Sakata Forms New Joint Venture with the Kientzler Family
The Global Sakata logo (top) and the Kientzler America (bottom left) and German (bottom right) company logos. | Sakata Seed Corporation, Kientzler North-America, and Kientzler Gartenbau GmbH and Co. KG
Sakata America Holding Company, Inc. has announced the formation of Tikal LLC, a joint venture established in partnership with the Kientzler family of Germany. The joint venture will operate under the name Innovaplant de Guatemala S.A., marking a significant expansion of Sakata’s footprint and long-term investment in North American ornamental young plant production.
As part of this collaboration, the joint venture has acquired a 45-hectare (108-acre) farm located in San Pedro Pinula, Guatemala. The new facility will serve as a cornerstone in horticultural production, featuring state-of-the-art greenhouses and advanced infrastructure to support the propagation of Kientzler, Sakata, and other genetics.
The initial development phase includes the construction of 2 acres of pilot greenhouses, with substantial upgrades currently underway across the site to optimize operations and production efficiency. Trial production is scheduled to begin in Fall 2025, followed by the launch of commercial production in Fall 2026.
Byron Calderon has been appointed General Manager of Innovaplant de Guatemala S.A. and will oversee all aspects of facility management, production, and organizational development.
“This investment represents a significant milestone for our company, contributing to our long-term vision in the horticulture industry,” says Dave Armstrong, Executive Chairman of Sakata Seed America.
Andreas Kientzler, President of Kientzler, says, “We are excited to combine our expertise and resources with Sakata to drive innovation and excellence in the supply of great young plants to the industry.”
This partnership underscores Sakata’s continued commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and the advancement of global horticulture through strategic collaboration.
For more information, please contact Marissa Telfer, [email protected].
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