Florigene
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Biotechnology |
| Predecessor | Calgene Pacific Ltd |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Area served | Americas, Europe, Asia |
| Products | Genetically engineered flowers (roses, carnations, chrysanthemums) |
| Owner | Suntory (98.5% stake) |
| Parent | Suntory |
| Website | www |
Florigene is an Australian biotechnology firm headquartered in Melbourne, focusing on genetic engineering methods to develop innovative colour traits in commercially cultivated plants.
The company manages a subsidiary located in the Netherlands and operates manufacturing sites across various international locations.
History
Established in 1986 under the name Calgene Pacific Ltd, with financial support from Amcor, CP Ventures Ltd, the Japan-Australia Venture Capital Fund, and MPW Rural Development, it ranks among Australia's pioneering biotechnology enterprises.
In 1991, Calgene's researchers successfully identified the gene responsible for blue pigmentation in petunia flowers, surpassing international competitors. This achievement facilitated the purchase of Dutch competitor Florigene in 1993. The company rebranded as Florigene in 1994 to capitalize on the acquired brand's global recognition. Since then, Florigene has introduced extended-lifespan, disease-tolerant carnations, innovative gerbera forms, and naturally altered colours in major cut flowers such as roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums. These products are distributed throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Public float
Although Florigene planned a public offering with assistance from Credit Suisse First Boston, targeting investors in Asia, Europe, and the United States, it was instead purchased by agrochemical leader Nufarm Ltd in 1999.
Ownership
In 2003, Suntory, a Japanese brewing corporation and longstanding collaborator, acquired a 98.5% stake in Florigene from Nufarm.
Developments and potential
Florigene’s proprietary technology offers considerable brand value through unique floral varieties, notably the development of a blue rose. After two decades and an investment of A$45 million in research and intellectual property, scientists from Florigene and Suntory revealed in 2004 the creation of a rose nearing an authentic blue shade. Commercial release is expected within the forthcoming years.