Effective September 1, 2026, Selecta Cut Flowers, a subsidiary of the Selecta one Group, will continue the commercialization and further development of the carnation breeding program created by Sergio Santamaria through Santamaria Carnation Cuttings Specialist.
For the Dianthus industry, this transition represents more than a business agreement. It is the continuation of a legacy built over decades of dedication to genetics, innovation and the development of new possibilities for carnations.
Throughout his career, Sergio Santamaria built a strong reputation as a specialist in carnation breeding. Through Santamaria Breeding, he developed high-quality and disease-resistant varieties that have reached growers and markets around the world.
His work has contributed significantly to the advancement of carnation genetics, always driven by innovation, quality and the evolving needs of the market.
As he begins his retirement, the breeding program he developed will continue under Selecta Cut Flowers, preserving the genetic value and knowledge built throughout his career while creating new opportunities for its future development.
“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.”
For Sergio, the transition represents the opportunity to ensure that the work of a lifetime will continue to evolve beyond his retirement.
“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. Knowing that this legacy will continue gives me great satisfaction as I begin this new chapter.”
Selecta Cut Flowers will incorporate Santamaria’s genetics into its global breeding activities and continue developing the breeding program, supporting customers, growers and partners throughout the transition.
According to Jordi Caballeria, Managing Director of Selecta Cut Flowers, the goal is clear: to ensure continuity while protecting and further developing the genetic value created by Sergio Santamaria.
“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.”
“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.”
The transition is also an important step in Selecta Cut Flowers’ long-term strategy to strengthen its position in Dianthus genetics and expand its portfolio with unique breeding material.
The story of Dianthus has always been shaped by the people behind it, the breeders, growers, researchers and innovators who dedicate years, and often entire careers, to developing the flowers that eventually reach markets and consumers around the world.
Sergio Santamaria’s retirement closes one chapter, but the continuation of his breeding program ensures that his contribution to the carnation industry will remain part of the future.
As Selecta Cut Flowers takes the next step in developing the program, the genetics, knowledge and passion built throughout Sergio's career will continue to create opportunities for future generations of growers, breeders and customers.
Because in Dianthus, innovation is not only about creating what comes next.
Sometimes, it is also about ensuring that what has been built over a lifetime continues to grow.
About the transition
Effective September 1, 2026, Selecta Cut Flowers will continue the commercialization and further development of the carnation breeding program created by Sergio Santamaria through Santamaria Carnation Cuttings Specialist.
The program will become part of Selecta Cut Flowers' global breeding activities, supporting the long-term development of innovative and high-performing Dianthus genetics.
For more information, visit Selecta Cut Flowers.
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