About us
Becoming Sakata Seed Southern Africa and who we are today
1931
The Beginning
- MayFord Seeds (Pty) Ltd originated from C. May & Co., founded in 1931.
- One of the oldest vegetable seed companies in South Africa.
- Began as a family-run business spanning four generations, offering a diverse range of seeds for professional growers and home gardeners.
1960s
A partnership with Sakata
- In the late 1960s, MayFord Seeds became the sole distributor of Sakata products in Southern Africa.
- This partnership laid the foundation for MayFord’s long-standing relationship with Sakata and its growth in the region.
1973
Revolutionising Seed Packaging
- MayFord introduced hermetically sealed hobby seed packets in 1973.
- This innovation helped to build the MayFord brand, making it synonymous with high-quality seeds in Southern Africa.
1980s
Expanding distribution
- In the mid-1980s, MayFord shifted its focus to exclusive distribution channels, serving South, Southern, Central, and East Africa.
- Official recognition of MayFord’s seed laboratory as a government-approved testing station.
1999
Becoming part of Sakata Seed Corporation
- In December 1999, the Sakata Seed Corporation of Yokohama, Japan, acquired MayFord Seeds (Pty) Ltd.
- Sakata, which was established in 1913, is a global leader in vegetable and flower seed production with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
2008
The transformation
- On 1 April 2008, MayFord Seeds officially changed its name to Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd.
- The MayFord brand continued as a trusted name for hobby and turf seeds.
Today: A trusted leader in the seed industry
Seed production
- Within the past 15 years, Sakata Seed Southern Africa has grown into one of the largest vegetable seed producers in the region.
- Supported by the global Sakata production team, Sakata Southern Africa has developed a reputation for taking a scientific and responsible approach to production research.
- South Africa’s climatic conditions make it ideal for Sakata to produce top quality carrot, onion, bunching onion and beetroot seed for the global Sakata group.
Quality driven
- Sakata Seed Southern Africa is certified according to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, assuring our customers of the best possible products and service.
- In 1983, MayFord’s highly sophisticated seed laboratory was officially recognised as a government approved testing station, making quality a core focus for decades.
- In June 2024, Sakata’s seed quality laboratory received ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) accreditation, confirming that our laboratory meets international seed testing standards and is technically competent in carrying out seed testing procedures in line with ISTA’s global rules.
Research & Development
- Sakata’s global R&D network, with research stations worldwide, enables efficient information exchange and accelerated breeding cycles.
- The Sakata Vegenetics tomato breeding station was established in 2001 at our Lanseria (South Africa) station. It shifted its focus in 2017 to better meet market demands. The station primarily breeds for indeterminate red loose tomatoes for the South African and various other EMEA markets. Breeding programmes typically take about a decade to yield competitive hybrids, and the process is ongoing, adapting to market needs and evolving traits.
Diverse range and expertise
- Today, Sakata Seed Southern Africa specializes in over 27 crops, offering a total of more than 200 varieties. We are committed to innovation, continuously trialling new varieties across Southern and Eastern Africa to ensure the best outcomes for farmers. These trials focus on critical factors like disease resistance, yield, quality, and uniformity, tailored to meet the unique needs of different regions and climates.
- Our dedicated and specialised technical team provides expert advice to growers, seedling growers, processors, and distributors, helping them select the right varieties for specific areas, climates, and planting windows. This personalised guidance ensures that we deliver the best results, maximising success for every grower.
