History
We went from a family business
to a world leader in seeds.
Fitó was born in 1880 in Sant Martí de Provençals (Barcelona), when Ramón Fitó, a farmer passionate about quality, started his activity as an artisanal seedbed.
His good work soon earned him the trust of local farmers, marking the beginning of a project that, over time, would become a global benchmark for genetics and seed production.
For over 145 years, the company has evolved from a small family business into a leading multinational in the genetic improvement, production, and distribution of horticultural and crop seeds. This transformation has been driven by a constant commitment to research and innovation, a strategic pillar since the early decades of the 20th century.
Key milestones
1880
Foundation
Semillas Fitó was founded in 1880 by Ramón Fitó in Sant Martí de Provençals, a town that later became the industrial district of Barcelona known as Poblenou.
Fitó achieved considerable success in the market due to his expertise as a farmer, and other farmers sought to plant seeds from his farm.
1910 - 1980
First plant hybrids
In 1910 , the second generation of the family, led by Antonio Fitó , concentrated on cultivation and experimented with the first crosses between different types of products, producing the first hybrids .
In 1940, Casimiro Fitó , of the third generation, focused his business on seed production . Furthermore, the company obtained concession number 6 to be a Producer of Select Vegetable Seeds.
Around 1970 , efforts shifted to research and the development of new varieties. Furthermore, the first F1 hybrids of melon, tomato, and pepper were developed in Spain, and a genetic improvement program was launched for other horticultural and agricultural species such as broad beans, onions, and corn, as well as new varieties of wheat, forage crops, and horticultural crops through traditional breeding.
1990 - 1999
Specialization in seeds
In 1990, biotechnology was implemented as a key tool in the processes of improvement and quality control.
Until 1995 , Semillas Fitó was dedicated one hundred percent to the national seed market.
In 1997, the international expansion work began in earnest, seeking nearby and similar markets in the Mediterranean.
2000 - 2009
Global Expansion
Thus, in 2000 , Jordan became the first country to open a development center outside of Spain. Furthermore, it registered over 300 locally developed varieties.
In 2001 , the Turkish subsidiary was opened .
In 2006, the company made the leap to Latin America, reaching Mexico and Brazil with a development center in the area.
In 2007 another development center was opened in Morocco .
In 2009, the company decided to create subsidiaries in Mexico and Portugal , and a development center in China .
2010 - 2012
Infrastructure and alliances
In 2010 , we ended the year by launching a new line of hybrids for the amateur sector in Hobby .
In 2011 , the Almería center was expanded to 10 hectares. Also noteworthy was the publication of the leading guide to Green Areas in the sector, written by Josep Cirera: Guide: Lawns and Their Crops.
In 2012 , the Swiss company DSP and Fitó joined forces to produce early-maturing corn varieties. Construction began on a new Production Center in Maresme ( Llavaneras ), covering a total of 8.5 hectares. Improvements were also made to the Barcelona facilities , creating more office space.
2013 - 2015
Logistics and field improvements
In 2013, the Les Cases de Barbens estate was purchased , and construction began on the Logistics Center, which will distribute seeds for extensive crops throughout Southern Europe. At the horticultural level, the breeding center in Culiacán , Mexico , began operations.
In 2014, two new subsidiaries were added: the Production Center in Arica (Chile) and the new subsidiary in India to supply seeds to all of Southeast Asia.
In 2015, the largest processing and logistics center for extensive crop seeds in southern Europe was inaugurated in Les Cases de Barbens . The facility comprises 250,000 m³ of warehouse space and 60,000 m³ of cold storage.
2016 - 2018
Expansion in Brazil
In 2016, a new subsidiary was opened in Brazil with the purpose of covering the commercial and seed distribution network in the countries of the South American region.
In 2018 Eduard Fitó, of the fifth generation, was appointed president of the International Seed Federation (ISF ) .
2020-2022
Sustainability and resilience
Fitó continues its global growth and strengthens sustainability projects, including reducing resource consumption in processes, combined with a sustained expansion of its catalog and commercial presence.
2024
Sustainability Plan 2023-2026
Presentation of an ambitious Sustainability Plan 2023-2026, with clear objectives to position itself as a benchmark for sustainability in the sector and reduce the ecological footprint throughout the fruit and vegetable chain.
2025
Sustainable recognitions
The company is distinguished with the Retina ECO Award , in the category “Sustainable Ecosystem”, for developing the first methodology to measure the ecological footprint of horticultural varieties, and with the Forbes–UBS Sustainability Award for its contribution to more sustainable agriculture.
2026
EMEA Expansion
New subsidiary in Egypt , reinforcing its presence in the Eastern EMEA region and further consolidating the global network.
CONTACT US
Check our worldwide sales network
Central office
Selva de Mar 111 08019 Barcelona España
Tel.: 93 303 63 60 · Fax: 93 303 63 73
