New ownership (1970–present)
In 1970, David Burpee sold the company to General Foods for $10 million.[8][10] In 1974, Burpee moved from its north Philadelphia location to its current headquarters at 300 Park Avenue in Warminster, Pennsylvania. SEPTA extended its Warminster Line commuter rail to Warminster, the train station being opposite Park Avenue from Burpee's headquarters. In the 70s, the company introduced seed-starting kits for beginners, an innovation in the seed industry.[5]
In 1979, the company was acquired by ITT. David Burpee remained as a consultant until his death in June 1980.[11] In 1981, experimentation and seed production left Fordhook Farm.[3]
In the 1980s, gardens had begun to shrink in size from an average of 600 square feet to 325 square feet while chain stores began selling a better selection of plants to their customers who preferred plants over seeds. These market changes and mismanagement by ITT led Burpee's sales to slump, and the company was purchased for $15 million by new investors McKinsey & Co. in 1987.[11][10]
In 1991, the Burpee company was acquired by George Ball, Inc., a diversified horticultural family business. The new leadership diversified the business by selling new and unusual varieties; more plants than seeds; opening its own retail stores in 2000; and utilizing its web store to boost business. Jonathan Burpee, the founder's grandson, was the last Burpee family member to work for the company.[11]
In 1998, Ball purchased the family farm, where notable varieties such as Iceberg lettuce and Big Boy tomato were bred, to renovate and establish the property as a horticultural center. The seeds Burpee produces are almost exclusively grown in California.[12]
In March 2019, James Mattikow was named the company's president and CEO.[13]
