GDM Group launches Supra corn seed brand at Show Rural 2025

GDM Group (Grupo Don Mario) introduced the Supra Seeds corn seed brand during Show Rural Coopavel 2025 – the first major agribusiness trade show of the year in Brazil. According to the multinational of Argentine origin, the new brand emerged from the acquisition of KWS Seeds' corn and sorghum business in South America, which occurred in August of last year.

The GDM Group states that Supra Seeds marks a "new phase" in genetic selection, production, and seed supply to Brazilian farmers. "Our purpose with Supra is to accelerate growth and expand our presence in the corn market, becoming one of the top three players in genetics in South America," states GDM's Executive Director of LATAM and South Africa Business, Santiago De Stefano. The company currently holds 10% of this market.

"To achieve this goal, the focus will be on a competitive portfolio, with correctly positioned products that generate value for farmers," says Stefano, noting that Supra Seeds maintains in its DNA the rigorous pursuit of breeding, agility in negotiations, and proximity to producers.

Furthermore, he states, that there is significant genetic gain, as Supra represents the synergy in corn genetics between GDM and KWS Seeds, especially in research and development operations. Recognizing this importance, GDM invests more than 15% of its revenue in research and new product development.

"This union will enable the launch of new corn hybrids by Supra in the coming years. The result is a larger genetic improvement program focused on producers' needs in different environmental zones, raising productivity levels," states Marcelo Salles, Corn Business Leader. There is an expectation to achieve superior offerings in products to be launched in the coming years.

Salles indicates that the portfolio will maintain the well-known KWS hybrids that are already well-positioned in Brazil, including K7510 VIP3 and K9606 VIP3. He emphasizes that K9606 is one of the most planted hybrids in the Brazilian second crop and possesses high adaptability and stability.

The production unit remains in the city of Patos de Minas in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, for corn, soybean, and sorghum. The GDM group includes research stations located across various Brazilian states.

Santiago De Stefano estimated that the company's revenue will grow 30% this year with sales of Supra-branded seeds. The company did not disclose last year's revenue. In 2023, GDM had revenue of US$850 million. By 2025, the corn operation should account for 40% of GDM's revenue, he added. Brazil accounts for 70% to 75% of the company's corn and soybean seed business in South America, while Argentina accounts for 20% to 25%.

The Argentine company, which operates in the seed genetics market, plans to invest R$1 billion over the next five years in South America to accelerate research and development of new cultivars. In the last five years, GDM's investments totaled R$600 million.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)