Al-Par Peat Co.

What Al-Par Peat Co. does

Al-Par Peat Co. is a privately held, family-founded horticultural supply company established in 1946 in Elsie, Michigan. Originally a mint growing operation by founders Winfield H. Aldrich and his stepsons Robert and Kenneth Parmenter, the company pivoted to Reed-Sedge Peat processing after discovering peat deposits during drainage work and has since evolved into a regional one-source supplier for greenhouse, nursery, and garden center operations across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The company manufactures and markets proprietary branded products including PerFect Amendment (a patented Streptomyces-based soil additive), Papa's Perfect Poop (an OMRI-listed organic time-release fertilizer with 40+ years of formulation history), and Michigan Made Mix (M3, a hydroponic growing medium with built-in fertilizer). It also distributes professional growing media and greenhouse supplies from 25+ manufacturers including SunGro, Lambert, Berger, Growscape, DRAMM, Dosatron, East Jordan Plastics, Belden Plastics, Modine, and Blacksmith BioScience.

The business operates a direct field sales model with four named sales representatives who provide quotes, samples, and custom solutions, supported by a processing/bagging plant in Elsie and a warehouse in Ovid. Revenue is generated through three primary streams: sales of proprietary branded products, resale of distributed manufacturer products with markup, and catalog/vendor program management including custom and private label bagging services (3/4 CF to 2.8 CF bags). Pricing is largely quote-based with volume discounts available through early order programs for the following season. Customers include commercial greenhouse operations, nurseries, garden centers, hydroponic growers (including the cannabis-adjacent segment), and retail garden consumers. The company's value proposition is consolidated one-truck delivery combining growing media, containers, chemicals, irrigation equipment, heaters, plant tags, and retail products, reducing vendor management overhead and freight costs for buyers. The company has 1-10 employees, no disclosed revenue, no external funding, and remains under private/family ownership.

Name

Al-Par Peat Co.

Legal name

Al-Par Peat Co.

Website

https://alparonesource.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Al-Par Peat Co. is a family-owned regional horticultural supplier (founded 1946, Elsie, Michigan) that manufactures proprietary growing media and distributes 25+ manufacturer brands of greenhouse and nursery supplies across MI, OH, IN, and IL via one-truck consolidated delivery.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Horticultural Growing Media and Greenhouse Supplies

NAICS

Fertilizer and Compost Manufacturing (32531), Fertilizer (Mixing Only) Manufacturing (325314)

SIC

Wholesale-Farm Product Raw Materials (5150)

akta.pro primary industry

Compost Product Distribution, Retail & Landscape Supply (Bulk/Bagged) (BPALAEAI)

Keywords

• Horticultural growing media
• Greenhouse supply distribution
• Professional peat products
• Private label bagging
• Hydroponic growing mixes

Headquarters

HQ city

Elsie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Proprietary Product Sales: Al-Par Peat Co. manufactures and markets its own branded product lines including Al-Par Peat, Garden+, Tiara, PerFect Amendment, Papa's Perfect Poop, and Michigan Made Mix (M3), generating revenue through direct sales of these products to growers, nurseries, garden centers, and hydroponic retailers.
2. Manufacturer Distribution / Resale: The company distributes professional growing media and horticultural supplies from third-party manufacturers including SunGro, Lambert, Berger, Theriault & Hachey Peat Moss, and represents multiple plastic container, greenhouse supply, chemical, and irrigation brands. Revenue is generated through markup on resale of distributed products across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
3. Catalog and Vendor Program Management: Al-Par Peat Co. provides comprehensive catalogs and vendor program management for multiple manufacturer partners, consolidating multiple product lines into a single ordering and fulfillment relationship for customers, including custom/private label bagging services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Al-Par Peat Co. manufactures and distributes proprietary branded horticultural products (Al-Par Peat, Garden+, Tiara, PerFect Amendment, Papa's Perfect Poop, Michigan Made Mix M3) alongside distributed professional growing media, plastic containers, chemicals, irrigation equipment, greenhouse heaters, plant tags, and retail soils/mulches. The company serves as a single-source supplier to greenhouse, nursery, and garden center customers across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, consolidating all greenhouse supplies on a single delivery truck and offering custom private-label bagging services.

Product overview

Al-Par Peat Co. is a horticultural supply distributor founded in 1946, offering a comprehensive portfolio of growing media, containers, greenhouse supplies, fertilizers, and related products for greenhouse, nursery, and garden center operations. The company's product portfolio centers on its own branded offerings including PerFect Amendment (a proprietary Streptomyces-based soil additive), Michigan Made Mix (M3) (a premium hydroponic growing medium), and PaPa's Perfect Poop (an OMRI-listed organic fertilizer), complemented by distributed professional growing media from SunGro, Lambert, and Berger. The retail soil line includes Al-Par Peat Line, Garden+, and Tiara sub-brands offering various soil, peat, and mulch products. Container offerings encompass plastic pots, Smart Pots, and nursery cans from multiple manufacturers. The company also distributes specialized products including Dosatron injectors, Blacksmith BioScience biological treatments, greenhouse films, Modine heaters, and MasterTag plant tags. Al-Par Peat serves customers throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois with integrated shipping and private label bagging services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PerFect Amendment: A soil additive with a high concentration of patented beneficial Streptomyces on an iron and humic acid carrier, used for root development, plant vigor, and reducing watering needs.
• PaPa's Perfect Poop
• Michigan Made Mix (M3)
• Al-Par Peat Line
• Garden+ Line
• Tiara Line

Products and services

• PerFect Amendment A soil additive containing a patented concentration of beneficial Streptomyces on an iron and humic acid carrier, designed to enhance root development, promote plant vigor, reduce watering requirements, and reduce dependency on chemical fungicides. Targeted at greenhouse, nursery, and garden center operations.
• Michigan Made Mix (M3) A hydroponic growing medium with high perlite and vermiculite content combined with Canadian Sphagnum, Michigan Reed-Sedge Peat, and Papa's Perfect Poop organic time-release fertilizer pre-mixed in specific ratios for staged nutrient delivery from start to finish with only water addition required. Targeted at hydroponic and cannabis growers.
• PaPa's Perfect Poop Organic Time-Release Fertilizer An OMRI-listed organic time-release fertilizer available in 1# and 5# bags, with over 40 years of development experience, designed to release nutrients at different stages of plant growth without burning or shocking plants, also available as 'Super Tea' foliar feeding. Used by greenhouse, nursery, and home gardeners.
• Al-Par Peat Retail Soil Line Company-branded retail soil line including 40# Top Soil, 40# Organic Peat (Michigan Reed-Sedge Peat), 40# Cow Manure, 40# Potting Soil, and 20# Potting Soil, sold to garden centers and consumers.
• Garden+ Premium Retail Soil Line Higher-end retail soil line including 1.5 CF Premium Potting Soil, 3/4 CF Premium Potting Soil, 1.5 CF Moisture Potting Soil, 1.5 CF Premium Garden Soil, and 40 lb Premium Top Soil, positioned for garden center retailers.
• Tiara Retail Soil Line Retail soil line including 40# Top Soil, 40# Michigan Peat, 40# Cow Manure, and 40# Potting Soil, marketed through garden center retailers.
• Al-Par Peat Brunswick Ultra Growing Medium A general-purpose growing medium blend of Canadian Sphagnum peat moss and horticultural-grade perlite, pH balanced with Dolomitic Lime, including starter charge fertilizer and wetting agent for commercial greenhouse and nursery use.
• SunGro Professional Growing Media Distribution Distribution of SunGro's professional growing media including Sunshine #1, #4, #4 Advanced, #4 with Mycorrhizae, #15, and bark-based MetroMix line across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois for greenhouse and nursery professionals.
• Black Gold Retail Products Distribution Distribution of SunGro's Black Gold retail product line including Organic Seedling Mix, Natural and Organic Potting Mix, All Purpose Potting Mix, Just Coir, Moisture Container Mix, Ultra Coir, Garden Soil, Garden Compost, Raised Bed, Orchid Mix, African Violet Mix, and Cactus Mix in both small and large bag sizes for garden centers.
• Lambert Professional Growing Media Distribution Distribution of Lambert Professional Growing Media including LM-111 mix combined with PerFect Amendment, available in 3 CF Loose Fill bags and 3.8 CF Compressed Bales, covering professional mixes for all crop types and growing needs in MI, OH, IN, and IL.
• Berger Professional Growing Media Distribution Distribution of Berger Professional Growing Media across MI, OH, IN, and IL, including the BM-4 NF mix with Natural Wood Fiber described as an industry favorite, providing top-of-the-line soil additives and growing media components.
• Private Label Bagging Service Custom and standard mix private labeling service for retailers, with bag sizes ranging from 3/4 CF to 2.8 CF bags under customer branding, available on quote-based terms with minimum order quantities, production run minimums, and lead times for bag ordering and production scheduling.
• Bagged Mulch Products

Quantifiable outcome

• M3 (Michigan Made Mix) growers won the 'Outdoor Flower' Category for 'Organic Cup 2019'; M3 has consistently grown bigger plants than conventional growing and consistently passed testing for heavy metals.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SunGrocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes SunGro professional growing media products in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Products include Sunshine #1, #4, #4 Advanced, #4 with Mycorrhizae, #15, and bark mixes (MetroMix line), as well as the Black Gold retail line of soils including Organic Seedling Mix, Natural & Organic Potting Mix, All Purpose Potting Mix, Orchid Mix, African Violet Mix, Cactus Mix, Garden Soil, Garden Compost, Raised Bed, and various Coir products.
• Growscape (The HC Companies)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe HC Companies made an acquisition to expand their portfolio of HB, Planters, Pots, and trays and rebranded as Growscape. Al-Par Peat Co. distributes Growscape products and participates in early order programs with them, offering grower and retail soils, hanging baskets, flats, and container products. Catalog links provided through The HC Companies Catalog flipbook.
• LambertcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Lambert Professional Growing Media in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, including LM-111 mixed with PerFect Amendment. Products available in 3 CF Loose Fill bags and 3.8 CF Compressed Bales. The Lambert line covers professional mixes for all crop types and growing needs.
• BergercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Berger Professional Growing Media, described as a top-of-the-line manufacturer on the cutting edge of new soil additives and growing media components. Notable product is the BM-4 NF mix with 'Natural Wood Fiber', described as an industry favorite.
• Theriault & Hachey Peat Moss (T&H)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Theriault & Hachey Peat Moss growing mixes in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, stocking select products and bringing in additional items on next truck shipments as needed.
• DRAMMcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes DRAMM products including watering carts (20 Gal and 50 Gal), electric cart sprayers, electric back pack sprayers (4 Gal Lithium Battery), and water breakers. Catalog references both 2019 DRAMM Retail and 2018 DRAMM Commercial catalogs.
• East Jordan PlasticscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes East Jordan Plastics nursery containers and products, with a full catalog available through the company's flipbook catalog. Products include blow molded pots ranging from 3/4 Gal to 65 Gal.
• Belden PlasticsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Belden Plastics products including blow molded and injection-molded nursery containers, referenced in Belden Plastics Catalog July 2022.
• Landmark PlasticminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Landmark Plastic products for the horticulture and greenhouse market, with catalog access provided through Landmark Plastic's product website.
• DosatroncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Dosatron injectors for fertilizer and chemical dosing, including specialized housings for acid injection, inline pH meters, DosaCart (15 Gal tank with 11/14/20/40 GPM injectors), Li'l Bud-D Cart, and custom irrigation and dosing system design. Dosatron is described as a preferred injector in the horticulture and hydroponic industry.
• Blacksmith BioSciencecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Blacksmith BioScience biological products including NoFly (biological insecticide), Armory (blend of Streptomyces and bacillus for plant health), Tenet WP (biological fungicide against root zone diseases), Nitryx (beneficial nitrogen-fixing bacteria), and MegaPhos (biofertility microbe for phosphorus release). Products highly recommended by Al-Par Peat Co.
• Klerks Greenhouse FilmminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Klerks Greenhouse Film products for greenhouse covering applications, referenced through Klerks/RKW Group brochure materials.
• Modine HeatersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Modine Heaters for greenhouse climate control, included in early order programs alongside greenhouse film, polycarb, and other supply items.
• MasterTagminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. provides access to MasterTag's stock product catalog for plant tags and labeling products used in greenhouse and nursery operations.
• Gardman / World Source PartnersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Gardman products through World Source Partners catalog, offering garden center products and displays.
• J&D ManufacturingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes J&D Manufacturing products for horticulture, referenced alongside Gallina Polycarbonite for greenhouse covering and structural solutions.
• Berry Plastics FilmminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Berry Plastics agricultural film for greenhouse covering applications, accessible through Berry Global's agricultural film catalog.
• Kool Ray (Continental Manufacturing)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Kool Ray liquid shade products including Kool Ray Classic Liquid Shade (available in 5 gal buckets, 1 gal jugs, 55 gal drums) and X-Tra Stick (Qts and Gallon jugs) for greenhouse shading and climate control.
• DeWitt CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes DeWitt Company landscape and horticulture products, catalog available through DeWitt Company's product catalog reference.
• Bamboo SupplyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Bamboo Supply products for greenhouse and garden applications, with catalog available through Bamboo Supply's website.
• P.E.X.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes P.E.X. products for greenhouse and nursery operations, with pricing catalog available (AL PAR PRICING MCQ FALL 19-SPRING 2020).
• Muck Boot CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. carries the Muck Boot line including kids boots, Mucksters for greenhouse and garden use, and winter and hunting boots, offering 20%-30% off retail pricing for customers, especially for multiple pair purchases.
• Fine AmericasminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Fine Americas plant growth regulators and related products for greenhouse and nursery applications as part of their chemicals and fertilizer line.
• BASFminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes BASF chemical and fertilizer products for greenhouse and agricultural markets as part of their comprehensive chemicals line.
• SyngentaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes Syngenta products as part of their comprehensive chemicals and fertilizer offerings for greenhouse, nursery, and agricultural markets.
• ICL (Intelligent Crops for Life)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes ICL fertilizer and crop nutrition products as part of their water-soluble and time-release fertilizer inventory.
• BioSafe SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAl-Par Peat Co. distributes BioSafe biological and biosecurity products as part of their biological treatments and chemicals line for greenhouse and nursery applications.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hummert International: St. Louis-based wholesale distributor of greenhouse and nursery supplies including growing media, fertilizers, chemicals, and greenhouse structures. Direct competitor in the Midwest greenhouse supply distribution market, with similar product breadth and direct-to-grower sales model.
• Ball Seed Company: Large-scale horticultural distributor (subsidiary of Ball Horticultural) supplying greenhouse growers with seeds, plants, growing media, and supplies. Comparable as a one-stop distribution partner for professional greenhouse operations, with overlapping product categories and customers.
• BFG Supply Co. Regional horticultural distributor serving the Midwest and Northeast with growing media, containers, chemicals, and greenhouse supplies. Al-Par and BFG compete for the same greenhouse and nursery customers in the Midwest with overlapping product lines and similar value propositions.
• Griffin Greenhouse Supplies: National wholesale distributor of horticultural supplies (growing media, containers, chemicals, greenhouse equipment) to greenhouse growers, nurseries, and garden centers. Directly comparable to Al-Par in business model (resale + proprietary products) and customer base, but at significantly larger scale.
• McHutchison Horticultural Distributors: Specialty horticultural distributor serving greenhouse and nursery growers with growing media, containers, and supplies. Direct competitor serving the same customer verticals, now part of Dümmen Orange, with broader product portfolio than Al-Par.
• Eason Horticultural Resources: National wholesale distributor of greenhouse and nursery products including growing media, containers, and chemicals. Comparable to Al-Par in serving commercial greenhouse operations with multi-product procurement, though at a larger geographic scale.

Others

• Lambert Peat Moss: Canadian peat moss and professional growing media manufacturer. Al-Par distributes Lambert products in the Midwest, making them both a partner and a structural supplier in the same growing media value chain.
• Berger Peat Moss: Canadian peat-based growing media manufacturer with a leading professional mix line (BM-4 NF). Al-Par is a Midwest distributor for Berger, making them a key supplier-partner rather than a direct competitor.

Emerging players

• Premier Tech Growers and Consumers: Vertically integrated manufacturer of peat-based growing media, mycorrhizae inoculants, and organic amendments. Comparable in the proprietary soil amendment / peat product space, with greater scale and R&D resources than Al-Par.
• SunGro Horticulture: Leading manufacturer of professional growing media (Sunshine, Black Gold, MetroMix) and a key Al-Par distribution partner. Comparable as both a supplier and a competing brand in the peat-based growing media category, with national scale that supports direct sales to large growers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Al-Par Peat Co.