s goal to contribute to sustainable and stable food production systems globally.
DENSO Enters Seed Breeding with Acquisition of Axia Vegetable Seeds
Strategic move into AgriTech reflects focus on food security and sustainable agriculture
DENSO CORPORATION has announced the acquisition of Axia Vegetable Seeds, a Dutch seed breeding company known for its high-performing tomato varieties tailored for greenhouse production. This acquisition marks a significant step in DENSO’s expansion into the agricultural technology sector.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, Axia Vegetable Seeds specializes in tomato varieties that offer high yield, strong disease resistance, and quality flavor. Its distribution network spans multiple global markets, serving greenhouse growers with varieties adapted to commercial production needs.
Combining Industrial and Agricultural Expertise
DENSO aims to develop data-driven cultivation and automation-ready seeds
Through this acquisition, DENSO intends to combine its industrial engineering capabilities, including image recognition and artificial intelligence, with Axia’s breeding programs. The joint objective is to create seeds optimized for automated farming systems and adaptable to climate-related challenges.
“We are delighted to welcome Axia Vegetable Seeds…as a member of the DENSO Group,” said Yasushi Mukai, Executive Officer of DENSO’s Food Value Chain Business Development Division. “By integrating the technologies and expertise of both the DENSO Group and Axia, we will create new value and realize our vision of providing safe and delicious food anytime, anywhere, and for everyone.”
Focus on Controlled Environment Agriculture and Innovation
DENSO & Axia Collaboration targets accelerated seed development and higher-value offerings
One of the primary goals of the collaboration is to shorten the breeding cycle for new tomato varieties through the application of AI and imaging technology. The companies also aim to develop cultivation methods that ensure stable, planned production from seed to harvest while enabling growers to manage labor more efficiently.
Axia’s leadership views the acquisition as a catalyst for its long-term growth. “Joining DENSO allows us to accelerate our mission of delivering the best quality tomato seeds globally,” said Alois and Sandor van Vliet, CEO and COO of Axia Vegetable Seeds. “Our mission is to become the world leader in tomato seeds for the greenhouse industry.”
