SpartanNash has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Markham Enterprises, Markham Oil and its affiliates, a chain of convenience stores and fuel distributor in mid-Michigan. Following the closing of this transaction in early December, SpartanNash will continue employment of Markham Enterprises' team members. This is the company's second acquisition this month and third of the year.

"Markham Enterprises fits well in our current retail portfolio, as we look to expand our fuel center and convenience store footprint," said SpartanNash Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and

Brighter Bites received a $25,000 donation from Sun Orchard, a leading developer and manufacturer of all-natural citrus based ingredient and beverage products, servicing market leaders across the foodservice, specialty industrial and club channels.

“Sun Orchard is proud to support Brighter Bites' mission of providing healthy food to children. Their dedication to childhood nutrition aligns perfectly with our company values,” Jeff DeBoer, chief commercial officer at Sun Orchard. “Through this collaboration, we hope to make a positive impact on families in need.”

This partnership highlights the

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility seized 14,745 pounds of fresh hog plum and fresh passion fruit last week.

“Our mission to safeguard American agriculture is just as important as intercepting narcotics. Keeping prohibited pests and diseases from damaging American agriculture helps keeps the costs of goods down,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

CBP officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor trailer arriving

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses — FP & H, J.A. Blurr Farms and H&L Fresh Produce — for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., through its vegetable division Mann Packing, sold its Fresh Leaf Farms brand and operations to First Leaf Farms, a new partnership between the Costa and Nunes families, both prominent leaders in the Salinas Valley produce industry.

After conducting a comprehensive review and defining a clear path forward, Fresh Del Monte is implementing a three-pronged strategy focused on increasing operational efficiency, elevating its product offerings and divesting non-core assets, which includes the sale of Fresh Leaf Farms.

Mann Packing will continue prioritizing its core

Fourth-generation fresh potato and vegetable supplier Bushwick Commission, based in Farmingdale, NY, has been honored with a prestigious designation as a historic business by the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. Bushwick was chosen for its 90-year legacy of service, commitment to the communities it serves, and resilience.

Starting as a modest produce stand with pushcarts in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, the company has expanded to become a major supplier of potatoes and other vegetables to the entire Atlantic Seaboard. Despite this growth, Bushwick has remained