JBT Corp., Chicago, partnered with SmartWash Solutions, Salinas, Calif., to start a new European alliance developed to bring an innovative combination of science, technology and engineering to fresh-cut produce processors in Europe.

SpartanNash Co., Grand Rapids, Mich., announced plans to exit its Indianapolis, Ind.-based Fresh Kitchen operations to improve operating earnings within the food distribution segment.

IF&P Foods, Indianapolis, Ind., and Get Fresh Produce, Bartlett, Ill., created a new company called FreshEdge, which consists of a collection of produce and specialty food distributors.

Get Fresh Cos. of Las Vegas, Nev., completed a significant expansion to its processor division.

Gulftech International, Inc., Denver, Colo., acquired ABL S.p.A., an Italy-based manufacturer of fruit processing equipment.

IF&P Foods, a Chicago-based private equity-backed family of produce and specialty food companies, acquired Get Fresh Produce, Bartlett, Ill.

JBT Corp., Chicago, announced a global alliance with SafeTraces, a Pleasanton, Calif.-based provider of food safety and traceability solutions, to integrate SafeTraces' patented DNA-based technologies into JBT's solutions portfolio for worldwide distribution.

1st Quality Produce, Fresno, Calif., announced plans to expand its newly remodeled facility to grow its own brand of heirloom tomatoes and other vegetables.