Department of Defense awards $194M in contracts to fresh produce firms

Produce firms in New Jersey, California and Washington were recently awarded Department of Defense contracts to supply fresh fruits and vegetables to troops, commissaries and schools.

Last month, the Department of Defense said Seashore Fruit & Produce Co., Vineland, N.J., was awarded a maximum $49.7 million contract to supply fresh fruits and vegetables, according to a news release. The firm received a four-year contract with no option periods, the release said. The contract was competitive, and Seashore Fruit & Produce beat out two other firms competing for the business. The contract with the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support covers military and school locations in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C., with an April 18, 2026, ordering period end date., the release said.

In March, Spokane, Wash.-based Spokane Produce Inc. was awarded a $76.6 million contract by the Defense Commissary Agency to provide fresh fruits and vegetable products to four commissaries located in the Defense Commissary Agency’s Pacific Area. The award is for a 24-month base performance period beginning on May 15, according to the release, and includes three one-year option periods. 

If all option periods are exercised, the contract will be completed May 15, 2027, the release said. The produce company beat out one other company that submitted a proposal for the contract.

Also in March, Coast Produce Co. LLC, Los Angeles, Calif., was awarded a $68.1 million contract from Defense Commissary Agency to provide fresh fruits and vegetable products for 32 commissaries located in the Defense Commissary Agency’s West Area. The award is for a 24-month base performance period beginning on May 15 and includes three one-year option periods.

If all option periods are exercised, the contract will be completed May 15, 2027. Coast Produce beat out one other firm that submitted a proposal for the contract, according to the release.