USDA awards $6M for fruit juices, with Mayer Bros. Apple Products Inc. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,075,137 ($6.1M)

Contractor: Mayer Bros. Apple Products Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-01-28

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 184 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011131/4100033614/APPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ,CHERRY APPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ,GRAPE CONCORD JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ,CRANBERRYAPPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ

Place of Performance

Location: BARKER, NIAGARA County, NEW YORK, 14012

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $6.1 million to MAYER BROS. APPLE PRODUCTS INC. for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011131/4100033614/APPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ,CHERRY APPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ,GRAPE CONCORD JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ,CRANBERRYAPPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential food commodities for U.S. government donation programs. 2. The award represents a significant investment in supporting food security initiatives. 3. The contract duration of 184 days suggests a need for timely delivery of goods. 4. The fixed-price nature of the contract aims to control costs for the government. 5. The geographic origin of the supplier (New York) may influence logistics and delivery timelines. 6. This procurement is part of broader efforts to manage and distribute food aid.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $6.08 million for fruit juices appears reasonable given the quantity and nature of the commodities. Benchmarking against similar large-scale food procurement contracts for government donation programs would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to ensure cost predictability for the taxpayer.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was open, specific sources may have been excluded based on prior performance or other criteria. The presence of 9 bids suggests a competitive environment, which typically leads to better pricing and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging suppliers to offer their best terms.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries of U.S. government food donation programs, including food banks and charitable organizations, will receive essential fruit juice products. The services delivered include the procurement and supply of various types of fruit juices in specific packaging. The geographic impact is national, as the donated food is intended for distribution across the United States. The contract supports the agricultural sector by providing a market for fruit juice producers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting timely delivery.
Ensuring consistent quality across all delivered batches of juice.
Managing the logistics of distributing perishable or semi-perishable goods.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Supplier is based in New York, potentially facilitating regional distribution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food and beverage manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on fruit juice production. The U.S. food manufacturing industry is a significant contributor to the economy, with substantial government procurement activities related to food aid and support programs. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale procurements for staple food items by agencies like the USDA or Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate a small business set-aside. While Mayer Bros. Apple Products Inc. is the prime contractor, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether smaller suppliers are involved in the prime contractor's supply chain for raw materials or packaging.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service. Oversight mechanisms would include contract performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and adherence to delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases, and any issues would likely be subject to review by the USDA's Office of Inspector General.

Related Government Programs

USDA Food Purchase Programs
National School Lunch Program
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Food Bank Network Support

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions
Quality control for donated goods
Logistical challenges in distribution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $6.1 million to MAYER BROS. APPLE PRODUCTS INC.. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011131/4100033614/APPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ,CHERRY APPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ,GRAPE CONCORD JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ,CRANBERRYAPPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MAYER BROS. APPLE PRODUCTS INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Marketing Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-28. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for fruit juice procurement by the USDA for donation programs?

Analyzing historical spending data for fruit juice procurement by the USDA for donation programs would reveal trends in volume, pricing, and supplier diversity over time. This contract, valued at approximately $6.08 million, represents a specific instance of this ongoing procurement activity. Understanding past expenditures can help contextualize the current award, identify potential cost efficiencies or escalations, and assess the consistency of program support. Without access to a detailed historical database, it's challenging to provide precise figures, but such an analysis would typically involve examining contracts awarded over the last 5-10 fiscal years, noting any significant fluctuations in awarded amounts or changes in the types of juices procured.

How does the per-unit cost of this apple juice contract compare to market rates or similar government contracts?

Determining the exact per-unit cost requires knowing the specific quantities of each type of juice and their respective prices within the $6.08 million total. However, for a contract of this nature, the USDA likely benchmarks pricing against industry standards and previous awards. Factors such as packaging (8/64 fl oz plastic bottles), delivery logistics, and the specific blend of juices (e.g., cherry apple, grape concord) influence the per-unit price. If the average price per fluid ounce falls within or below typical retail or wholesale benchmarks for similar products, it suggests a fair price. Deviations significantly above market rates might indicate potential issues with cost-effectiveness, while prices below market could suggest favorable negotiation or potential quality concerns.

What is Mayer Bros. Apple Products Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly with the USDA?

Mayer Bros. Apple Products Inc. has a history of supplying products to government entities, including the USDA. Their track record would be assessed based on past performance evaluations, on-time delivery rates, product quality compliance, and any history of contract disputes or terminations. A review of their contract history would indicate their capacity to handle large-volume procurements and meet the stringent requirements of federal food programs. Positive past performance generally suggests reliability and competence, making them a suitable candidate for subsequent awards. Conversely, any documented issues would raise concerns about their ability to fulfill this current contract effectively.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific fruit juice procurement contract?

Key risks for this fruit juice procurement include supply chain disruptions affecting the availability of raw ingredients (apples, cherries, grapes) or packaging materials, potentially leading to delivery delays. Ensuring consistent product quality across all batches, especially for donations, is critical. Furthermore, managing the logistics of transporting and storing these beverages, particularly during warmer months, poses a risk of spoilage or damage. The firm fixed-price nature, while beneficial for cost control, could become a risk for the contractor if input costs rise unexpectedly, potentially impacting their profit margins or willingness to bid on future contracts. Finally, ensuring compliance with all food safety regulations and donation program requirements is paramount.

How effective are USDA food donation programs in achieving their stated goals, and how does this contract contribute?

USDA food donation programs, such as those supported by this contract, aim to reduce food insecurity, support American agriculture, and provide nutritional assistance to vulnerable populations. Their effectiveness is generally measured by the reach of the programs (number of individuals or households served), the nutritional quality of the food distributed, and the efficiency of the distribution network. This contract directly contributes by supplying essential fruit juices, which are a source of vitamins and hydration. The success of these programs relies on reliable procurement, efficient logistics, and strong partnerships with recipient organizations. Evaluating the overall effectiveness requires analyzing program-specific metrics and recipient feedback.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing › Fruit and Vegetable Canning

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 123J1426B0105

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3300 TRANSIT RD, WEST SENECA, NY, 14224

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,075,137

Exercised Options: $6,075,137

Current Obligation: $6,075,137

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline