What We’re Hearing About BFG Supply, and How You Can Prepare for 2027

The current and future status of BFG Supply has been the talk of the horticulture industry this week, following reports from customers that the distribution company was no longer taking new orders.

One of these customers, off the record and quoted anonymously, says “We have pending orders with them, and we were notified directly by our main contact there that the parent company that owns them was perhaps having financial issues. BFG is profitable, according to this contact, and I think there’s some hope maybe that they could be acquired and maintain operations. But in the meantime, they’re not taking new orders and they are settling their existing inventory.”

A number of other customers have anonymously confirmed news of potential liquidation at BFG. Greenhouse Grower reached out to representatives from BFG Supply and Reflect Advisors, who declined to comment. However, during Cultivate’26, we did ask BFG President Ben George about any advice he might offer growers as they work with distributors.

“I understand why growers are beating suppliers up on pricing, because they’re getting it done to them on the other side. If you’ve got a contract with a retailer they’re hammering you to save every penny possible, and that trickles down. So, when the growers are buying their media and their containers and everything else, they’re doing it while getting pinched themselves. And so they want to be as frugal and fiscally smart on this end, especially when they can only get so much for a particular plant.

“In the last few years, labor costs have gone up a ton and input costs have gone up a ton, but that doesn’t correlate to revenue when you’re not selling your product for 40% more than you were three or four years ago. So I understand the approach they’re taking to their own purchasing.

“And so with that as a background, what I would tell the growers is that there is an element of loyalty that our reps have; this is their livelihood, right? They’ve got families to feed and they really love the customers. And if there’s not a value that our reps add by technical expertise or helping you solve problems, then just go for the cheapest option. But I think where it becomes difficult and hurtful, I think to the reps too, is where they’re adding value. You can call them at any time and ask them questions on so many things. And then when it comes time for them to quote your soil, if they’re a penny higher, you’re gonna go somewhere else?”

Greenhouse Grower will continue to provide updates as news is confirmed. In the meantime, this is the time of year when growers are mapping out orders for 2027, while suppliers line up their distribution networks. Until any news becomes official, here’s what you can do:

• Audit open orders: Check the status of all pending shipments, backorders, and pre-booked seasonal supplies to see what can still be fulfilled or needs to be canceled.
• Contact sales reps: Reach out directly to your sales representative immediately to find out the status of deliveries or get direct connections to manufacturers.
• Secure alternative vendors: Set up active accounts with alternative regional distributors to prevent input gaps for media, fertilizers, and chemicals.
• Check critical inputs: Make a priority list of specific fertilizers, growing media, containers, and pest control chemicals, and source backup stock right away.
• Review direct-from-manufacturer options: Contact product brands you regularly use to ask for alternative authorized wholesale distributors who can honor your product needs or volume pricing.