On November 25, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. acquired 75% of Totam Seeds B.V., (hereinafter "Totam"). Totam is an innovative seed company that specializes in the development, production and sale of high-quality tomato seeds, intended for production in high-tech greenhouses. With the aim of expanding Totam's operations, Mitsui will partner with the Prominent group, the largest tomato-producing agricultural cooperative in the Netherlands, which accounts for approximately 30% of the national tomato production.

“We are excited about the idea of ​​collaborating with Prominent, as its vast knowledge and extensive experience puts it at the forefront of tomato production. For our part, we will contribute the experience and insight from our global businesses to jointly address new ways to drive innovation, ”said Hitoshi Kudo, Managing Director of Mitsui & Co.'s Agricultural Sciences Division.

The relationship between Mitsui, Prominent and Totam started in April 2019 and since then they have been cross-testing their respective seed varieties.

"We believe that by combining our respective resources, experience and research platforms, we will be able to grow together and take full advantage of Totam's business potential," says Fulvio Berton, Advisory Director of JVS (a joint affiliate of Mitsui and the Japanese seed companies Nippon Norin Seed Co., Kurume Vegetable Breeding Co., Nanto Seeds Co. and Matsui Seeds Co.) and new director of Totam. “I am delighted with this project and I am looking forward to taking an active part in it. Our joint efforts will translate into tremendous value for tomato growers around the world. '

Mitsui & Co. Ltd is a global conglomerate engaged in trading and investment activities. It has 16 business units, including one dedicated to food and agriculture. Among its various business operations, Mitsui develops new hybrid seeds through its portfolio of companies, which includes Top Seeds International and Japan Vegetable Seeds.

Founded in 1995, Prominent is a cooperative of growers specialized in the innovative production of tomatoes. The 29 members of Prominent produce the best varieties of tomato throughout the year. They collaborate on packaging and share the knowledge they develop, for example in the fields of cultivation, energy and crop protection. The Growers United cooperative is responsible for the sale, marketing and quality control of the tomatoes produced.

Founded in 2010, Totam Seeds is a young and innovative company working in the field of improving tomato seeds for cultivation in high-tech greenhouses. Totam Seeds strains focus on the values ​​of the growers and the demands of the market, with attention to people and the environment.