As the ramifications of the split between Scotts and Solus started to take shape today, all of the suppliers we contacted were "doing all that we can to ensure supplies to our customers."

Martin Breddy, VP & General Manager of Scotts Miracle-Gro, commented: “As a company, we would like to reassure everyone that all of us at Scotts Miracle-Gro are working as hard as possible to fulfil orders and to make the supply of our products as seamless as possible. We'd like to thank our customers for their understanding during this challenging period, and also extend our thanks to the other partners who are helping out."

Some suppliers, even those who are not distributed by Solus are concerned of the possible implications to the trade as a whole.

A garden products supplier MD, told GTN Xtra:  "Customers are obviously concerned about continuity of supply and many will have negotiated valuable rebate agreements which must now be called into question. If rebate payments are not ultimately made then retailers will lose a valuable income stream and that impacts on all suppliers as this money is lost from the trade.  Should the worst happen, the rest of the supply chain must take the strain to keep the trade fed with stock so that retailers can make the most from what has begun as a very promising season. This will be no easy task!"

If you are a supplier with a view on the situation, please add a comment below or contact GTN Xtra:  trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk - 07973 504214.