Alfa Laval is teaming up with some of the EU’s most innovative technological solution finders in a bid at the forefront of Europe’s water challenges. Alfa Laval is drawing on its vast experience from a wide range of industries and both private and public sectors – such as Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Energy, Mining and Marine industries as well as wastewater treatment in municipalities and onboard ships.
The EU’s European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is seeking a consortium to run its latest Knowledge & Innovation Community (KIC) around Water, joining the 9 KICs already in operation that tackle themes such as digitalisation, energy, food and health.
The concept of the KICs was developed and launched by the EIT 15 years ago to boost Europe’s competitiveness against its global peers. That challenge was starkly illustrated by the Draghi Report of September last year, which outlined recommendations for boosting the competitiveness and productivity of the EU – such as boosting entrepreneurship and enabling speedier commercialisation and upscaling of innovative solutions. Europe is cited by The Economist to be 80 % less competitive than the US.
Consortium bids to form the new Water KIC were filed on June 17. Alfa Laval has signed up to the One Water bid, which bears testimony to its dedication to transition leadership in the water sector. Alfa Laval’s Water Industry Manager, Eline Suijlen, is excited by the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“This is the first time that we have been involved in a KIC bid, and it touches on all we do at Alfa Laval,” says Eline Suijlen. “We are committed to our purpose to pioneer positive impact, and this cannot be done without addressing water. This is the currency of the planet.”
The name of One Water consortium reflects the understanding that there is one water body only across freshwater and maritime waters. The holistic approach is reflected in the partners in the consortium, many of whom are from the public sector such as universities and research centres. They are looking for companies like Alfa Laval to provide the private sector context and vision of water stewardship and maritime water management based on decades of global experience finding innovative commercial and sustainable solutions for customers.
As outlined by the EIT, the Water KIC will be looking at three core challenges:
Scarcity, drought and floods
Marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation
Developing a circular and sustainable blue economy
Within each of those themes, the EIT is looking for a consortium who will form a KIC that boosts innovation, business creation and education, themes that are in Alfa Laval’s DNA and where Eline Suijlen believes it can add huge value to the bid.
The consortium is a forum that benefits the dialogue Alfa Laval has in discussion around water across freshwater and maritime waters in the whole value chain across academia, research institutes, and of course private and public companies, says Eline Suijlen.
“It is a very powerful combination, and we benefit from engaging as part of this process with parties we would not normally engage with as part of our normal business. For example, we see great potential in having access to cutting-edge research and technology development at a European scale, which will benefit our own R&D and future development,” says Eline Suijlen.
It is crucial for Alfa Laval that the Water KIC will offer various educational programs. “By co-creating these programs within the consortia today, we will be able to upskill our employees and partners and attract new talent,” says Eline Suijlen. “The launch of this KIC is making a big statement that smart water management is a key milestone for building water resilient societies. Without water there is no life and in the current geopolitical situation it is important that Europe is competitive, and for us it is a source of pride that Alfa Laval is part of this.”
As forecast, AGRANA, the food and industrial goods group, recorded a very significant deterioration in earnings for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year compared to the year-earlier quarter. Operating profit (EBIT) fell markedly to € 5.7 million. Revenue decreased moderately, by 6.8 %, to € 880.2 million.
Stephan Büttner (Photo: AGRANA)
“The overall weak operating performance in the sugar business and the announced one-time staff costs for restructuring measures in Austria and the Czech Republic were the major factors in the poor quarterly result,” explains AGRANA CEO Stephan Büttner. Despite economic uncertainty, AGRANA continued to pursue its goals under the new Group strategy, NEXT LEVEL, and made important progress. “Following the decision in March 2025 to end sugar production in Leopoldsdorf and Hrušovany in order to safeguard sustainable sugar production within the Group, AGRANA decided at the end of May to acquire all shares in AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH held by RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria AG. In our new strategic business area of Food & Beverage Solutions, we intend to more closely integrate the beverage bases and flavours businesses of AUSTRIA JUICE and to globally expand them. AUSTRIA JUICE’s product portfolio and capability to deliver solutions will help us to open up new markets, sales channels and customer groups. Despite the decline in business performance in the financial first quarter, we maintain our forecast for the full year 2025/26 of a Group EBIT in line with the previous year,” says Büttner.
New reporting structure
The new reporting structure in use from the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year is aligned with the two strategic business areas Food & Beverage Solutions (FBS) and Agricultural Commodities & Specialities (ACS).
The Food & Beverage Solutions (FBS) segment replaces what was known as the Fruit segment and comprises products and formulations for the dairy, food service, ice cream, bakery and beverage industries.
The Starch and Sugar segments will continue to be reported separately, with the designation “ACS” added to both names to reflect these segments’ placement under the strategic umbrella of the Agricultural Commodities & Specialities business area.
Food & Beverage Solutions (FBS) segment
Revenue of the FBS segment in the first quarter of 2025/26, at € 444.1 million, was moderately above the year-earlier level, for price reasons.
The FBS segment’s EBIT improved to € 36.4 million in the first three months of the financial year (Q1 previous year: € 27.0 million). The earnings growth resulted from a positive business performance both in the formulations and beverage businesses.
ACS – Starch segment
Revenue in the “ACS – Starch” segment was € 257.8 million in the first three months of 2025/26, a slight decrease from the year-ago quarter. The decline was due primarily to lower sales prices for saccharification products and for by-products and ethanol.
EBIT in the ACS – Starch segment was down very significantly year-on-year to € 2.8 million. The main reason for this was the margin decline in the ethanol business and in starch products. The compensation from the business interruption insurance for the autumn 2024 flood damage at the Pischelsdorf, Austria, plant had a positive impact on earnings in the first quarter of 2025/26.
ACS – Sugar segment
Revenue of the “ACS – Sugar” segment in the first quarter of 2025/26, at € 170.1 million, represented a significant reduction from one year earlier, as moderately higher sugar volumes sold to industrial customers were more than offset by a significant drop in volumes with resellers. However, the main reason for the revenue decline was a significant fall in sugar sales prices, particularly in the industrial sector.
The ACS – Sugar EBIT result in the first quarter of 2025|26 was a deficit of € 29.5 million, representing a pronounced deterioration from the year-earlier quarter. Due to the significantly lower sugar sales prices, the earnings measure “operating profit before exceptional items and results of equity-accounted joint ventures” fell to a loss of € 10.7 million (Q1 previous year: profit of € 0.1 million). A redundancy benefit plan was drawn up in connection with the restructuring through the discontinuation of sugar production in Leopoldsdorf and Hrušovany; the staff costs associated with the plan were € 17.9 million in the first quarter of 2025/26. This exceptional item had an added negative impact on EBIT.
Outlook
At Group level for the full 2025/26 financial year, AGRANA expects operating profit (EBIT) to be steady compared to the year before. Group revenue is projected to show a slight reduction.
As part of the new AGRANA NEXT LEVEL strategy, measures with a sustained annual savings impact of up to € 50 million are to be implemented in the 2025/26 financial year. However, these savings cannot cancel out the effect of the negative market developments seen particularly in the ACS – Sugar segment.
Total investment across the Group in the new financial year, at approximately € 115 million, is to be slightly above the 2024/25 value and in line with budgeted depreciation.
Symrise has completed a major upgrade to its Pasaje site in southern Ecuador. The facility produces banana and tropical dry ingredients. A new workshop aims to further support customers’ innovations. Also, the project includes the reconstruction of factory areas impacted by the 2023 earthquake.
Located in the heart of a major banana-growing region, the Pasaje facility produces flakes and powders from bananas and other tropical fruits. The latest investments include additional drum dryers in a new drying zone, as well as anti-seismic infrastructure. Modernized office spaces upgrade working conditions.
“These improvements raise the site to the highest food safety and anti-seismic standards” said Felipe Cuevas, LATAM Operational Director, Symrise Food & Beverage Naturals. “In addition, we have significantly expanded production capacity to meet rising customer demand. The reconstruction of damaged parts of the factory, following the earthquake, also contributes to an optimal working environment for our employees. This increased drying capacity reinforces Symrise’s ability to supply consistent, safe, and high-quality natural ingredients to food, beverage & baby food manufacturers worldwide,” Felipe added.
“The Pasaje site plays a strategic role in our Symrise global production network,” said Aurélie Pellé, Global Product Line Director for Fruit & Vegetables, Symrise Food & Beverage Naturals. “With this upgrade, we are reinforcing our leadership position in the banana and tropical dry ingredients market. Our unique location and industrial set-up open doors for innovative solutions to serve confectionary, baby food, bakery, or savory markets” Aurélie added.
With this investment, Symrise reaffirms its long-term commitment to Ecuador and the production of tropical ingredients.
A groundbreaking new clinical trial reveals that people with type 2 diabetes can enjoy a glass of 100 % orange juice at breakfast without adversely affecting blood sugar levels.
The study, published in the international journal Nutrition and Diabetes, compares the effects of consuming whole oranges and fruit juice on blood sugar levels and insulin response, with surprising results.
Type 2 diabetes is a growing global health issue, affecting nearly 4.6 million people in the UK alone, with an estimated 1.3 million more potentially undiagnosed, according to Diabetes UK. Lifestyle factors, especially diet, play a critical role in managing and preventing this condition.
Conducted by scientists at the University of Hasselt in Belgium, the study involved normal-to-overweight adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes. Participants consumed a standard high-carbohydrate breakfast on three separate occasions, each time paired with either whole orange pieces, a 250 ml glass of 100 % orange juice, or an orange-flavoured drink with added sugars.
Blood glucose and insulin levels were measured over four hours following each meal.
Lead researcher Dr. Kenneth Verboven explained: “We believed that the lowest blood glucose levels would be seen when someone ate fruit with breakfast while orange juice and a sugary drink would cause higher glucose levels. In fact, there were no differences. We think this was because most of the rise in blood glucose and insulin came from the bread eaten at our standard carbohydrate rich breakfast. The small amounts of sugars from the fruit or drinks were inconsequential.
“This doesn’t mean we recommend that people with diabetes should have drinks with added sugars at breakfast as these typically have no nutritional benefit. However, 100% orange juice is different as the sugars come directly from the fruit and it contains similar vitamins, minerals and bioactives to whole oranges. While fruit remains the healthiest addition to breakfast as it contains some fibre, a small daily glass of 100% fruit juice is a convenient alternative when fruit isn’t an option”.
A recent study from Ipsos commissioned by Swedish food tech company Picadeli found 86 % of Britain’s Gen Z adults fail to meet WHO guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake — incorporating a daily glass of 100 % fruit juice can help bridge this gap.
Pure orange juice and other 100 % fruit juices are classified as minimally processed, containing no added sugars, flavourings, or preservatives under both EU and UK law. Just one glass of orange juice provides over 80 % of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports immunity and skin health.
Dr. Carrie Ruxton, award-winning nutritionist, commented: “With fruit intake alarmingly low across Europe, adding a small daily glass of fruit juice into your diet can be an easy way to make sure you consume important nutrients and vitamins. This study shows that you don’t need to avoid fruit juice if you have well-controlled diabetes and can instead benefit from the vitamins and minerals. Choosing a high fibre breakfast, such as oats or bran flakes, is a good way to help limit those blood sugar spikes”.
Market summary
According to DataIntelo, in 2023, the global frozen fruits market size is estimated to be valued at approximately USD 5.7 billion and is projected to reach USD 9.8 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2 % from 2024 to 2032. The growth of this market is driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient and healthy food options, alongside advancements in freezing technology that preserve the nutritional content and taste of fruits.
The frozen fruits market has gained remarkable traction over the past decade, emerging as a convenient and nutritious alternative to fresh fruits. With changing consumer lifestyles, a growing preference for ready-to-use food products, and the increasing awareness of food wastage, frozen fruits have become a staple in many households and food service establishments worldwide. This market includes a wide variety of fruit products that are preserved through freezing techniques to maintain taste, texture, and nutritional value over time.
Market drivers
Several factors are contributing to the growth of the frozen fruits market. Chief among them is the rising demand for convenience food driven by urbanisation and hectic lifestyles. Consumers, particularly in developed and emerging economies, are leaning toward time-saving meal solutions that do not compromise on health. Frozen fruits offer year-round availability, consistent quality, and longer shelf life, making them highly desirable.
Moreover, the expanding popularity of smoothies, yogurts, desserts, and health-focused snacks has further propelled demand. Foodservice industries and fast-food chains increasingly rely on frozen fruits to streamline their operations without compromising flavour or freshness.
Technological advancements
The adoption of advanced freezing technologies, such as IQF (Individual Quick Freezing), has revolutionised the market by preserving fruit quality more effectively. These innovations ensure minimal nutrient loss and better texture retention, which appeal to health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, improved packaging solutions have enhanced product visibility and extended product shelf life, helping manufacturers minimise waste and improve logistics.
Regional insights
North America and Europe currently lead the global frozen fruits market, driven by high consumer awareness and well-established cold chain infrastructures. However, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for significant growth, thanks to increasing disposable incomes, changing dietary patterns, and growing urban populations in countries like China and India. Governments and private sectors in these regions are investing in better refrigeration and distribution networks, further supporting market expansion.
Challenges and constraints
Despite the optimistic outlook, the market faces challenges such as seasonal availability of raw materials, high storage and transportation costs, and consumer perception regarding preservatives and freshness. Additionally, fluctuations in agricultural yield due to climate change can impact the supply chain and pricing.
Future outlook
The frozen fruits market is expected to grow robustly in the coming years, driven by innovation, greater health awareness, and expanding retail distribution. Sustainable sourcing practices and eco-friendly packaging are anticipated to become more important, with companies focusing on reducing environmental impact while meeting consumer demand.
Competitive landscape
Major key players in the market are:
Dole Food Company, Inc.
Ardo NV
Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
Kerry Group plc
SunOpta Inc.
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG
Welch Foods, Inc.
Del Monte Foods, Inc.
SICOLY Cooperative
Titan Frozen Fruits
J.R. Simplot Company
Wawona Frozen Foods
Nature’s Touch Frozen Foods
BENEO (a leading manufacturer of functional ingredients), California Natural Color (a global ingredient supplier of premium grape juice concentrates, natural colours and grape seed extract) and GELITA (specialist in collagen peptides, collagen and gelatine) have announced a collaboration to develop an innovative performance drink concept that will be available for sampling at IFT FIRST 2025. Bringing together the individual strengths of each company, the concept combines ingredients that support endurance, performance and body composition. Its benefits go beyond the existing market products in the realm of sports nutrition demonstrating great potential for developing products that cater for the more diverse needs of consumers in this area.
With many consumers now taking a proactive approach to supporting their health through exercise, the booming market for sports nutrition1 has become saturated with formulations with similar benefits that primarily focus on muscle growth or providing energy during activities. An active lifestyle today takes many forms, and addressing more diverse consumer needs, requires a more innovative approach.
The result of the partnership is a clean label, milk-based sports drink that provides a range of scientifically proven benefits for improving performance. It delivers sustained energy, enhances the effects of endurance training and promotes efficient fat burning.
To create this next-generation beverage concept, the collaboration combines carefully selected ingredients to achieve optimum results, including:
BENEO’s smart carbohydrate Palatinose™ – providing a mild sweetness, low-glycaemic profile and a sugar-like taste. The ingredient’s scientifically proven effects include sustained energy supply2, fat oxidation3 and hydration4, supporting fitness goals and body composition.
California Natural Color’s Pure Brown Carrot – delivering high-strength, natural color in a unique crystal deliver format that is highly stable – holding up to heat, light, and pH – and easily soluble. Pure Brown Carrot also aligns with consumer preference for a clean label with the ingredient labelled as “Vegetable Juice for Colour” in the US, supporting a simple, recognisable label that consumers can trust.
GELITA’s Bioactive Collagen Peptides, PeptENDURE®, are scientifically proven to enhance endurance performance. Daily consumption has been shown to significantly improve running capacity5, increase fat-free mass6 and support muscle regeneration7 compared to a placebo.
As an enticing milk-based application, rather than a traditional sports drinks such as whey shakes or isotonic drinks, this concept extends appeal to a diverse range of active, health-conscious consumers looking for a solution that supports endurance, performance and recovery. Through this new concept BENEO, California Natural Color and GELITA are highlighting the exciting opportunity for innovative sports nutrition products that boost stamina and improve body composition.
This industry-first concept delivers the perfect toolbox for manufacturers to cater for the wide- ranging needs of active consumers with quality ingredients and performance benefits that are backed by sound science.
The drink concept will be sampled at the forthcoming IFT FIRST 2025 exhibition in Chicago (13th –16th July) as a lactose-free UHT milk mixed with powder blend.
1Sports Nutrition Market Size, Trends & Forecast 2025-2035 2Low Glycemic Index Prototype Isomaltulose—Update of Clinical Trials 3König D, Zdzieblik D, Holz A, Theis S, Gollhofer A (2016) Substrate utilization and cycling performance following Palatinose™ ingestion: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Nutrients 8(7): 390. doi: 10.3390/nu8070390, Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4963866/ 4Amano et al., 2022 5Jendricke et al. 2020/Jerger et al. 2022 6Jendricke et al. 7Bischof et al. 2023
Collective Project, a Canadian cannabis beverage brand known for its bold flavour pairings, real fruit juices, and creative can design collaborations with emerging artists, has officially launched in the U.S. with direct-to-consumer shipping in 25 states.1
This major milestone follows Collective Project’s acquisition earlier this year by Organigram Global, Canada’s #1 cannabis company by market share. After a soft launch of its sparkling juice lineup in select states in Fall 2024, Collective Project built early excitement for its flavourful, fruit-forward beverages. The brand now expands to consumers across the country with full-scale e-commerce and the debut of its new sparkling lemonades – all crafted with real fruit juice, high-quality ingredients, and hemp-derived THC.
At Collective Project, every can is a canvas. Every beverage is a collaboration between the brand’s flavour creators and visual artists from around the world, transforming every product into a functional piece of art. Through this global creative platform, Collective Project brings together expressive design, great taste, and a modern way to enjoy cannabis.
“Collective Project is rooted in flavour and creativity,” said Megan McCrae, SVP, Corporate Strategy & International Growth, Organigram Global. “We’re proud to partner with artists from around the world to create cans that reflect the vibrant community behind our brand. And as the hemp-derived Delta-9 space grows, we see a real opportunity to offer consumers a modern, social alternative to alcohol – one that brings together great taste, thoughtful ingredients, and artistic expression.”
Sparkling juices
The sparkling juice lineup offers rich, effervescent flavours made with true-to-fruit blends for an unmatched full-body experience. Currently available in 4-packs (12oz cans):
Blood Orange, Yuzu & Vanilla (available in 5mg and 10mg THC)
Mango, Pineapple & Coconut (available in 5mg and 10mg THC)
Raspberry Vanilla (available in 10mg THC)
New: Sparkling lemonades
The sparkling lemonades offer a zesty, low-calorie, and low-sugar option that adds a bubbly twist to every celebration. Available in 4-packs (12oz cans):
Classic Lemonade (available in 5mg THC)
Raspberry Lemonade (available in 5mg THC)
Cherry Limeade (available in 5mg THC)
All beverages are made with high quality hemp-derived THC and are tested by independent third parties for consistency, quality, and compliance. With a variety of THC levels, there’s a dose for every kind of cannabis experience and lifestyle. Collective Project products are available for purchase by consumers 21+.
1Collective Project is now shipping to Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA boosts global trade with new features and stronger international participation
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025 is gearing up for a dynamic edition at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong on 3–5 September, and the global fresh produce business is responding in force. With exhibitors from 41 countries and regions, 25 national pavilions, and numerous new initiatives, the event promises its most international and engaging edition yet.
New forums, First Timer Pavilion, and Retailer’s Club
This year’s event introduces two brand-new forums: the Frozen Fruit and Vegetables Forum on Day 1 and the Nuts and Dried Fruit Forum on Day 2. Both take place on the Asiafruit Showcase stage and are followed by dedicated networking sessions, giving visitors direct access to expert insights, key buyers and suppliers, and new business opportunities in these fast-growing categories.
Also new is the First Timer Pavilion. Created for companies debuting at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, it offers a high-visibility platform to introduce their businesses. The First Timer Pavilion is already nearing capacity, with exhibitors from Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, the US, and India among the first to join.
The Retailer’s Club returns in 2025 after its successful debut, welcoming around 200 top retail buyers from across Asia and the world. Retailers enjoy exclusive services including a dedicated Lounge, Speed Dating, meeting spaces and curated Matchmaking.
Strategic insights from business leaders
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA visitors enjoy full access to ASIAFRUIT KNOWLEDGE CENTRE, the new content hub on the trade show floor. Powered by Asiafruit Magazine, ASIAFRUIT KNOWLEDGE CENTRE features three content streams – Asiafruit Congress, Asiafruit Business Forum and Asiafruit Showcase – bringing visitors an unrivalled combination of strategic insights, practical advice, and innovative solutions.
Bigger global footprint
The international scale of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA continues to grow, with exhibitors from 41 countries and regions already confirmed, including 25 national pavilions. Portugal, Azerbaijan, and Morocco are returning to the show after several years, while Lithuania and Kenya make their debut appearance. Chile, Peru, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and Tanzania are all increasing their footprint with larger stands and more participants.
China will once again be the largest-single exhibiting country, underlining its critical role in Asia’s fresh produce trade. Leading Chinese distributor Goodfarmer – which has participated in every single edition of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA since its launch in 2007 – highlighted the show’s global impact.
“The event has become a key platform for us to engage with the global fruit industry, enhance our international profile, and build strong partnerships worldwide,” said Eric Zheng, banana product director of Goodfarmer.
Leading Turkish exporter Aksun is another longtime exhibitor at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, and managing partner Akin Soyleyen said the show continues to be “a cornerstone event” for business development in the region.
“Each year, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA provides us with invaluable opportunities to strengthen our existing business connections and establish new partnerships across Asia and beyond,” said Soyleyen. “We truly value the professionalism and international reach of the event, and we look forward to an even more impactful edition in 2025.”
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA also enables top global brands to deepen their penetration in the fast-developing Asia markets and showcase exciting new products.
“The show is an exceptional platform for Driscoll’s Asia to connect with industry leaders and explore new opportunities in the Asian market,” said Andy Suh, senior director – Rest of Asia for leading global berry marketer, Driscoll’s.
OptiCept Technologies has signed an agreement with one of Vietnam’s largest food companies to validate the CEPT® technology for juice extraction. The project includes a fee-based testing period during which the CEPT® application will be integrated into the customer’s production lines for pineapple and passion fruit juice.
This initiative marks an important step in OptiCept’s strategic expansion in Southeast Asia and strengthens the company’s position in the global juice segment. During the third quarter of 2025, an OPTICEPT® LJ7 unit is planned to be installed at the customer’s facility in Vietnam. The goal is to demonstrate the technology’s ability to increase extraction yield and improve product quality.
“We see great opportunities in the region, and this collaboration confirms our ambition to grow in the Southeast Asian market. We already have very strong results for pineapple and see significant potential in passion fruit as well, which is a more technically challenging raw material. Taking these results from lab scale to industrial scale is an important step forward,” says Thomas Lundqvist, CEO of OptiCept Technologies.
CEO Hans Roelofs to retire effective August 1, 2025
Refresco’s Supervisory Board has launched succession plan
Refresco, the global independent beverage solutions provider, announces that Chief Executive Officer Hans Roelofs will retire, effective August 1, 2025.
Hans has had a distinguished career spanning over 18 years at Refresco. Under Hans’s leadership, Refresco successfully expanded, and now operates in 13 countries across 75 manufacturing sites and has a global workforce of over 14,000 employees. Building on its resilient business model, Refresco has enjoyed a journey of substantial value creation, demonstrating the strength and adaptability of its operations.
James Cunningham, Partner of KKR and Chairman of the Refresco Supervisory Board, stated: “I would like to thank Hans for his tremendous career at Refresco and the role he played in driving the Company’s success for nearly two decades. Hans’s passion for and commitment to Refresco is admirable, and he was instrumental to the Company’s ascent to a global leadership position. We are grateful for his leadership in positioning Refresco for continued success in the years to come as we continue to expand the Company’s footprint and execute on our proven strategy to grow alongside our strong and diversified customer base.”
CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs, commented: “It has been a true privilege and honor to lead Refresco since 2007. Together with our passionate and highly professional team, we have grown the business from a small regional player into the global leader in beverage solutions that we are today. With its blue-chip customer base, Refresco is now stronger and more resilient than ever, and I am proud of what we have achieved. This is the right time for me to step back, confident that the company will continue to grow and thrive on its unique entrepreneurial spirit and the agility of its people.”
Frédéric Stévenin, Managing Partner of PAI and Refresco Supervisory Board Member said: “I would like to thank Hans for his outstanding, dedicated service to Refresco and its stakeholders since he joined the Company in 2007. Under his leadership, Refresco went through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. We look forward to celebrating Hans’s many amazing accomplishments as his formal retirement date nears.”
Refresco’s Supervisory Board has already launched a succession planning process to identify and appoint the best candidate to lead the Company’s next chapter, and is expecting to announce a new CEO in due course. While this process is ongoing, the Board and the Company are committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition, with Hans remaining in his role as CEO until his retirement date.
As of June 18, 2025, Dirk Schweikert, Head of Group Quality at Döhler Group, is the new President of SGF International e.V. The experienced quality manager brings in-depth industry knowledge and many years of leadership experience to the role. He succeeds Dr Joachim Tretzel, who has led the association with great dedication and strategic foresight since 2013.
Alexandra Heinermann, General Manager of SGF, stated: “With Dirk Schweikert, a proven expert with deep understanding of the fruit juice industry is taking over the presidency. We are very much looking forward to working together and gaining fresh insights from his perspective and experience. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr Tretzel for his valuable service over the past twelve years. During this time, he played a significant role in shaping SGF’s development and laid a solid foundation for the future.”
Dirk Schweikert emphasised: “I am very grateful for the trust placed in me by my colleagues on the Executive Committee and I look forward to this new task. Together with the SGF team, I aim to continue the successful work of my predecessor and drive forward new projects that benefit our members.”
SGF extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr Joachim Tretzel for his many years of dedicated tenure. During his presidency, the association’s international role was strengthened, key partnerships were expanded, and the voluntary control system was developed further in line with quality assurance and consumer protection. We wish him all the very best for the future.
Due to the cold wave in the South, Southeast and in some areas of the Central-West in Brazil in late June, some citrus producing regions in São Paulo, Paraná and in the south of Minas Gerais registered frosts on June 26. In spite of that, only some areas were affected and producers are still evaluating if there are impacts.
Players surveyed by Cepea say that major concerns are about the tahiti lime, since low temperatures may affect the fruit color in this period of limited supply. As for ponkan tangerine, frosts in this period can accelerate fruit droppage. Moreover, the cold weather may also affect the colour of the fruit.
Prices
The proximity of the new crop continues to press down orange quotations in the natura market – the supply of early fruits is higher. Prices of pear oranges in the in natura market were at BRL 60.48 per 40.8 kg box, on tree, between June 23 and 27, downing 4.1 % compared to that in the previous period.
As for tahiti lime, the price average from June 23-27 is BRL 40.16 per 27.2 kg box, moving down 1.9 % in the same comparison.
Florida
The report released in June by the USDA indicates that the 2024/25 orange crop in Florida is likely to total 12 million 40.8 kg boxes, upping 370 thousand boxes in relation to that released in the May report, but still 33.5 % smaller compared to the season before (2023/24).
Exports
Brazilian shipments of orange juice in the partial of the current season (2024/25 – from July/24 to May/25) continue below the volume registered in the same period of previous crops.
So far, Brazil shipped 730.948 thousand tons of OJ (equivalent to concentrate juice – 66º Brix), which is 22.4 % smaller than that in the same period of the season before (from July/23 to May/24) – data from Comexstat. It is worth noting that, in the first 11 months of previous crops, the volume was close to 1 million tons. The combination of lower quality and high prices have been limiting exports.
The revenue, in turn, continues to grow, boosted by high prices paid for the commodity, especially at the beginning of the season. In the partial of the 2024/25 crop, the revenue has totaled USD 3.285 billion, 33.1 % up in relation to that verified in the same period of the 2023/24 season.
Bragg Live Food Products, Inc., a century-old brand in the US that brought Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) into the wellness mainstream, is raising the bar once again with the launch of its newest innovation: Bragg® Pineapple Turmeric Apple Cider Vinegar Blend. Launching online at Bragg.com and on Amazon today, this vibrant new variety of ACV offers a bold, sweet and tangy twist on the iconic original. It’s perfect for the health-conscious consumer looking for a new flavour option to mix up their daily wellness routine or round out their favorite recipe with a bold new flair.
Crafted with Bragg’s signature organic, raw, unfiltered ACV, the Pineapple Turmeric ACV Blend infuses the zesty wellness staple with the tropical brightness of organic pineapple and the earthy, functional benefits of turmeric, a spice widely recognised for its digestive support. The result is a unique and delicious way to enjoy all the benefits of ACV, including 750 mg of acetic acid per serving and Bragg’s legendary naturally fermented ‘Mother’ in a flavour-forward formula designed to energise and inspire.
“At Bragg, innovation is rooted in a deep understanding of how today’s consumers define wellness – and, increasingly, that includes products that deliver both function and taste,” said Rona Williams, Senior Director of Strategic Innovation at Bragg. “According to recent trends, over 70 % of consumers say they’re more likely to stick to a wellness routine when it tastes good, and tropical flavours like pineapple are seeing double-digit growth in functional beverages. Our new Pineapple Turmeric ACV Blend meets this moment: a bold, tropical twist on our iconic Apple Cider Vinegar that delivers wellness benefits with a craveable flavour experience.”
The new Pineapple Turmeric ACV Blend is the latest addition to the Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Blends family crafted for modern lifestyles and intentionally versatile to support any daily wellness ritual. Whether it’s a morning metabolism shot, a boost to a smoothie, a post-workout recovery or a refreshing happy hour mocktail, this vibrant blend delivers bold tastes and proven benefits. With just 20 calories per serving and no artificial colours or preservatives, the Bragg Pineapple Turmeric ACV Blend joins Bragg’s lineup of functional favourites, including the Honey, Citrus Ginger, Cranberry Apple and Honey Cayenne ACV Blends.
“We’ve spent over 100 years building trust through products that stand the test of time. That is both our legacy and our lighthouse as a heritage brand,” said Linda Boardman, CEO of Bragg Live Food Products. “The launch of our Pineapple Turmeric ACV Blend is more than just flavour innovation; it is reflective of our dynamic understanding of today’s evolving consumer – one that wants personalised wellness that fits his or her life: bold, effective and enjoyable. This new blend delivers the time-tested benefits of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar with a vibrant twist. It captures our commitment to honoring Bragg’s legacy while innovating with intention for the next generation of wellness seekers.”
On 3 June 2025, the US announced it would impose 50 % tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. This move represented an escalation compared to the 25 % tariff previously imposed on such imports on 10 February 2025. These policies create challenges for US manufacturers and users of packaging made of imported steel and aluminum. However, domestic recycling is enabling US aluminum can manufacturers to avoid the worst effects of tariffs, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s recent report “Industry Insights: The impact of tariffs on consumer packaged goods” reveals which CPG-relevant sectors are most affected by tariffs within specific trade relationships and how companies in these sectors will be affected. It also provides insights into consumer reactions to changes in the market caused by the imposition of tariffs.
Rory Gopsill, Senior Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: ” Unlike many other industries that rely significantly on metal imports, beverage can manufacturers in the US obtain a considerable share of their raw materials from recycled sources. The Aluminum Association reports that over 70 % of the aluminum utilised in domestic beverage cans is derived from recycled content. This closed-loop supply chain provides can manufacturers with a degree of insulation from US tariffs on imported aluminum as part of efforts to safeguard domestic industries and address trade imbalances with China and other exporting nations.”
In 2025, 99.6 billion rigid metal beverage cans are forecast to be sold in the US, according to GlobalData’s Primary Packaging and Outers Database. The Aluminum Association’s assertion that over 70 % of aluminum used in domestic beverage cans is recycled suggests that, of the total, 70 billion rigid metal beverage cans are made of recycled aluminum, leaving roughly 30 billion with significant exposure to tariffs on aluminum.
Tariffs create both opportunities and challenges for US recycling
Can manufacturers typically choose recycled aluminum over virgin aluminum because it is financially and environmentally less costly. This is because producing usable aluminum via recycling requires 95 % less energy than producing usable aluminum from scratch. In this respect, tariffs could create opportunities for US-based aluminum recycling plants as tariffs create yet more financial incentives for packaging manufacturers to utilise recycled materials. In other respects, however, tariffs create problems for the US’ recycling industry. For example, shipping recycled materials across national borders in North America is complicated by tariffs, with only US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)-compliant goods being tariff exempt.
Gopsill concludes: “In a volatile economic climate, where global supply chains are increasingly politicised, the US beverage can sector’s embrace of recycled aluminum stands out as a model of resilience. By leveraging domestic, sustainable materials, the industry not only reduces environmental impact but also cushions itself from macroeconomic shocks – proof that circularity and competitiveness can go hand in hand.”
Welch’s, an iconic leader in the fruit-based food and beverage industry in the US, celebrated the official opening of its new corporate headquarters at Reservoir Place, owned by BXP, in Waltham, Massachusetts. The move marks a pivotal moment in the company’s 150-year history, reinforcing an enduring commitment to quality and innovation while investing in strategic growth to support the next chapter of the company’s continued evolution.
“The official opening of our new headquarters marks an exciting milestone in our Welch’s journey,” said Trevor Bynum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Welch’s and National Grape Cooperative. “As we enter our next phase of growth, this new space in the dynamic business community of Waltham provides the ideal environment for our teams to thrive and reach our ambitious goals.”
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 17 to celebrate the occasion, featuring inspiring remarks from Bynum, Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy, as well as a number of other notable local officials including City Councilors Bill Hanley, Kathleen McMenimen, Sean Durkee, and Councilor at Large Carlos Vidal. Guests also enjoyed a spread of the latest innovations across Welch’s Sparkling and new ZERO beverage lines, plus refreshments from local favourites Muddy Water Coffee Food Truck and Kane’s Donuts.
“We’re proud to welcome Welch’s to Reservoir Place and to the BXP community,” said Patrick Mulvihill, Senior Vice President of Leasing for BXP’s Boston region. “It’s exciting to see such a historic yet forward-looking brand bring its next chapter to life here in Waltham, and we look forward to Welch’s continued success in our thriving business district.”
Located at 1601 Trapelo Road, the 60,000 square-foot facility was designed in partnership with SGA, and project managed by A/E/C solutions, featuring new and modern lab space, open collaboration spaces, and modern amenities while offering strategic visibility and accessibility off I-95. The move to Waltham reflects Welch’s commitment to providing a dynamic environment that supports current employees, attracts top talent, and creates new opportunities for the company and its workforce. More than a change of address, the new headquarters enhances operational efficiency and brings Welch’s vibrant brand identity to life.
Welch’s is thrilled to welcome its 200 corporate employees into the new space that will power the next chapter of the company’s historic legacy.
CEO Hans Roelofs to retire effective August 1, 2025
Refresco’s Supervisory Board has launched succession plan
Refresco, a global independent beverage solutions provider, announces that Chief Executive Officer Hans Roelofs will retire, effective August 1, 2025.
Hans Roelofs has had a distinguished career spanning over 18 years at Refresco. Under his leadership, Refresco successfully expanded, and now operates in 13 countries across 75 manufacturing sites and has a global workforce of over 14,000 employees. Building on its resilient business model, Refresco has enjoyed a journey of substantial value creation, demonstrating the strength and adaptability of its operations.
James Cunningham, Partner of KKR and Chairman of the Refresco Supervisory Board, stated: “I would like to thank Hans for his tremendous career at Refresco and the role he played in driving the Company’s success for nearly two decades. Hans’s passion for and commitment to Refresco is admirable, and he was instrumental to the Company’s ascent to a global leadership position. We are grateful for his leadership in positioning Refresco for continued success in the years to come as we continue to expand the Company’s footprint and execute on our proven strategy to grow alongside our strong and diversified customer base.”
CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs, commented: “It has been a true privilege and honor to lead Refresco since 2007. Together with our passionate and highly professional team, we have grown the business from a small regional player into the global leader in beverage solutions that we are today. With its blue-chip customer base, Refresco is now stronger and more resilient than ever, and I am proud of what we have achieved. This is the right time for me to step back, confident that the company will continue to grow and thrive on its unique entrepreneurial spirit and the agility of its people.”
Frédéric Stévenin, Managing Partner of PAI and Refresco Supervisory Board Member said: “I would like to thank Hans for his outstanding, dedicated service to Refresco and its stakeholders since he joined the Company in 2007. Under his leadership, Refresco went through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. We look forward to celebrating Hans’s many amazing accomplishments as his formal retirement date nears.”
Refresco’s Supervisory Board has already launched a succession planning process to identify and appoint the best candidate to lead the Company’s next chapter, and is expecting to announce a new CEO in due course. While this process is ongoing, the Board and the Company are committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition, with Hans remaining in his role as CEO until his retirement date.
The „2025/2026 Tree Inventory and Orange Crop Forecast“ presents the results of the eleventh survey on the tree inventory of São Paulo and west- southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt carried out by Fundecitrus in cooperation with full professor from the department of Math and Science at FCAV/Unesp from August 2024 to May 2025. The report is based on full remapping and in-field data collection from August 2024 to May 2025 and reflects a notable rebound in orange production following years of challenges …
Fruit beverages market size, share, and forecast 2025 to 2035
The global fruit beverages market is projected to grow from USD 50 billion in 2025 to USD 74 billion by 2035, registering a steady CAGR of 4.0 %. The juice blends segment dominates in 2025 with a 38 % share, supported by rising demand for functional and fortified fruit drinks.
Fruit beverages market forecast and outlook 2025 to 2035
The fruit beverages market is projected to grow from USD 50 billion in 2025 to USD 74 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.0 % during the forecast period. The United States is expected to be the most lucrative market for fruit beverages, owing to its mature yet evolving demand for low-calorie, vitamin-enriched juices and blends.
Meanwhile, India is anticipated to register the fastest growth from 2025 to 2035, driven by rising disposable income, a shift toward healthier beverage choices, and expanding organised retail penetration across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
The fruit beverages market is undergoing a steady transformation, with consumers increasingly shifting away from carbonated soft drinks toward natural, health-forward alternatives. Juice blends fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, and functional ingredients like turmeric or collagen are gaining popularity.
While premiumisation and wellness-driven innovations continue to fuel growth in urban segments, rural and price-sensitive markets remain dominated by traditional, pulp-rich mango and mixed fruit variants.
However, growth is restrained by seasonal raw material availability, regulatory scrutiny around sugar content, and high packaging and cold chain costs. To address these challenges, manufacturers are investing in aseptic filling technology, cold-pressed processing, and no-added-sugar formulations that appeal to health-conscious consumers and align with clean label trends.
Looking ahead from 2025 to 2035, the fruit beverages marketis expected to evolve toward greater functional differentiation and sustainability. Demand for organic-certified, traceable, and plant-based beverages will accelerate, especially in Europe and East Asia …
New Study by the American Journal of Medicine finds that drinking fruit-type drinks is associated with a 15 % higher risk of type 2 diabetes
Findings also highlight no association between drinking 100 % fruit juice and the risk of type 2 diabetes
Eating whole fruit – containing dietary fibre and other beneficial compounds –has a protective effect against type 2 diabetes
Dr Carrie Ruxton urges families to consume 100 % fruit juices and whole fruits at breakfast
Families urged to rethink their breakfast choices as new research highlights the importance of 100 % fruit juice and whole fruit and warns against added sugar drinks.
A new meta-analysis of 14 cohort studies – published by the American Journal of Medicine – has revealed a significant link between the consumption of fruit drinks is associated with a 15 % higher risk of type 2 diabetes. This includes juice beverages with added sugars, sweeteners, or water.
In contrast, there is no statistically significant association between drinking 100 % fruit juice and the risk of type 2 diabetes – whilst eating whole fruit, which contains dietary fibre and other beneficial compounds, has a protective effect against type 2 diabetes.
The researchers suggest that the increased risk linked to fruit-type drinks may be due to:
Lack of fibre: Fruit drinks lack the dietary fibre found in whole fruit and pulp, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. All 100 % juices contain pectin, a type of soluble fibre, while some types have the pulp added back.
Added sugars: The presence of added sugars in fruit drinks contributes to higher calorie intakes and can lead to blood sugar spikes.
Type 2 diabetes is a growing global health issue, with lifestyle factors such as diet playing a critical role in prevention – with latest data from Diabetes UK showing almost 4.6 million people in the UK currently live with diabetes, and almost 1.3 million people could be living with type 2 diabetes who are not yet diagnosed.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, award-winning nutritionist at the Fruit Juice Science Centre, explains: “This study highlights the importance of choosing 100 % fruit juice over sweetened or diluted alternatives. While whole fruit remains the gold standard for health benefits, 100 % fruit juice can be a convenient and nutritious option for families, providing essential vitamins and minerals without the added sugars found in fruit drinks, such as Sunny D and Capri-Sun.
“These new findings highlight the importance of making informed dietary choices, particularly for families with children. I urge parents to consider:
Choosing 100 % fruit juice: When selecting fruit juice, it is important to look for labels that specify “fruit juice,” which means the product contains only the natural juice extracted from fruit, with no added sugars, sweeteners, or water. Unlike fruit drinks, 100% fruit juice retains the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants naturally found in fruit, such as vitamin C and potassium, which support immune function and heart health – great for breakfast time to kickstart the day.
Prioritising whole fruit: Whole fruit should always be the first choice when it comes to consumption. Whole fruits, such as apples, oranges, and berries, are rich in dietary fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, supports digestive health, and promotes a feeling of fullness. In addition to fibre, whole fruits contain a wide range of beneficial compounds, including phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Limiting fruit drinks: These often contain added sugars, sweeteners, or extra water and should be consumed sparingly as they can contribute to higher calorie intakes and blood sugar spikes.
“Under both EU and UK law, any product labelled as ‘fruit juice’ is 100 % pure fruit juice. That means it cannot contain added sugars, sweeteners, preservatives, colours or flavourings – only the naturally occurring sugars found in whole fruit.”
GNT has extended its plant-based EXBERRY® Organics portfolio with the launch of a new pink colour that delivers bright shades in a wide range of food and beverage applications.
EXBERRY® Organics Brilliant Pink is a liquid-based concentrate made from purple sweet potatoes grown in compliance with both EU and US organic standards. It is created using physical processing methods and supports simple label declarations, such as “concentrate (sweet potato*)” (*from certified organic agriculture) in the EU and “organic vegetable juice for colour” in the US.
The new shade provides a vibrant pink colour and is designed to perform well in formulations that require high heat processing. It is well-suited to low-pH applications including beverages, gummies, chewy toffees, frozen desserts, yogurt, and fruit preparations.
Anne van der Meijde, Product Manager at GNT Group, said: “The organic sector is seeing renewed interest as consumers look for more natural and sustainable food and drink, but there can be a perception that these products are less indulgent. EXBERRY® Organics Brilliant Pink helps manufacturers create attractive, appetising organic products without having to compromise on the ingredient list.”
The EXBERRY® Organics range features a broad spectrum of shades, including pink, red, purple, blue, green, orange and yellow. This gives manufacturers the tools they need to match both visual and technical requirements across product categories.
Anne van der Meijde said: “At GNT, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of plant-based colouring solutions to meet different application requirements. Our experts will work with manufacturers to select the best colouring solution for their project needs and help them achieve the results they need.”
Combining convenience with sustainability benefits
Ampol Food, a leading innovator in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, has opted for SIG’s on-the-go carton bottle, SIG DomeMini, for the launch of its V-FIT premium rice-based nutritional drink range. This launch marks SIG DomeMini’s market entry in Thailand – combining on‑the‑go convenience of a plastic bottle with the sustainability benefits of a carton pack.
The launch aligns with Thai consumers’ increasing demand for sustainable packaging when making purchase decisions. The main material of the SIG DomeMini carton bottle, designed for recycling, is FSC™-certified paperboard. It is manufactured using 100 % renewable electricity and has a lightweight and space-saving design. With the high share of forest-based renewable material as well as a sophisticated resource-efficient and space-saving design, SIG DomeMini comes with a number of environmental benefits compared to alternative packaging options like single-use plastic bottles.
By packaging its V FIT premium rice drinks in SIG DomeMini, Ampol Food delivers a sleek, distinctive, and ergonomic carton pack with a large, centrally positioned cap, that allows consumers to drink as from a bottle and that is easy to open and reclose – a perfect fit for busy, health conscious consumers.
The SIG DomeMini 12 Aseptic filling machine is capable of aseptically filling 12,000 packages per hour – in a total of seven volume sizes from 180 to 350 ml on one and the same filling machine with volume change in just 15 minutes. This maximises efficiency and flexibility, providing an excellent return on investment for beverage manufacturers.
Sprite continues its string of successful limited-time-only (LTO) innovations this summer with the launch of Sprite + Tea.
The category-crossing offering blends the crisp, lemon-lime refreshment of Sprite with the classically refreshing flavour of tea. Regular and zero-sugar varieties of Sprite + Tea hit shelves across the United States and Canada and will remain in market through October.
Sprite + Tea is a uniquely strategic, insights-driven innovation inspired by the viral trend of consumers steeping tea bags in Sprite.
“We’re always listening to our consumers, but this particular phenomenon motivated us to explore how we could offer our own refreshing take on tea,” said Kate Schaufelberger, Brand Director, Sprite North America. “Sprite fans love variety, not just in flavour but in the ways we bring refreshment to life through unique multisensorial experiences that stay true to the essence of the brand.”
Coca-Cola North America’s R&D team completed several rounds of consumer testing to fine-tune the formula for the amber-coloured sparkling beverage, striking a smooth and refreshing balance of the complementary flavours.
“The Sprite + Tea concept started out as an intern research project, which is really fun and interesting,” adds A.P. Chaney, Senior Creative Director, Sparkling Flavours North America. “When it blew up on TikTok with millions of views, it was a gut check that we were on the right track. Because you never go wrong when you listen to consumers and tap into what they’re doing by becoming part of their everyday.”
Chaney compared the Sprite + Tea origin story to another hybrid offering, Sprite Lymonade, which was driven by fans mixing their beloved brand with lemonade.
Packaging for the LTO fuses the Sprite logo and signature green with gold and amber accents, dynamic splash graphics and a youthful font atypical of ready-to-drink tea brands.
Sprite + Tea hits the market on the heels of last summer’s hit LTO, Sprite Chill, which became the No. 1 selling sparkling soft drink innovation at Coca Cola in 2024, earning a sustaining spot in the Sprite portfolio lineup.
Flavour innovations are a growth driver for Sprite, which is now the No. 3 sparkling soft drink brand in North America. LTOs present a fun creative challenge for the Sprite team due to limited time in market and the need to communicate multiple messages.
The Prognosfruit Conference is Europe’s leading annual event for the apple and pear sector, gathering growers from across Europe and beyond. Prognosfruit 2025 will take place in Angers, France, from the 6th to the 8th of August 2025, the first edition in the country since Toulouse in 2012. Registration is now open, and stakeholders and journalists are welcome to register via the Prognosfruit website.
Prognosfruit, the leading annual event for the apple and pear sector, will take place in Angers, France, from the 6th to the 8th of August 2025. Prognosfruit 2025 is organised by WAPA in cooperation with ANPP (Association Nationale Pommes Poires). Registration is now open on the Prognosfruit website.
Since 1976, Prognosfruit has released the annual forecast of apple and pear production for the upcoming season, with a conference organised in a different country each year. In 2025, the three-day event during which the report will be released will see representatives of the sector gather to discuss the Northern Hemisphere situation as well as global perspectives for apples and pears. Following the Prognosfruit Conference on August 7, the delegates will have the opportunity to participate in technical orchard and packhouse visits.
Given its commitment to the environment, particularly through the Eco-Responsible Orchards label, the ANPP has announced that this event will be carbon neutral, with the offsetting to be achieved through orchard plantings.
The programme of Prognosfruit 2025, the online registration form to attend the conference, and a platform to book your accommodation in Angers are all available on the Prognosfruit website.
All Oranges 12.0 Million Boxes
The 2024-2025 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 12.0 million boxes. The total includes 4.60 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 7.40 million boxes of Valencia oranges …
Vitamin C is a unique, flavourful, and tasty ingredient found naturally in fruits and vegetables, with essential health-boosting properties.
The growth in popularity of vitamin C stems from the ingredient’s versatility across categories where it adds functional health benefits to snacks, energy and vitality to beverages, and natural everyday support for baby care products, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions, including collagen synthesis, immune function, and antioxidant protection. It is commonly found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.
The ingredient is the subject of GlobalData’s latest report: “Ingredients Insights: Vitamin C”, which combines findings from the company’s Ai Palette innovation and consumer insights platform with GlobalData’s consumer intelligence center insights to provide a deep dive understanding of why vitamin C enjoys such positive consumer sentiment and how it is being used as a beneficial ingredient in various markets and categories. The research report also identifies the consumer trends that are driving Vitamin C’s popularity, provides suggestions for other compatible ingredients and reviews how manufacturers can use vitamin C in their products.
Leveraging the world’s largest consumer data lake, with a staggering 61 billion global data points collected in real-time from social media, e-commerce, and foodservice menus, GlobalData’s Ai Palette platform has conducted a thorough analysis of Vitamin C’s ‘engagement score’ and data point growth rates over the latest two-year period. This analysis has pinpointed key innovation opportunities for Vitamin C across key categories. In the food and beverage sector, the primary focus areas are snacks and beverages, while in the beauty and personal care sector, the baby care category stands out.
Beverages
South Korea, the UK, and the US are the top three beverage markets for vitamin C. The natural presence of vitamin C in fruit-based drinks, such as orange and citrus juices, and its increasing inclusion in functional beverages and mocktails have boosted the ingredients’ popularity in these markets.
Vitamin C in non-alcoholic beverages aligns with the vitality and balance trend, which emphasises health, well-being, and maintaining an active lifestyle. This trend is particularly appealing to older demographics, who prioritise ingredients like vitamin C for its role in skin health and joint support.
Olivier Fevre, Associate Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Consumers and brands associate vitamin C with a healthy lifestyle. Tapping into the health & wellness trend is crucial for brands using vitamin C, as consumers increasingly value ingredients that support overall wellbeing. Vitamin C is strongly associated with skin care and nourishing benefits, making it a natural fit for products positioned around gentle care or daily wellness routines. By delivering added nutrition or nourishing properties, such as natural energy or supporting skin health, products containing vitamin C are a simple, everyday way for families to boost their health and wellness from the snacks, beverages, and baby care categories.”
Wynk™, a award-winning cannabis seltzer brand, announced the launch of Mandarin Pomelo, a limited-time summer release crafted to pair perfectly with real-life get-togethers — from backyard BBQs to poolside hangs.
“We’ve seen growing demand for fresh, seasonal flavours that offer something different from our core lineup,” said Angus Rittenburg, CEO of Wynk. “It’s an exciting time of momentum for the brand, and Mandarin Pomelo, with its citrus-forward profile, sets the tone for what we expect to be a standout summer.”
Mandarin Pomelo brings a vibrant splash of citrus to Wynk’s lineup, blending juicy mandarin with the tart, aromatic notes of pomelo for a crisp, sunny flavour that tastes like summer in a can. Wynk seltzers feature a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD for a light, balanced buzz perfect for afternoons that turn into evenings. It’s a refreshing option for the warmer days ahead, ideal for summer social hangs.
Mandarin Pomelo is alcohol-free, zero-calorie, and zero-sugar — crafted for sipping and socialising without the hangover. Each 12 oz can contains 5 mg THC and 5 mg CBD, offering a smooth, sessionable buzz with a quick onset and mellow finish.
The release of Mandarin Pomelo also reflects Wynk’s continued growth, creating new retail footprint opportunities alongside product innovation. With strong in-store placement and expanding consumer demand, the brand is positioned to increase visibility and drive trial throughout the summer season.
Mandarin Pomelo is available in the US now, but only for a limited time. Order online at drinkwynk.com or find it near you at drinkwynk.com/pages/find-in-store.
Carlsberg Britvic is expanding its 7UP range with 7UP Pink Lemonade, a zero-sugar variant that delivers the ultimate refreshment with its lemon, lime and raspberry flavour.
7UP is the number one lemon and lime brand in GB1 and this represents its first launch since 2020. 7UP Pink Lemonade looks to capitalise on the growing role of innovation in driving growth in the flavoured carbonates category, which, over the last three years has accounted for 35 % of total flavoured carbonates value growth2. With its zero-sugar recipe, it provides an appealing alternative for consumers seeking no-sugar options without compromising on taste or refreshment.
Research from the brand has shown that the colour pink cues flavour, hydration, and refreshment3, making the eye-catching pink liquid and packaging a key factor in driving shopper engagement. Flavour is the number one consumer choice driver4 so, to tap into that trend and add variety to the 7UP range, Pink Lemonade offers a refreshing new option that caters to both loyal brand fans and new shoppers looking for something different.
Ben Parker, VP Sales – Off Trade, Carlsberg Britvic, said: “7UP Pink Lemonade represents a fresh twist for what is such a popular brand. As one of the largest brands in the fruit-flavoured carbonates retail space, bringing in £77m in Retail Sales Value5, it presents an exciting opportunity for consumers and retailers. We want to continue growing the category with exciting innovation, offering a drink that not only delivers on taste but also visually stands out on shelves to catch the eye of shoppers. We really look forward to seeing consumers trying the product and retailers and stockists benefiting from a launch that creates a buzz in the soft drinks space.”
7UP Pink Lemonade is available in 330 ml cans, 500 ml bottles (both in plain or price-marked packs), two litre bottles and multipacks of eight 330 ml cans.
1Nielsen IQ RMS, Carlsberg Britvic Defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Sales, L52 wks, w/e 05.04.25 2Nielsen RMS, Carlsberg Britvic defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Growth, 52 w/e 29.03.25, 52 w/e 30.03.24, 52 w.e 01.04.23 3Shopper Centric – Health and Wellbeing Pre- evaluation, June 2024 4Greenshots, Britvic Shopper Research, 2024 5Nielsen IQ RMS, Britvic Defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Sales, L52 wks, w/e 05.04.25
Arla Foods Ingredients has extended its distribution partnership with MasterSense to bring innovative nutrition solutions to the Chilean market.
The new distribution agreement reinforces both companies’ commitment to grow in the region, expanding a collaboration that began in Mexico in 2024. It covers Arla Foods Ingredients’ solutions for two key segments:
Performance nutrition – there is high potential for further development in Chile’s performance nutrition market, which includes sports nutrition, health and supplements
Food and beverage – both companies see strong growth potential in segments such as dairy, bakery, beverages and foodservice
MasterSense distributes a comprehensive portfolio of ingredients and flavours serving the food, beverage and nutrition industries in Latin America. It has a presence in six countries, including Chile, and serves a total of 11 countries in the region. With expertise in food design and technical excellence, MasterSense is uniquely positioned to deliver Arla Foods Ingredients’ advanced nutrition solutions in Chile.
A recent Arla Foods Ingredients survey of 1000 Chilean consumers found that great taste, convenience, naturalness and high-protein content were their most important considerations when purchasing food. One in four considered “whey protein” a very attractive claim. When asked which products they would like to contain more protein, Chilean consumers cited yogurts, dairy beverages, bread and juice as their top choices.1
1’Consumers in Chile – Thoughts on Food and Whey Protein’ (Online quantitative survey by Arla Foods Ingredients, distributed by Lindberg International) 2024.
Rising demand for natural ingredients in the food industry
The global fruit puree market is witnessing a significant transformation, driven by a strong consumer preference for healthier, more natural food products. As processed foods come under scrutiny for their additives and artificial ingredients, fruit purees have emerged as a clean-label alternative that supports both flavor enhancement and nutritional value. From baby foods and beverages to dairy, bakery, and confectionery applications, the usage of fruit purees is growing across a wide spectrum of industries.
The global fruit puree market is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 26.5 billion by 2025, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7 % from 2025 to 2032, ultimately attaining a market value of approximately US$ 40.9 billion by 2032.
This trend reflects a broader movement toward holistic wellness and plant-based nutrition, fueling global demand and creating new opportunities for market players.
Health-conscious consumers powering the growth trajectory
Consumer awareness regarding diet and health is at an all-time high. Increasingly, individuals are scrutinising product labels and opting for items that align with their dietary and lifestyle goals. Fruit purees, often free from added sugars, artificial preservatives, and synthetic colours, are gaining popularity as a wholesome ingredient. This shift is particularly evident in regions like North America and Europe, where clean-label product penetration is growing rapidly. In developing markets such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America, rising disposable incomes and urbanization are enabling consumers to experiment with healthier food choices, including fruit-based snacks and beverages.
Innovation in product development and packaging
To maintain a competitive edge, manufacturers are investing heavily in product innovation. Novel flavours, exotic fruit combinations, and organic variants are being introduced to attract a wider consumer base. Mango, banana, apple, and berries remain among the most popular choices, while demand for tropical fruits like guava, papaya, and passion fruit is steadily increasing. Alongside product diversification, innovation in packaging has become critical to ensure freshness, shelf stability, and convenience. Flexible pouches, single-serve packs, and resealable containers are becoming mainstream, supporting both consumer convenience and sustainability goals
Role of fruit puree in functional foods and beverages
As the line between food and medicine blurs, fruit purees are being leveraged as a functional ingredient in health-focused products. Their natural concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants makes them suitable for functional beverages, nutritional bars, and sports recovery products. In the baby food segment, the use of fruit puree ensures nutritional adequacy while offering gentle flavours that appeal to infants and toddlers. Moreover, foodservice providers and quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are integrating fruit purees into smoothies, desserts, and sauces, boosting their versatility and expanding the market potential.
While mature markets continue to show steady demand, emerging economies are experiencing accelerated growth. In Asia-Pacific, the rising middle class and expanding retail infrastructure have significantly improved the availability and accessibility of processed fruit products. Countries like India, China, and Thailand are seeing increased consumption of packaged fruit-based items, driven by changing lifestyles and growing health awareness. Similarly, in Latin America and the Middle East, consumers are warming up to convenience products that align with traditional flavours, creating a strong demand for locally relevant fruit puree variants.
Sustainability and traceability in supply chains
Sustainability is fast becoming a cornerstone of the fruit puree market. From ethical sourcing of raw materials to environmentally friendly packaging, companies are making concerted efforts to reduce their ecological footprint. Initiatives such as sourcing from certified organic farms, reducing food waste through better processing methods, and using recyclable packaging materials are gaining traction. Moreover, traceability has emerged as a key differentiator, especially among discerning consumers who demand transparency regarding the origin and quality of ingredients.
Technological advancements enhancing production capabilities
Recent advancements in food processing technologies are playing a critical role in the evolution of the fruit puree industry. High-pressure processing (HPP), aseptic packaging, and cold chain logistics are enabling manufacturers to retain the natural colour, texture, and nutritional value of purees while extending their shelf life. These innovations not only improve product quality but also help reduce operational costs and food wastage. Additionally, smart factory initiatives and the adoption of IoT-enabled systems are improving process efficiency and scalability for large-scale production.
Challenges in the market landscape
Despite promising growth, the fruit puree market is not without challenges. Seasonal availability of fruits, vulnerability to climatic conditions, and price volatility are ongoing concerns that affect supply chains. Moreover, maintaining consistent quality across batches can be difficult due to the natural variability in fruit content. Regulatory compliance, especially concerning organic and non-GMO certifications, also imposes cost and resource burdens on manufacturers. However, industrystakeholders are actively addressing these issues through strategic collaborations with farmers, contract farming, and investment in quality assurance technologies.
Strategic partnerships and market consolidation
To strengthen market positioning, key players are engaging in mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. These strategic moves are enabling companies to diversify product portfolios, access new markets, and benefit from technological synergies. The involvement of multinational food corporations and private equity firms in the fruit puree space signifies growing investor confidence. According to Persistence Market Research, the industry is poised for sustainable expansion through 2025, with strategicinvestments in innovation, infrastructure, and brand building likely to determine long-term success.
Future outlook and opportunities
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the fruit puree market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, underpinned by global health trends, product innovation, and expanding distribution networks. Opportunities abound in niche areas such as organic baby food, fortified beverages, and plant-based dairy alternatives. Digital marketing and e-commerce platforms are playing a pivotal role in educating consumers and driving direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales. Additionally, increased focus on localised production and diversification into untapped regional markets will shape the future landscape of the industry.
Conclusion
The fruit puree market is riding a wave of transformation driven by consumer demand for natural, nutritious, and versatile food ingredients. As health and sustainability become central to consumption choices, fruit puree is emerging as a critical component in the evolution of modern food systems. With proactive innovation, robust supply chains, and consumer-centric strategies, industry players are well-positioned to unlock new avenues of growth and value creation in 2025 and beyond.
New research reveals how food and beverage brands can lead innovation for millions facing sensory and nutritional challenges
IFF a global leader in food, beverage, and health and wellness, has released a new report highlighting how the rapidly growing GLP-1 consumer market is reshaping the sensory experience and nutritional needs associated with eating and drinking. The report outlines how food and beverage manufacturers can better support this emerging consumer segment with products that align with their evolving preferences.
“IFF is empowering our customers to lead the next wave of food and beverage innovations beyond traditional formulations, including helping GLP-1 consumers have choices they desire,” said Erik Fyrwald, IFF CEO. “We aim to bring back the joy of eating and drinking by offering more healthy, great-tasting nutrition choices for all consumer segments, including GLP-1 users.”
Disconnect on three levels
Despite the rapid rise in GLP-1 medication use, most food and beverage products fall short of meeting the needs of these consumers – or aligning with how they now experience food. IFF has identified a disconnect on three key levels:
Nutritional: GLP-1 users are eating less but require more from every bite and sip. They need nutrient-dense, smaller portions that efficiently deliver protein, fiber and hydration—without overwhelming flavours.
Sensory: Eighty-five percent of GLP-1 consumers report significant changes in their food and beverage preferences. Common aversions include fatty foods, sweets, deli meats, coffee and alcohol. Dry, sticky or dense textures are also frequently rejected.
Emotional: Many consumers are navigating a changed relationship with food—one that may involve a sense of loss, social disruption and a search for new meaning in nourishment.
Understanding the GLP-1 consumer personas
IFF is in the early stages of exploring GLP-1 consumer segmentation to help brands move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach toward one grounded in empathy, specificity and long-term relevance. The company’s latest outlook introduces key consumer personas, which are expected to evolve over time:
Health Hacker Holly: Proactive, data-driven and focused on long-term wellness, she views GLP-1 as part of a broader bio-optimisation journey. She seeks functional benefits in formats such as protein bars, smoothies and enriched hydration blends, prioritising high-quality protein, added fiber and digestive support.
Remedy Reacher Ron: Often managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, he uses GLP-1 to reclaim his health and sees food as both medicine and maintenance. He looks for fortified snacks and gut-friendly options aligned with medical guidance, favoring meal kits and low-glycemic shakes.
Glow Getter Gail: Transformation-minded and focused on lifestyle and self-image, she wants food that aligns with her goals and identity – aspirational yet approachable, with “glow-up” appeal. She seeks portion-conscious indulgences, beauty-boosting nutrition and enjoyable flavours in formats such as smoothies, functional waters and shareable treats.
The outlook also outlines how the food and beverage needs of each GLP-1 persona evolve over time. In the initial treatment phase, consumers need support managing smaller portion sizes and medication side effects. The transitional phase focuses on preventing regression, requiring flexible serving sizes and flavour intensity options that adapt to changing cravings. In the “forever” phase, consumers seek to sustain their new routines with habit-forming formats for daily use, nutritional fortification and pre-portioned, high-satiety foods.
Driving empathy-powered innovation
IFF has introduced a comprehensive framework to support food and beverage manufacturers in addressing the complex sensory and nutritional needs of GLP-1 consumers. The framework is designed to guide both the reformulation of existing products and the development of new offerings, tackling challenges such as muscle mass maintenance, satiety, digestive support and sensory preferences. To demonstrate practical applications, IFF has developed a suite of AI-refined, consumer-tested product concepts that show how manufacturers can optimize their portfolios for this rapidly expanding market.
Tropicana, one of the most popular juice brands in the world, has expanded its range with the launch of two of its best sellers in smaller serve cartons in the UK market.
Voted the number one orange juice vs other leading brands in the UK, Tropicana original orange juice is now available, in two varieties – with pulp and without pulp, in a smaller portion carton for the first time. With this 500 ml beverage carton, Tropicana offers more options for consumers to experience its ‘as fresh as from the fruit’ signature taste in an increasingly diverse market.
A key trend in the UK is a progressively ageing population that is creating a shift to more households with older adults and fewer children.
„Now with our best-selling orange juice in 500 ml cartons we have created accessibility for even more UK households to enjoy the great taste, quality and refreshment of Tropicana orange juice at breakfast. This smaller format pack is designed for smaller households such as empty nesters and retirees for whom the larger pack formats of Orange Smooth and Orange Original may not meet their needs. It also allows more price sensitive shoppers to buy into the branded category in light of price inflation, putting Tropicana on breakfast tables in more household demographics.“, says Nikolaos Kokidis, Packaging Procurement Lead Europe, Tropicana.
Consistency in quality
UK consumers also ranked Tropicana highest on fruitiness, real orange flavour, and freshly squeezed taste3 and the consistency in quality is reflected in the choice of cartons for these new product presentations.
„Opting for the Pure-Pak® carton gives the brand range consistency on the shelves along with our standard carton pack and bulk formats,” adds Nikolaos Kokidis. Consumers are familiar with Tropicana as a leading juice brand in cartons for the UK market.
Cartons are fully recyclable in the UK and with new Simpler Recycling legislation from the Department for Environmental, Food & Rural Affairs4 (DEFRA) mandating liquid carton collections at household kerbside from March 2026, consumers can be confident their waste carton reaches a recycling facility.
1The New Fieldwork Company – May 2023 2Attitudes towards Healthy Eating – UK – 2024 – Mintel 3UK CATA CLT – April 2023 4Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England – GOV.UK
PulPac is pleased to announce that SIG InnoVentures and Optima, a global technology leader in advanced packaging machine solutions, will join the company as new shareholders. This strategic investment broadens PulPac’s existing group of investors and underscores the confidence both SIG InnoVentures and Optima have in PulPac and its Dry Molded Fiber technology – paving the way for innovative and responsible alternatives to single-use plastic.
“Over the past year, we’ve achieved significant progress with our technology, expanding its range of applications and opening new possibilities that have attracted major players seeking scalable, eco-friendly solutions across additional packaging categories,” said Linus Larsson Green, CEO of PulPac. “Having SIG and Optima come on board as shareholders strengthens our capacity to meet this demand. SIG, with its extensive range of packaging solutions, has the reach to create a significant market shift, while Optima’s expertise in packaging and bespoke machinery for Dry Molded Fiber helps us accelerate the implementation of our technology on a global scale.”
SIG’s Chief Markets Officer, Christoph Wegener, explained how closer involvement with PulPac aligns with SIG’s mission to bring food and beverage products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable, and affordable way: “We see great potential in PulPac and Dry Molded Fiber. We believe PulPac and Dry Molded Fiber have an important role to play in meeting the growing demand for ever more responsible solutions.”
Fredric Petit, Packaging Partner at Emerald and SIG’s investment advisor, commented, “PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber technology stands out as one of the most scalable and impactful innovations in sustainable packaging today. Its ability to deliver high-performance, cost-efficient fiber solutions at industrial scale makes it a natural fit for forward-thinking leaders like SIG. We believe this investment not only advances SIG’s commitment to sustainability but also accelerates the broader industry transition away from single-use plastic.”
Optima’s CEO, Dr. Stefan König, highlighted what led the company to also invest in PulPac: “Our initial collaboration on machinery showed immense promise in advancing Dry Molded Fiber solutions. By becoming shareholders, we’re deepening that partnership and combining our engineering expertise with PulPac’s technology. We look forward to scaling Dry Molded Fiber together and enabling sustainable packaging solutions that can truly reduce single-use plastic across the industry.”
This announcement follows PulPac’s existing partnership with Optima, announced in September 2024, which confirmed a shared commitment to advancing sustainable packaging solutions. By leveraging each partner’s unique capabilities, that initiative aims to accelerate the availability of fiber-based caps and closures at scale – offering brands, consumers, and the planet a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to single-use plastic.
KHS GmbH has restructured its voluntary reporting process. The systems provider for the filling and packaging industry has now brought its sustainability report further into line with the EU reporting standard and is disclosing additional non-financial KPIs. Protection of the climate remains a key element of the company’s strategic core measures.
“We’ve come a good step further in 2024. This is mainly thanks to the successful validation of our goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)”, says Nicole Pohl, senior ESG manager and human rights officer at KHS. KHS has drawn up an extensive catalog of measures based on its SBTi validation. “The sustainability report presents our ambitious targets defined together with the Group in a transparent and comprehensible manner.”
Moreover, KHS has considerably increased the number of non-financial KPIs published within the context of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and together with the Salzgitter Group’s obligation to report. In taking these key figures into consideration, KHS also wishes to gradually harmonise its procedure with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
SBTi confirms effectiveness of climate protection measures
One central topic is the protection of climate. The shared climate goals of Salzgitter AG and KHS were successfully validated by the SBTi in 2024: here, by 2028 the KHS Group is intent on reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 36 % and those for Scope 3 by 20 %. Its net zero target is to be reached by 2045 for Scopes 1 and 2 and by 2050 for Scope 3. On this basis, KHS has devised an ambitious decarbonisation path and already begun implementing this.
In addition, with respect to its products the Dortmund systems supplier illustrates how intelligent further developments of proven machinery can help to save significantly on energy and thus resources. KHS already provides its customers with plenty of modernisation options that generate added value.
Furthermore, the company aims to offer important upgrades with a specific carbon footprint by the middle of 2025.
Additional non-financial KPIs
One major element enabling actions to be measured in the current and in future reports is the disclosure of non-financial performance indicators. The status thereof has completely changed since publication of the first report for 2013/2014. “The aim is to depict the accounting framework of the KHS Group in as much detail as possible. The full set of data collected based on the materiality analysis carried out within the Group provides a reliable summary of our sustainability activities and progress,” says Pohl. KHS has therefore greatly extended its non-financial KPIs to cover its more than 40 facilities worldwide.
From 2026, KHS is aiming for conformity of its non-financial figures across the last three reporting years and to have its sustainability report independently reviewed.
This consistent aim for transparency and measurable progress reflects how the company sees itself, as KHS CEO Kai Acker emphasises. “For us, sustainability isn’t just an individual project but an integral component of our corporate responsibility and strategy for the future. We specifically invest in sustainable technology and set ourselves ambitious, verifiable targets – for only by doing so can we generate genuine added value for the environment, society and our customers.”
It’s time to quench the UK’s dance drought! Lipton, the UK’s number one Ice Tea brand1, has launched its brand new Lipton Kombucha range, alongside working with pop-singer Wes Nelson, to create the feel-good track and music video of the summer, ‘Kombucha-cha’. Aiming to get the nation dancing again, new research from Lipton Ice Tea reveals that half of Brits are terrified to dance out in public, yet 7 in 10 (72 %) feel happier after dancing.
As the ultimate summer brand, Lipton Ice Tea brings the sunshine early this spring with the exciting new Lipton Kombucha range, a vibrant blend of naturally fermented tea, live cultures, and real fruit flavours. Available in three delicious flavours; Strawberry Mint, Raspberry and Mango Passionfruit, the feel-good vibe goes hand in hand with the happy sensation of dancing, making you feel alive with teas that are bursting with life.
Recent research from Lipton Ice Tea highlights the importance of bringing back the joy of dance across the UK. More than half (58 %) of Brits admit to avoiding social occasions where music is played because they feel self-conscious about dancing, while 68 % of Gen Z wish they had the confidence to dance freely in public without fear of judgement.
In a mission to break the dance drought, Wes and Lipton Ice Tea want to give the nation permission to dance and make you feel alive again. Fueled by the delicious fizz of Lipton Kombucha, Wes’ upbeat Lipton Kombucha-cha music video reignites the joy and connection of dance across the action-packed streets of Camden Market in London.
Wes Nelson, Pop Singer and Lipton Kombucha Ambassador said, “We all need a little more joy in our lives, and nothing makes you feel alive more than moving your feet. Whether you’re dancing in your bedroom or out with your mates in the sunshine, let’s bring the fun back – one dance and one Kombucha-cha at a time!”
By breaking the dance drought, Lipton Ice Tea is on a mission to help people connect, express themselves, and rediscover the joy and energy that dancing brings. Revealing the science behind the benefits of movement, happiness expert and founder of Movement Is Medicine, Emma Marshall explains how to unlock the mood-boosting effects that dance can give you.
Emma Marshall, Lipton Kombucha Happiness Expert said, ”This new research from Lipton Ice Tea shows loads of people are missing out on the benefits of dancing, especially Gen Zs. Dancing boosts dopamine, reduces stress and lifts your mood, yet 40 % weren’t aware of the positive effect it has on the mind and body. The truth is, dance isn’t about what it looks like, it’s about how it makes you feel. You don’t need to be a professional dancer, all you need is an upbeat track and a bit of space to move. You’ll feel the benefits instantly!’’
To celebrate the launch, Lipton Kombucha will be taking over Battersea Power Station Square on 13th June for a day of non-stop feel-good tunes and exciting surprises to get the nation dancing.
Lipton Kombucha is now available in store at Morrisons and Waitrose, for delivery at Ocado and online via TikTok shop from £4.99 for 4 x 250 ml.
1NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage GB, Total Ready To Drink Tea, Cold Hot Drinks, Carlsberg Britvic Defined, Value Share MAT w/e 18/01/25 2Night Time Industries Association, 2024 3Survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by independent research agency OnePoll between 12th and 14th March 2025
After Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund) released the estimate in May – of a higher orange output than what was expected by agents, at 314.6 million 40.8-kg boxes, – the sector was waiting for a better definition of contracts between the industry and producers to deliver 2025/26 fruits. However, contracts are likely to be closed only from mid-June on.
As the production may be concentrated in the second blossoming, the harvesting can be intensified only after July. Therefore, for now, the small volume of fruits that the industry has been receiving and/or may receive in the coming weeks refers to previous contracts or to fruits traded in the spot market. In this scenario, prices of the orange delivered at the industry registered slight changes in May.
Concerning fruits that have been delivered to the industry, players say that they have shown better quality – which means that a smaller volume of oranges has been necessary to produce juice. This positive scenario, in general, is related to weather conditions, which favored the production.
Sponsored Post – The global food and beverage industry is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing sectors, holding an importance in many countries. However, the industry is also characterised by intense competition, price pressure, numerous product innovations, and ever shorter product life cycles. As a result, manufacturers are continuously investing in high-performance technologies to increase efficiency, flexibility and sustainable production and packaging processes- driving a high demand for machines.
Digitalisation efforts are centred on generating added value from data (Photo: Yontex)
For juice manufacturers, the requirements are clear: product safety, efficient processing technologies, maximum yield, optimal utilisation of raw materials (including all by-products), and futureproofing of operations. drinktec 2025, taking place from 15 to 19 September in Munich, presents a unique opportunity for producers of fruit juice products to explore cutting-edge technologies and forward-looking solutions tailored to their production needs. Across eleven halls at Messe München, every step of the supply chain will be represented. A major strength of this world-leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry is the presence of all key technology providers and solution experts involved in the manufacture and processing of beverages.
Under the central theme “Circularity & Resource Management”, drinktec 2025 will delve into efficient resource utilisation across the entire value chain. Opportunities within the industry range from the use of bio-based raw materials and circular solutions at every stage of the beverage and liquid food production process, to the reuse of production by-products and other residual materials. Solutions such as material recovery, energy efficiency, and closed-loop systems – often developed in collaboration with other industries – are set to provide new momentum towards economically viable and sustainable production strategies for juice manufacturers.
Particular innovation is anticipated from solution providers focusing on novel approaches to by-product valorisation, offering new uses for materials not directly employed in juice production. Notably, the extraction of proteins from pomace is increasingly viewed as a promising opportunity for the future.
Juice producers will also benefit from the show’s focus topic “Lifestyle & Health”, which highlights forward-thinking beverage concepts. The strong presence of ingredient suppliers in hall C3 underscores the continued importance of flavour diversity and innovative beverage formulations. Market insights further support expectations for new product developments, revealing a global trend among consumers towards wellbeing and health-conscious lifestyles.
In-depth data insights will be available through “Data2Value”, the third thematic focus of the drinktec programme, offering juice manufacturers a comprehensive toolkit for optimisation across the entire production chain. Digitalisation efforts are centred on generating added value from data: analysing machine and process data can improve resource efficiency, minimise production downtimes, and enhance operational flexibility. Leveraging data ultimately delivers tangible benefits – increased efficiency, improved product safety, higher equipment availability and performance, and greater transparency throughout manufacturing and packaging processes.
Refresco, the global independent beverage solutions provider, announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Telemark Kildevann Holding AS (“TKV”), a leading Norwegian beverage manufacturer. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
TKV is a family-owned manufacturer of soft drinks and bottled water, with two production facilities located in Fyresdal and Aurskog, Norway. The company maintains deep-rooted relationships with retailers and branded customers in Norway and Sweden, ensuring consistent, high-quality service and collaboration.
Refresco operates with 75 manufacturing facilities across Europe, North America, and Australia. With the acquisition of TKV, Refresco further strengthens its presence and operational capabilities to service customers across the Nordics, building on its existing footprint in Finland.
CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs, commented: “The acquisition of TKV marks another milestone in the execution of our proven Buy & Build strategy, further reinforcing our presence in Europe. TKV’s loyal customer base, strong capabilities, and well-established market position enhances our ability to serve retailers and branded customers in Norway, Sweden and beyond. I look forward to welcoming over 60 employees to the Refresco team and further grow the business together.”
The US has imposed 10 % tariffs on Brazilian orange juice exports, while the majority of Mexican orange juice exports are likely to be USMCA compliant and therefore tariff-exempt.
This scenario creates opportunities and threats for orange juice exporters in both countries. On the one hand, burdened with a 10 % tariff, Brazilian exporters’ share of the US orange juice market could be under threat from tariff-free Mexican exporters.
On the other hand, if demand for Mexican orange juice soars among US importers as a result of US tariffs making Brazilian orange juice exports more expensive, then a greater percentage of total Mexican orange juice production could be redirected away from the domestic market and into the US. This would reduce Mexico’s domestic supply, which could result in increased prices for domestic orange juice consumers, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Rory Gopsill, Senior Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Avoiding price inflation is likely to be a priority for the Mexican Government as well as domestic orange juice brands and retailers, because Mexican consumers are already under financial pressure.”
According to GlobalData’s Q1 2025 Global Consumer survey, 56 % of Mexican consumers are extremely or quite concerned about their personal financial situation, and 60 % are extremely or quite concerned about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on their financial situation. Moreover, 47 % of Mexicans are switching to cheaper brand alternatives to deal with rising prices, and 38 % are switching to cheaper retailers. Mexican orange juice brands and the retailers selling them will be wary of increasing prices for these reasons.
However, greater collaboration between Brazil and Mexico could result in controlling the balance of trade between the two countries’ US orange juice exports, and partially avoid the US tariffs.
Annually, the US consumes a greater volume of juice than any other country in the world. In 2024, the US consumed 5.3 billion litres of juice, considerably more than the runner-up, China, which consumed 1.4 billion litres in the same year, according to GlobalData’s Segment Insights Database, accessed May 2025. Figures from the Observatory of Economic Complexity, accessed May 2025, confirmed that the US exported $633 million worth of fruit juice in 2023 and imported $3.44 billion in the same year. As these figures demonstrate, the US is heavily reliant on fruit juice imports to meet domestic demand, especially orange juice, which is the most consumed fruit juice in the US, according to the USDA.
Brazil is the largest exporter of orange juice to the US, sourcing 75 % ($570 million) of the US’ non-frozen/spirited/fermented orange juice in 2023, and 44 % ($203 million) of the US’ frozen non-fermented/spirited orange juice in 2023. For Mexico, these figures were 16 % and 49 % respectively, making it the second largest exporter of orange juice to the US, according to The Observatory of Economic Complexity, accessed May 2025.
A potential solution to the challenges confronting both Brazil’s and Mexico’s orange juice exports to the US could be for Brazil to sell more orange juice to Mexican producers, who could then use it to produce juice blends that are exported to US markets. This is because, according to Fresh Plaza (2025), 60 % of juice blends can originate from third countries and still be USMCA compliant.
A product is more likely to be USMCA compliant if it is manufactured in the US, Mexico, or Canada, and made of materials sourced in these three countries. Mexico devoted more hectares to orange cultivation than any other country (except for India, Brazil, and China) in 2024, according to GlobalData’s Crop Area Production and Yield database. It would make sense for Mexican manufacturers to convert home grown oranges into orange juice for domestic consumption to maximise supply chain and administrative efficiencies.
Gopsill adds: “Brazilian exporters could mitigate losses in their share of the US import market by increasing the volumes of orange juice they sell to Mexican producers. Simultaneously, Mexican producers could use the Brazilian oranges to produce USMCA compliant orange juice and sell it to the US without burning through domestic orange juice supplies and increasing domestic orange juice prices, which would be a positive result for both nations.”
TH true MILK, a major player and innovator in Vietnam’s dairy and beverage sector, continues to expand its product offering with the launch of two new snack drinks for children: Chocomalt with hearty oats or chewy nata de coco – both offering a fun and nutritious snacking experience in a convenient aseptic carton. This marks TH true MILK’s expansion of its dairy portfolio, made possible with the SIG Drinksplus technology.
Riding on the success of its previous snack drink launch, TH true MILK LIGHT MEAL, a nutritious blend of milk, oat flakes, and nuts, TH true MILK continues to innovate. The new chocomalt snack drinks not only cater to Vietnamese consumers’ growing appetite for healthy indulgence but also leverages a technology that allows filling of beverages with real, perceptible pieces of grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts or jelly into aseptic cartons using SIG’s standard aseptic carton filling machines for beverages.
The new products combine chocomalt, a blend of natural barley and cacao extract, with either chewy nata de coco or hearty rolled oats, and delivers a unique multi-sensory drinking experience. Consumers can enjoy the texture and taste of wholesome ingredients ready-to-drink in a convenient packaging solution.
The proven SIG Drinksplus technology empowers beverage manufacturers to aseptically fill carton packs with beverages containing up to 10 % particulate content using standard SIG filling machines for beverages. All it needs is an easy-to-install ‘SIG Drinksplus upgrade kit’. The bits, adding extra value to the beverages, can be up to six millimeters in length and width. The drinking straws for those products can be up to eight millimeters in diameter and make drinking the products easy and fun. SIG Drinksplus opens the door to brand new products and categories, helping f&b companies to meet new consumer trends and address new consumer segments and consumption occasions.
The cornerstone of the technology is SIG’s advantageous sleeve system where each carton sleeve is individually shaped, filled and ultrasonically sealed above the filling level and not through the product – providing aseptic safety of the product.
Expanded mandate of the former Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE), and EXTR:ACT, welcomes an accomplished sustainability and policy leader to drive forward an accelerated agenda for fibre-based food and beverage packaging.
The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) to announced the appointment of Sebastian Bartels as its new Director General. A recognised leader in sustainability, Bartels brings two decades of international experience driving strategic change across a wide range of industries. He joins FBCA at a pivotal moment, as the Alliance expands beyond Europe into its global role in building resilient food and beverage systems and advancing the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.
“We are excited to welcome Sebastian,” said Patrick Verhelst, President of the Board of FBCA. “His deep expertise in sustainability and broad experience across sectors and geographies make him the right person to lead FBCA’s next chapter. We are confident he will amplify the Alliance’s impact and its future reach beyond EU-from grassroots engagement to international policy dialogue and circular value chain data expertise.”
Bartels brings a wealth of experience in leadership across sectors including manufacturing, logistics, packaging, FMCG, and energy-gaining firsthand insight into operational and sustainability challenges across diverse markets. He has held senior roles in several countries and is known for his collaborative approach across business, policy, and civil society.
Most recently, he led the Sustainability Services focus area at DEKRA, overseeing a global portfolio of more than 500 services that support clients in sustainable business practices, product sustainability, and the energy transition. Prior to that, he served as Head of Global Quality & Safety Strategy at the global transportation, logistics, and infrastructure group Deutsche Bahn, where he was responsible for international governance in risk, safety, and quality management.
In addition to his business background, Bartels brings political and civil service experience, including six years as an elected city councillor and leadership roles in national and international industry bodies.
“Joining FBCA is a tremendous opportunity,” said Bartels. “Food and beverage cartons play a critical role in reducing waste and supporting secure, low-carbon food systems. I look forward to working with our members to strengthen the industry’s global voice and accelerate innovation across the value chain.”
His appointment marks a new phase of strategic growth for FBCA, reinforcing its mission to promote safe, circular, and sustainable packaging with purpose solutions in Europe and across key international markets.
About FBCA
The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) is a global platform uniting food and beverage carton manufacturers and their paperboard suppliers. Formed from the merger of ACE and EXTR:ACT, FBCA advocates for food and beverage cartons as safe, circular, and sustainable packaging solutions that contribute to resilient food systems and low-carbon, circular economies.
Raw Generation, a leading cold-pressed juice and nutrition brand in the US, announced Little Sippers, a new line of nutritionist-designed cold-pressed juices made just for kids. Each weekly set includes juices with 40 raw fruits and vegetables, offering a delicious and nutritious variety. It allows parents an easy and fun way to incorporate essential nutrients into their kids’ diets, with no added sugars or artificial ingredients.
In the US, approximately two-thirds of children’s energy intake comes from ultra-processed foods, according to a recent study by JAMA. With this in mind, Little Sippers was created to combat the alarming rise in childhood obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Each 4-oz bottle contains naturally occurring vitamins and minerals while delivering hydration, antioxidants, and electrolytes without the ultra-processed ingredients in traditional juice boxes. The weekly packs contain seven flavours – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, and Pink – allowing children to enjoy a rainbow of fruits and vegetables and give parents peace of mind knowing their child is getting real, whole foods and unprocessed nutrition.
Unlike shelf-stable juices that are heavily processed and stripped of real nutritional value, Little Sippers are 100 % raw and cold-pressed to preserve every possible nutrient. Every bottle is free of the questionable “natural flavours” and gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free. Like Raw Generation juices, Little Sippers ship frozen for optimal freshness and convenience, and arrive within 1-3 business days. They are available in supply options of 4-week (28 bottles for USD 99.99) and 8-week (56 bottles for USD 159.99). Little Sippers are meant to be enjoyed daily, offering children a fun way to supplement their diet and get a wide variety of fruits and vegetables – 40 to be exact!
Sponsored Post – With the differentiated food service line, VOG Products targets the baking and confectionery industry, wholesalers and distributors to the food segment. The fruit processing company focuses on custom-tailored solutions that can be flexibly adjusted to meet individual customer needs.
As an established partner of the international food and beverage industry, VOG Products processes between 300,000 and 400,000 tonnes of fruit from integrated and organic cultivation every year. The company offers a broad portfolio of high-quality products like fruit juices (concentrate and direct juice), fine fruit purées, steamed fruit, purées with chunks and IQF fruit. With an export quota of around 90 %, VOG Products is the supplier to more than 50 countries worldwide. Alongside apples, the company processes other fruit, including pears, peaches, apricots, kiwis and cherries.
“Innovation is one of our main drivers,” said Christoph Tappeiner, the CEO of VOG Products. “Every day, our research and development department works to optimise existing products and develop new, innovative solutions.”
The in-house development department in Laives (South Tyrol/Italy) enables both the implementation of customer-specific solutions and the successful realisation of private-label projects.
One of the special features of the product line and the company’s most recent innovation is applesauce with apple chunks. (Photo: VOG Products)
Double apple power
One of the special features of the product line and the company’s most recent innovation is applesauce with apple chunks. This multi-faceted product is suitable as a high-quality base mixture and as the starting product for further processing in the food and beverage industry. The possible applications range from ready-to-eat apple compote for the restaurant trade to the ideal filling for baked goods and the fruity component of yoghurt products.
The right packaging solution for any need
When it comes to packaging solutions, VOG Products offers the food service sector practical alternatives like the “Bag in Box” (from 5 to 25 kg) or flexible pouch formats alongside the classic cans and cardboard boxes.
Be it compote mixes with fruit chunks, pure fruit purées, steamed fruit, fresh fruit chunks or frozen fruit, VOG Products stands for uncompromising quality. This is guaranteed by numerous certificates and a unique, traceable supply chain. The raw goods come from the members of the cooperative, who are backed by around 6,000 fruit-growing families. This structure ensures constant availability and makes VOG Products a reliable partner for customers worldwide.
About VOG Products The VOG Products producer organisation based in Laives (Italy) is owned by two South Tyrolean producer organisations (VOG and VIP) and 17 fruit cooperatives. The company processes between 300,000 and 400,000 tonnes of fruit from integrated and organic cultivation each year into NFC juices, concentrates, purées, steamed and IQF fruit and finished products. With an export quota of 90 per cent, VOG Products exports its semi-finished products to around 50 countries throughout the world.
The new crop estimate released by Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund) in May indicates that the orange production in the citrus belt in São Paulo and in Triângulo Mineiro and in the southwest of Minas Gerais is likely to total 314.6 million 40.8-kg boxes in 2025/26, a sharp rise of 36.2 % compared to the crop before. This increase brings a relief for the sector, especially because of the current scenario of limited orange juice stocks. By July/25, the volume in stock would be below the level that is considered strategic.
In case processing activities follow the harvesting increase at the same proportion, inventories by July 2026 are likely to be close to a safer volume to supply the global market. As a result, prices paid to producers, which hit records in the crop before (especially in October 2024), may not remain at the same levels. Thus, quotations are likely to continue above the historical average.
Among the aspects that justify the increase of the production estimate are the higher number of producing trees and the improvement of the weather during the cycle. Fundecitrus says that the number of producing trees upped 7.5 % compared to the previous season, changing from 169.9 million to 182.7 million trees.
Prinova has launched its clinically supported pre-workout ingredient CitraPeak® in Europe.
The unique product is the first 100 % soluble form of hesperidin – a flavonoid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits. Its vasodilatory and pump effects make it ideal for pre-work-out applications.
In CitraPeak®, hesperidin is bonded to tapioca starch, making it 100,000 times more soluble and 347 times more bioavailable than standard hesperidin, allowing rapid activation.
The benefits of CitraPeak® are supported by a range of published clinical studies. They include:
Increase in physical output: Research shows that CitraPeak® helps increase, energy and physical output
Rapid release: Over 100,000 times more soluble1 and 347 times more bioavailable than standard hesperidin, CitraPeak® activates in just 30 minutes.2
Increase in thermogenic effect: In a cold condition test, surface temperatures were 5.4 °F higher among a CitraPeak® group than a control, with users reporting increased sweating at room temperature.3
Nitric oxide pump effect: CitraPeak® is broken down in the body into hesperetin (of which hesperidin is a glycoside), which has been linked to increased release of nitric oxide4 and related pump effects.
Increase in blood flow: In another clinical study, CitraPeak® was found to increase blood flow by 18 % compared to a control.5
Ongoing research is also exploring the product’s benefits in areas like V̇O2 max, recovery, mood and cognitive performance.
James Street, Global Marketing Director at Prinova, said: “CitraPeak® is a one-of-a-kind ingredient for pre-workout applications. It offers all the clinically proven benefits of standard hesperidin – like increase in thermogenic effect and release of nitric oxide. However, for the first time it delivers them in a completely soluble form, so that the vasodilatory and pump effects of hesperidin are noticeable extremely rapidly. CitraPeak® is a game-changing pre-workout ingredient, and we’re delighted that its benefits are now available to active consumers in Europe.”
Sourced from citrus peels, CitraPeak® is clean, near colourless, near tasteless and odourless.
1H Mitsuzumi et al. Glucosyl Hesperidin Lowers Serum Triglyceride Level in the Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet through the Reduction of Hepatic Triglyceride and Cholesteryl Ester. Japanese Pharmacology & Therapeutics 39(8): 727-740 (2011) 2M Yamada et al. Bioavailability of Glucosyl Hesperidin in Rats. Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 70(6): 1386-1394 (2006) 3K. Yoshitani et al. Effect of a-Glucosylhesperidin on Poor Circulation in Women. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 61: 233-239 (2008) 4L Liu et al. Distinct Effects of Naringenin and Hesperetin on Nitric Oxide Production from Endothelial Cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 56: 824-829 (2008) 5S. Endo. Dietary Glucosyl Hesperidin Improves Blood Flow, Skin Color and Skin Conditions. The Society for the Study of Hesperidin (2015)
J2O is bringing a taste of summer with the latest addition to its mocktails range – Tropical Punch, a taste of pineapple with a hint of coconut. The new flavour is available from 4 May in a 250 ml can format across the grocery channel.
This launch builds on the success of the existing mocktails range, which was originally introduced in 2023 and this mocktail new product development has been incremental to the J2O brand1. The range includes Strawberry & Orange Blossom Mojito, Blackberry & Blueberry Martini and White Peach & Mango Daiquiri. J2O has been a popular choice among consumers seeking soft drink alternatives2 – with 48 % of people now looking to moderate their alcohol intake, compared to 36 % in 20183. J2O offers a delicious non-alcoholic alternative.
Tropical Piña Colada ranks among the top ten most popular cocktails4, meaning that J2O Tropical Punch will help venues offer customers a great tasting experience – the canned format ensures bartenders are able to produce consistent serves every time, without compromising on taste or quality.
Ben Parker, VP Sales Off-Trade, Carlsberg Britvic, said: “The launch of our new J2O Tropical Punch mocktail provides retailers with an opportunity to offer another refreshing flavour, just in time for summer when people pick up more soft drinks while on-the-go. We also know that in-home socialising is high, and consumers go out much less to manage budgets5. J2O Tropical Punch will provide shoppers with another option to elevate their experience at home – whether that’s a summer barbecue or a big night in.”
J2O Tropical Punch ready-to-drink mocktail is available exclusively from 4 May in Sainsbury’s and other retailers later in the year, for a limited time only. A 250 ml can has a recommended price of £1.29.
1NielsenIQ RMS| Total Coverage J2O | 52w w/e 28/09/24 | Sales Value 2Kantar | Worldpanel Division | In-home & Carried out Usage Panel | LDA Sample | 52 w/e 29-Dec-24 vs. 5YA 3Kantar | Worldpanel Division | Alcovision | Data to 30-Sep-24 4SUMMER 2024 FLAVOR TRENDS: TROPICAL AND ‘SWICY’, Advantage solutions, 15,04,2024 5Kantar Worldpanel Usage panel, total food and drink 52w/e 26 Nov 2023
Carlsberg Britvic is expanding its 7UP range with 7UP Pink Lemonade, a zero-sugar variant that delivers the ultimate refreshment with its lemon, lime and raspberry flavour. The launch was rolled end of April across selected retailers and then become more widely available in grocery, convenience and foodservice.
7UP is the number one lemon and lime brand in GB1 and this represents its first launch since 2020. 7UP Pink Lemonade looks to capitalise on the growing role of innovation in driving growth in the flavoured carbonates category, which, over the last three years has accounted for 35 % of total flavoured carbonates value growth2. With its zero-sugar recipe, it provides an appealing alternative for consumers seeking no-sugar options without compromising on taste or refreshment.
Research from the brand has shown that the colour pink cues flavour, hydration, and refreshment3, making the eye-catching pink liquid and packaging a key factor in driving shopper engagement. Flavour is the number one consumer choice driver4 so, to tap into that trend and add variety to the 7UP range, Pink Lemonade offers a refreshing new option that caters to both loyal brand fans and new shoppers looking for something different.
Ben Parker, VP Sales – Off Trade, Carlsberg Britvic, said: “7UP Pink Lemonade represents a fresh twist for what is such a popular brand. As one of the largest brands in the fruit-flavoured carbonates retail space, bringing in £77m in Retail Sales Value5, it presents an exciting opportunity for consumers and retailers. We want to continue growing the category with exciting innovation, offering a drink that not only delivers on taste but also visually stands out on shelves to catch the eye of shoppers. We really look forward to seeing consumers trying the product and retailers and stockists benefiting from a launch that creates a buzz in the soft drinks space.”
7UP Pink Lemonade is available in 330 ml cans, 500 ml bottles (both in plain or price-marked packs), two litre bottles and multipacks of eight 330 ml cans. Initially launching across selected retailers, the exciting addition to the category will then become more widely available in grocery, convenience and foodservice. It will be backed by a multi-million pound campaign launching this summer, including OOH, social, influencers, PR and shopper marketing.
1Nielsen IQ RMS, Carlsberg Britvic Defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Sales, L52 wks, w/e 05.04.25 2Nielsen RMS, Carlsberg Britvic defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Growth, 52 w/e 29.03.25, 52 w/e 30.03.24, 52 w.e 01.04.23 3Shopper Centric – Health and Wellbeing Pre- evaluation, June 2024 4Greenshots, Britvic Shopper Research, 2024 5 Nielsen IQ RMS, Britvic Defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Sales, L52 wks, w/e 05.04.25
Soft drinks is one of the strongest performing sub sectors for the UK’s licensed operators,1 reports Carlsberg Britvic, growing by 0.6 % to £4.6bn on volumes down 5.6 %,2 and putting an extra £300m through the tills in 2024 alone2
Carlsberg Britvic’s Soft Drinks Review 2025 reveals the challenges the industry is facing; a decrease in the number of pub visits, which has dipped by 1.7 % to 1.15 occasions a week3 and an increase in demand for “quality” when they do visit;3highlighting the importance of providing elevated experiences and a sense of occasion
The latest report shines a light on the growing numbers of people using alcohol moderation tactics,4 with a third (32 %) opting for water between alcoholic drinks when they’re on a night out ’most’ or ‘all of the time’.4 It’s a strong opportunity for soft drinks, suggesting that huge value can be unlocked by tapping into the category
Licensed venues operating in Britain need to present soft drinks and low and no alternatives on an equal pegging with alcoholic drinks to stand out from the competition. That’s according to Carlsberg Britvic’s Soft Drinks Review 2025, which has revealed the latest challenges and trends shaping the industry. Carlsberg Britvic says that operators can unlock new growth by fully embracing the surge in the popularity for ‘zebra striping’, an alcohol moderation trend, which sees people alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on a night out.4
The industry is facing its fair share of challenges: people are going to the pub less3 and they’re continuing to cut down on alcohol, which accounts for 85.1 % of the pub trade’s revenue, a whopping £26.6bn.1 In addition to this, overall drinks sales through licensed venues have dipped by 0.7 % to £31.2bn on volumes down 3.4 % in 2024.1
Despite these challenges, Carlsberg Britvic’s Soft Drinks Review 2025 highlights the huge opportunities for licensed venues who adapt and re-evaluate their approach to soft drinks and the way they serve alcohol-free options, giving people more reasons to visit their venues beyond drinking alcohol.
“There’s no denying that licensed operators are under a lot of pressure,” comments Chris Pratt, VP Sales On-Trade, Carlsberg Britvic. “Big nights outs are being redefined; they don’t necessarily lead with a focus on alcohol. Instead, consumers are increasingly looking for venues that offer the right experiences. And they’re prepared to shop around to get it. As a result, the competition is fiercer than ever. We’re seeing venue choices widening and the likes of gastropubs and ‘competitive socialising’ venues-think escape rooms, axe throwing, digital darts and virtual driving simulators-continuing to grow in popularity.”
Pratt continues, “All of this means that operators are having to work harder to attract people into their venues, encourage them to spend more time (and money) there and keep them coming back for more. To do this, licensed venues need to broaden their appeal and offer unique experiences, while striking a balance between value and excellence – which is no mean feat! That’s why we’ve packed our Soft Drinks Review 2025 with advice on how operators can do just that, as well as maximise their revenues by tapping into consumers’ growing love affair with soft drinks and low and no alcohol options.”
Carlsberg Britvic’s latest report shines a light on the fact that some licensed venues still aren’t realising the full extent of the size of the prize available to them through soft drinks. Research shows that 40 % of Brits5 make it their mission to find out what low and no alcohol drinks are available at a venue before visiting (if they are moderating alcohol),5 but only one in five venues have uploaded a menu featuring alcohol-free drinks to their listing.”5
Pratt concludes, “Soft drinks, and low and no alcohol options need to be treated more like the stars of the show that they are. Operators should show off the brands on offer and make sure staff know how to serve them in an attractive and compelling way. If menus and bars don’t display brands or no alcohol drink options, they won’t be on the order. We’re helping our partners in the licensed trade to develop jaw-dropping serves and eye-catching point of sale materials that does their offering justice. And our Mix with Carlsberg Britvic online platform is an invaluable resource, curated by our mixologists to help bar staff stay ahead of trends and give them the skills to mix the perfect drink every time, whether it contains alcohol or not.”
Carlsberg Britvic’s top tips to get stand out with your soft drinks offering
Make soft drinks stand out in your venues, website and socials: List your alcohol-free offerings on your Google listing – one in two venues don’t do this.5 And stock up on a wider range of exciting flavours such as The London Essence Company’s premium mixers and crafted sodas which provide a fantastic base for sensational alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Tap into the rising popularity of juices, exotic flavours, hot drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails:6 Elevate your drinks offering with shots of Teisseire syrups and cordials, which provide an easy way to add flair, flavour and value to everything from water and coffee to fizzy and mixed drinks. Stock up on exciting flavour limited editions, take for instance J2O Dragonberry, a blend of blackberry juice and dragon fruit flavour – launching this summer. And get creative with cocktail names – instead of ‘Virgin G&T’ why not call it ‘Cherry Blossom Spritz’?
People will pay more for drinks they perceive to be better for them:7 Stock up on premium, drink with naturally fermented tea) and Aqua Libra Pure Filtered Still and Sparkling canned water.
Offer experiences that go beyond alcohol and food: Live entertainment, events and themed menus can all help lure people to pubs and bars for evening drinks, as can the development of wider and more sophisticated soft drinks menus.
1CGA by Nielsen IQ, Total Licensed, Value sales, 52 w/e 28.12.24 * after long alcoholic drinks such as beer and cider 2CGA by Nielsen IQ, Total Licensed, Value sales, 52 w/e 28.12.24 3Lumina Intelligence Eating & Drinking Out Panel – data collected 52 w/e 10 July 2022 and 52 w/e 7 July 2024 4KAM Low+No: Drinking Differently 2024 5KAM x Everleaf – Raising the Bar 2024 6Kantar Profiles/Mintel, August 2023 – 2024 – 1,727 (2023), 1,706 (2024) internet users aged 18+ who visit pubs/bars
The Prognosfruit Conference is Europe’s leading annual event for the apple and pear sector, gathering growers from across Europe and beyond. Following last year’s Conference in Budapest, Prognosfruit 2025 will take place in Angers, France, from the 6th to the 8th of August 2025. Registration is now open, and stakeholders and journalists are welcome to register via the Prognosfruit website.
Prognosfruit, the leading annual event for the apple and pear sector, will take place in in Angers, France, from the 6th to the 8th of August 2025. Prognosfruit 2025 is organised by WAPA in cooperation with ANPP (Association Nationale Pommes Poires). Registration is now open on the Prognosfruit website.
Since 1976, Prognosfruit has released the annual forecast of apple and pear production for the upcoming season. This year, the three-day event during which the report will be released will see representatives of the sector gather to discuss the Northern Hemisphere situation as well as global perspectives for apples and pears. Following the Prognosfruit Conference on August 7, the delegates will have the opportunity to participate in technical orchard and packhouse visits.
WAPA Secretary General Philippe Binard stated: “We look forward to welcoming to Angers all apple and pear experts, with whom WAPA has built an established yet ever-growing network to gather and discuss the latest production trends and market developments. In the case of this year’s three-day programme, the analysis of the crop forecast for 2025- 2026 will be complemented by workshops on two key topics for today’s apple and pear sector: processing and sustainability”.
The draft programme of Prognosfruit 2025 and the online registration form to attend the conference are both available on the Prognosfruit website.
All Oranges 11.6 Million Boxes
The 2024-2025 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is up less than 1 percent at 11.6 million boxes. If realised, this will be 36 percent less than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 4.58 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 7.05 million boxes of Valencia oranges …
JOYBA® Bubble Teas are the company’s latest products to be Upcycled Certified® as it delivers food that nourishes people and the planet
Del Monte Foods announced that all nine of its JOYBA® Bubble Teas have received Upcycled Certified® status from Where Food Comes From, Inc., furthering the company’s efforts in reducing food waste. Through these nine beverages, Del Monte Foods has successfully reclaimed 265 tons of sweetened syrup over the past year, reducing food waste through more sustainable practices.
The company has been active in the upcycled food movement. In 2021, Del Monte’s Blue Lake® Petite Cut, and Blue Lake® Farmhouse Cut Green Beans became the industry’s first canned vegetable products to be Upcycled Certified® by Where Food Comes From, Inc. Made with upcycled green beans from Wisconsin and Illinois, these offerings have now been joined by the newly certified JOYBA Bubble Teas. Through upcycling, smaller- or larger-sized vegetable cuts and sweetened syrup are being reclaimed rather than going to waste.
“As Growers of Good, Del Monte Foods actively seeks ways to redirect surplus products, helping to provide healthier, accessible food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of Del Monte Foods. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our team members in using more sustainable practices to ensure that food reaches its highest and best purpose, while creating delicious food and beverages that bring joy to eating.”
Globally, around USD 1 trillion is lost per year on food that is wasted. As part of Del Monte Foods’ mission to nourish people and communities with earth’s goodness, the company continues to reduce food waste in its supply chain. In fiscal year 2024, the company diverted more than 3 million pounds of food from landfills through upcycling.
“Upcycling food has emerged as one of the most effective ways food companies and people can combat climate change,” said Amanda Oenbring, CEO of the Upcycled Food Association. “As a trusted brand, Del Monte Foods leadership in the upcycling space continues to have an important impact on consumer awareness of reducing food waste for a healthier planet and future.”
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