DENSO Acquires Axia Vegetable Seeds to Enhance Sustainable Agriculture

KARIYA, Japan (July 4, 2025) — DENSO Corporation, a leading global automotive parts manufacturer, has officially announced its acquisition of Axia Vegetable Seeds, a Dutch company renowned for its high-quality tomato seeds. This strategic move aims to bolster DENSO's expansion into the AgriTech sector, thereby addressing pressing global challenges such as food shortages driven by climate change and population growth.

The acquisition of Axia, which specializes in breeding premium tomato varieties for greenhouse cultivation, represents a significant step in DENSO's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. According to Yasushi Mukai, Executive Officer of DENSO's Food Value Chain Business Development Division, "We are delighted to welcome Axia Vegetable Seeds as a member of the DENSO Group. By integrating the technologies and expertise of both organizations, we will create new value and realize our vision of providing safe and delicious food anytime, anywhere, and for everyone."

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Naaldwijk, Netherlands, Axia has established itself as a leader in the seed industry, focusing on high-performing tomato seeds known for their disease resistance and superior quality. The company has garnered attention for its innovative approaches to seed development and distribution, aiming to meet the increasing global demand for stable agricultural production.

In light of the growing agricultural challenges, DENSO plans to leverage its advanced industrial technologies alongside Axia's specialized cultivation expertise. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of data-driven cultivation methods, enhancing automation and climate adaptation in agriculture. This initiative is further supported by DENSO's capabilities in image recognition and artificial intelligence, which are expected to shorten the seed development cycle and expedite the introduction of high-value seeds to the market.

The global food supply chain has faced unprecedented pressures in recent years, prompting industry leaders to explore innovative solutions. According to a 2023 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food insecurity has reached critical levels, affecting over 800 million people worldwide. This acquisition positions DENSO and Axia at the forefront of a necessary industry transformation, aiming to ensure food security while promoting sustainable practices.

Alois van Vliet, CEO and COO of Axia Vegetable Seeds, emphasized the potential of this partnership, stating, "Joining DENSO allows us to accelerate our mission of delivering the best quality tomato seeds globally, boosted by exciting opportunities with controlled environment automation and AI technologies. Together with our talented employees and partners, we continue to bring transformative innovations to growers worldwide — making agriculture smarter, more sustainable, and more productive."

The collaboration between DENSO and Axia is not only expected to enhance operational efficiencies but also aims to create a comprehensive cultivation solution that encompasses the entire food production process from seed to harvest. By integrating advanced technologies into agricultural practices, both companies aspire to meet the diverse needs of producers while addressing the critical issues of workforce management in agriculture.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Axia Vegetable Seeds by DENSO Corporation signifies a pivotal shift towards innovative agricultural solutions that prioritize sustainability and food security. As climate change and population growth continue to pose significant challenges, this partnership could redefine the future of agriculture, setting a precedent for other companies in the industry to follow. The implications of this acquisition are profound, presenting opportunities for enhanced productivity and sustainability in the global food supply chain.