Mitsui expands global seed portfolio with acquisition of ISI Sementi

Mitsui & Co. (Tokyo), under the leadership of President and CEO Kenichi Hori, announced its agreement to acquire 100% of ISI Sementi S.p.A, a well-established vegetable seed producer headquartered in Fidenza, Italy. Founded in 1981, ISI specializes in a broad range of vegetable seeds, including tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and peppers, and has long-term relationships with over 1,000 customers in key agricultural markets, particularly in the Mediterranean region.

ISI’s strong reputation for breeding high-quality vegetable varieties and its robust research and development capabilities align with Mitsui’s strategic goals in global agriculture. The acquisition will enable Mitsui to invest further in R&D, enhance innovation, and complement ISI’s existing portfolio with seed varieties from its other subsidiaries, including Japan Vegetable Seeds Co., Ltd., a joint venture with four leading Japanese seed companies.

This acquisition fits into Mitsui’s broader strategy within the Nutrition and Agriculture sector, which focuses on addressing global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and the need for nutritious food. By strengthening its vegetable seed portfolio, Mitsui aims to provide sustainable, high-quality solutions to customers worldwide.

Mitsui also plans to integrate ISI with another subsidiary, Top Seeds International Ltd. (Israel), creating a consolidated entity that will focus on developing innovative vegetable varieties and expanding the range of products available to customers. This integration will leverage both companies’ expertise in breeding and research, advancing horticulture through strategic partnerships and solutions.

The new company, headquartered in Fidenza, will focus on producing vegetable varieties with high yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value, while offering solutions for both fresh market growers and the tomato processing industry. Operations under the new company structure are set to begin in April 2025.

Through this acquisition, Mitsui reaffirms its commitment to leading the vegetable seed market, enhancing food security, and supporting sustainable agriculture globally.