Express Seed to license Syngenta poinsettia portfolio

Express Seed Company has obtained an exclusive license to Syngenta Flowers’ poinsettia portfolio and the two companies are working closely together to ensure reliable supply and a smooth transfer of all activities, says Scott Valentine, CEO of Express Seed Company.

This strategic move fits in well with Express Seed's plans for continued growth, Valentine says.

“Since Syngenta’s announcement in July, we knew we wanted to step up and help our growers to secure reliable, quality cuttings for these well-known and respected varieties,” he says. “Our technical support, product development, logistics capabilities and strong relationships with global production partners are well-matched to ensure uninterrupted supply for our growers in 2023 and beyond.”

For the North American market, production will remain at Vivero Internacional S.A. de C.V. And Express will license the varieties for sale in all other global markets.

The existing team of sales, product and technical experts at Express will launch the pipeline of varieties already developed by Syngenta. They will work with industry consultant Steve Rinehart for additional expertise on growing and meeting growers’ expectations on new varieties.  

Syngenta's orders for unrooted cuttings in 2023 are expected to be transferred to Express Seed Company. Express will maintain existing agreements for sales of unrooted cuttings in the United States. In Canada, Express Seed Company will exclusively sell unrooted cuttings. Liners in both markets will be available from existing producers.

This portfolio includes many well-known varieties like Mirage Red, Orion Early Red, Whitestar, Lyra Red, Mars Early Red, Red Elf, Titan Red and Cortez Burgundy, among others.

Express plans to keep the variety names the same, Valentine adds.

"The poinsettia market is important for growers, and this agreement fits in with our strategy to build an additional customer base," he says. "And Syngenta has given us a good foundation as we make plans for the future." 

The company is working on a strategy for breeding collaboration, but those plans aren't yet finalized. 

"We'll offer breeding that will bring innovation to the poinsettia market, and those breeding collaborations will be essential," he says.

For questions or more information, contact Express Seed Company at escmarketing@expressseed.com. 

Kelli Rodda conducted the interview with Scott Valentine