Winseed expands global R&D footprint with new 20-hectare research site in New Zealand.
Winseed has opened a new 20-hectare research and development site south of Ashburton, New Zealand, dedicated to the breeding and development of new vegetable seed varieties.
The Canterbury-based vegetable seed breeding company now operates across New Zealand, India, and Egypt, reflecting its growing international reach and commitment to delivering world-class seed innovations.
“This investment enables us to build long-term infrastructure and expand our research and plant breeding capability to develop and market new varieties for growers around the world,” said Winseed Group Chief Executive Tom Sherratt.
“As our company grows, we see significant global opportunities ahead. The scale of our R&D programmes continues to expand, positioning us to drive new initiatives and strengthen our international footprint.”
In 2024, Winseed acquired a beetroot breeding programme from a leading French vegetable seed company, broadening its germplasm base and strengthening its breeding pipeline. “That acquisition expanded our foundation of beetroot genetics, alongside our growing portfolio of carrot and other vegetable crops,” Sherratt said. “This enables us to breed new, high-performing varieties designed for target global markets.”
While some Winseed varieties are commercialised domestically in New Zealand, the company’s primary focus is on international markets, with India representing its largest. Winseed’s Hyderabad-based operations employ more than 40 people, focused on developing and marketing products tailored to regional conditions and grower needs.
“New Zealand is an important base for us,” Sherratt said, “but to fully realise the return on our breeding investment, we need to be able to commercialise our products across multiple international markets. India provides the scale and diversity to accelerate our research and deliver products that perform in a wide range of environments.”
The new Ashburton research farm will feature a Breeding Centre equipped with state-of-the-art glasshouses, nurseries, grow houses, and trial plots, designed to advance Winseed’s R&D programme, and high-grade seed production. The site will also include a warehouse with specialised equipment for precision seed cleaning, processing, and order fulfilment.
John McKenzie, newly appointed Chair of the Winseed Advisory Board said:
“These strategic initiatives mark an important milestone for Winseed and for New Zealand’s growing presence in the global seed industry. The acquisition of world-class beetroot genetics and the development of our new Research Farm in Ashburton will strengthen our R&D capability and underpin future export growth.”
“I am pleased to join the Advisory Board and look forward to supporting Winseed’s continued focus on innovation, quality, and delivering world-class seed solutions to growers here in New Zealand and around the world.”
The expansion comes as the global seed market is projected to reach US$175 billion by 2030, driven by the rising adoption of hybrid seed technologies. New Zealand’s vegetable seed export sector has also seen strong growth, increasing 87% to NZ$124 million between 2014 and 2024.
Winseed’s growing international network and investment in research infrastructure position it as a developing leader in vegetable seed breeding, driving innovation and delivering value for growers worldwide.
