Effective September 1st, 202c, Selecta Cut Flowers, subsidiary of the Selecta one Group, will continue the commercialization and further development of the carnation breeding program created by Sergio Santamaria (Santamaria Carnation Cuttings Specialist).
As part of this transition, Sergio Santamaria will retire from the business, closing a long and extraordinary chapter in the history of carnation breeding. Through this transition, Selecta will continue developing and preserving his breeding program, ensuring his contribution to the Dianthus market will continue for many years to come. This represents an important milestone in Selecta Cut Flowers’ long-term strategy to strengthen its position in Dianthus genetics and further expand its portfolio with unique and valuable breeding material.
Caption: Sergio Santamaria – Founder of Santamaria Breeding and Daniela Navarro Marketing manager at Selecta cut flowers at Dianthus week Colombia.
“Throughout our history, we have always looked to partner with the very best genetics and breeding expertise in the market. Sergio Santamaria has been a recognized leader in carnation breeding for many years, and his contribution to the development of the industry is undeniable. His varieties, his vision and passion for innovation have shaped growers and markets around the world. For us, this is about ensuring continuity. We are grateful for the trust Sergio has placed in us to continue his life’s work. Our goal is clear: to continue Sergio’s legacy, protect the genetic value he has created, and ensure that it remains available for future generations of breeders, growers and customers worldwide.” says Jordi Caballeria, Managing Director of Selecta Cut Flowers.
Santamaria Breeding, founded and led by Sergio Santamaria, has earned a strong reputation for developing high-quality and disease-resistant carnation varieties recognized by growers and customers around the world; through a strong focus on innovation, quality and market needs. Sergio has contributed significantly to the advancement of carnation genetics across the industry.
Caption: Sergio Santamaria, developer of the carnation breeding program created by Santamaria Carnation Cuttings Specialist.
“Breeding has been my life’s work and my greatest passion. As I retire, my greatest wish has been to entrust this work to a company that shares the same passion for genetics, innovation and service to the industry, a partner capable of preserving and further developing it for the future. After many years dedicated to breeding carnations, I am proud of what we have achieved, not only of the varieties we developed, but also of the relationships and trust we built with growers around the world. I am confident that Selecta will continue to develop and enhance the breeding program while creating new opportunities for the future. Knowing that this legacy will continue gives me great satisfaction as I begin this new chapter” says Sergio Santamaria.
From the effective date, Selecta Cut Flowers will continue the breeding program and incorporate its genetics into its global breeding activities, ensuring continuity for customers, growers and partners. Existing customer and supplier relationships will continue to be supported with the same commitment and professionalism.
This transition reinforces Selecta one’s dedication to delivering innovative, high-performing Dianthus genetics while ensuring the long-term continuation of one of the industry’s most respected carnation breeding programs.
To be published: August 24,2026
For more information:
[email protected] – www.selectacutflowers.com
About Selecta one
The Selecta one Group is a leading global breeder, grower and marketer of innovative ornamental and utility plants. The breeding activities comprise bedding and balcony plants, houseplants, perennials and cut flowers. With production sites and sales companies in Europe, Africa, Asia and America, Selecta one serves all relevant markets worldwide.
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