As processing companies reduced the pace of activities of oranges in early April, part of units was then focused on crushing the tahiti lime. According to players surveyed by Cepea, this scenario helps to flow non-standard fruits to processing activities, reducing the volume in the in natura market.
Due to the higher demand from the industry, quotations were firm. In the first three months of 2025, prices paid by the industry for the tahiti lime averaged BRL 25.06 per 40.8-kg box, 55 % above that in the same period last year and the highest considering the first quarter since 2019 (BRL 29.95/box), in real terms (IGP-DI March/25).
From April 7-10, the price average of the fruit delivered at the industry was at BRL 26.00 per box, upping 13.04 % compared to that verified in the last week of March. This scenario ends up keeping the price level close to BRL 30/box in the in natura market. Tahiti lime prices are at BRL 29.22 per 27.2-kg box between April 7 and 10, downing 2.2 % compared to the week before.
Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund) released its report of the 2024/25 season on April 10, indicating that the citrus belt (São Paulo and Triângulo Mineiro) harvested 230.87 million 40.8-kg boxes, for a decrease of 0.65 % (or 1.51 million boxes) in relation to the first estimate (May/24), but upping 1.03 % (or 2.35 million boxes) compared to that projected in February/25. In relation to the previous crop, the decrease is by 24.85 %.
Maison Perrier introduced Maison Perrier Chic, the brand’s first-ever line of premium flavoured sparkling beverages that reimagines classic cocktails into non-alcoholic delights. Blending fan-favourite flavours with Maison Perrier signature grand bubbles, Chic offers a refreshing twist on French sophistication – no spirits needed.
Crafted in collaboration with a distinguished French bartender from one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, Chic mixes real fruit juice and natural flavours with the iconic grand bubbles of Maison Perrier, adding a splash of French flair to your sip. Whether unwinding after a long day, hosting a chic soiree, or savouring a stylish nightcap, Chic delivers an elevated cocktail-inspired experience in every can.
For only 30 calories or less per can, Maison Perrier Chic serves up four flirty flavours inspired by classic libations:
Daiqui’red Flavoured Sparkling Beverage, a twist on the beloved frozen classic, the Daiquiri, with vibrant tart fruit and sparkling bubbles.
Peach Spritzer Flavoured Sparkling Beverage, a juicy peach delight with a crisp finish puts an effortlessly chic spin on a Bellini.
Piña Fizz Flavoured Sparkling Beverage, reminiscent of the fan favourite Piña Colada, a coconut and pineapple fusion of flavours that transports tastebuds to paradise.
Citrus Fizz Flavoured Sparkling Beverage, a reimagined take on French 75. Bright, zesty lemon flavour and a crisp bubbly finish.
Maison Perrier Chic Citrus Fizz Flavoured Sparkling Beverage will be exclusively available at Whole Foods, while the other irresistible flavours will soon grace retailers in the U.S., including Amazon, beginning this April. With an MSRP of USD 5.99 for a 4-can pack, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in a little sophistication.
Döhler North America is expanding its presence with the strategic acquisition of Premier Juices, strengthening its offerings in natural fruit-based products and solutions. This move further enhances Döhler’s ability to support its growing customer base across the beverage, food, and life science & nutrition industries with a broader portfolio of products and services. It also reinforces Döhler’s position as the leading science-based and technology-driven natural ingredients platform shaping the future of nutrition and longevity.
Enhancing capabilities to benefit customers
Döhler North America’s portfolio includes natural flavours, colours, and health ingredients, along with a wide range of plant-based products, ingredient systems, and end-to-end solutions. Premier Juices’ expertise and portfolio of fruit products – including lemon, lime, mango, passion fruit, pineapple, guava, cranberry, grapefruit, apple and more, enhance Döhler’s established leadership in the market and the ability to deliver a broader and more comprehensive offering.
By integrating Premier Juices’ blending, packaging and quality control solutions, Döhler North America expands its capabilities with tailored formats for the food, beverage and life science & nutrition industries, as well as foodservice and private label businesses.
With access to an enriched product portfolio, enhanced warehousing, and superior technical support, customers now have greater opportunities to develop successful products and unlock new market potential.
A strategic step in U.S. market expansion
This acquisition further solidifies the market presence of Döhler North America by adding strategic operations in Delaware – a key logistics hub improving supply chain efficiency. With optimised distribution networks, Döhler North America is positioned to provide even greater service reliability and flexibility to customers across the region.
With this expansion, Döhler North America reaffirms its commitment to developing and delivering natural products and integrated solutions that meet customer needs and evolve with consumer preferences.
Riedel, a leading juice producer in the Netherlands, continues to drive innovation in sustainable packaging by transitioning its Van de Boom syrup range from metal cans into SIG carton packs made of the packaging material SIG Terra Forest-based polymers. 95 % of this SIG carton packaging material is forest-based – including polymers linked to forest-based renewable materials via a mass balance system.
All three key raw materials of the packaging material come from certified responsible sources via mass-balance systems: paperboard is from FSC™-certified forests and other controlled sources; forest-based renewable polymers are certified according to ISCC PLUS; and an ultra-thin layer of aluminum which protects against light and oxygen is covered by ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative) certification. It reduces the already low carbon footprint of standard SIG packaging material further by up to – 43 %1, as a result of the substitution of fossil polymers with mass-balanced forest-based polymers made from tall oil – a by-product of paper manufacturing. They are a move away from conventional fossil-based polymers.
Compared to other packaging substrates, e.g. made purely from metal or plastic, SIG carton packs offer a best-in-class carbon footprint based on their high share of renewable raw materials and their light weight2.
The move from cans to carton underscores Riedel’s strong commitment to reducing its environmental footprint by progressively converting the majority of its portfolio into SIG carton packs. Beyond the packaging evolution, Riedel ensures that its fruit syrups maintain their exceptional quality. The syrups contain 85 % fruit – according to Riedel the highest fruit content in the Dutch syrup market. Now, with no added sugars, they offer a healthier choice for consumers. In addition to the fruit syrups, Riedel is introducing unique green iced tea syrups in two fruity flavours in aseptic cartons, boasting reduced sugar content and fewer calories.
Riedel’s journey toward more sustainable packaging began in 2018 with the move of CoolBest and Appelsientje into SIG carton packs made of SIG Terra Forest-based polymers packaging material. This milestone laid the foundation for expanding the use of more sustainable packaging materials across its portfolio in the following years. In 2022, Riedel demonstrated bold leadership by replacing small PET bottles with SIG Smile carton packs, achieving a remarkable 75 % reduction in CO2 emissions3.
“At Riedel, we believe that every step toward a more sustainable and healthier future counts. Transitioning our Van de Boom syrup range to carton packs with SIG’s innovative packing material not only allows us to significantly reduce our environmental impact but also enables us to offer healthier choices for consumers. With our new low-calorie syrups containing less sugar, we continue to provide high-quality products that align with evolving consumer preferences.”, said Julie van Bergen, Brand Manager at Riedel.
The upward trend for tahiti lime values, which has been verified since carnaval in Brazil, was interrupted in late March. The price average for the tahiti lime in the last week of March was at BRL 29.60 per 27.2-kg box, for a decrease of 6.15 % compared to that in the week before.
Players surveyed by Cepea say that the decrease is related to the supply of small-sized fruits, which has been higher than expected for the in natura market. This scenario pushes away consumers at supermarkets.
High-quality fruits, in turn, have been mainly allocated to exports. The price average of shipped fruits is at BRL 40.00 per 27.2-kg box in late March, a level that has been observed since the beginning of the month and it is higher than in January (BRL 30.00/box) and in February (BRL 35.00/box).
Data from Comexstat indicate that, in 2024, the income obtained with exports of lemons totaled USD 196.15 million – that verified for mango (USD 350.3 million) continues the highest income among fruits that Brazil exports. It is worth noting that the income registered with exports of lemons in the partial of this year is already higher than that observed in January and February 2024.
Orange market
Due to the fact that early fruits were hitting the market in late March (such as westing, rubi and hamlin), values of in natura oranges dropped in São Paulo state. The price average for pear oranges in the last week of March was at BRL 98.51 per 40.8-kg box, downing 3.15% compared to that in the period before.
Califia Farms®, a leading, premium, plant-based beverage brand in the U.S., is turning on vacation mode with the launch of an all-new product line, Califia Farms Creamy Refreshers. Made with nearly 60 % less sugar than leading fruit juice beverages*, these new delights bring fans back to Califia’s fruity roots that began 15 years ago. Available in four refreshing flavours like Strawberry Creme and Key Lime Colada, each Refresher combines coconut cream with real juice to provide natural nourishment and Califia’s signature irresistible goodness.
“Over the last 15 years, Califia Farms has loved experimenting with the endless possibilities of plants. Creamy Refreshers is a perfect example of how that innovation unlocked something new, delicious, and fresh,” said Suzanne Ginestro, CMO, Califia Farms. “Today’s consumer embraces mindful indulgences and we’re proud to bring a new little sweet treat to retail shelves.”
Crafted with simple, plant-based ingredients, all four Refreshers have less sugar than leading competitors, are soy-free, gluten-free and have just the right amount of sweetness. Enjoyed best over ice, flavours include:
Strawberry Creme Refresher: Blends real strawberry juice with coconut cream for a smooth and refreshing delight at any time of day. 9 g of sugar per serving.
Key Lime Colada Refresher: A bright, refreshing blend of real key lime juice with smooth coconut cream for a satisfyingly creamy taste. 8 g of sugar per serving.
Piña Colada Refresher: Indulge in the classic and refreshing combination of real pineapple juice with coconut cream for a tropical, plant-based treat. 9 g of sugar per serving.
Orange Creme Refresher: A sweet, citrusy blend of real orange juice and smooth coconut cream for a perfectly balanced and nostalgic treat. 10 g of sugar per serving.
Refreshers first appeared at Expo West and have a MSRP of USD 5.99 and are available in the U.S. at Albertsons, Target, and Kroger.
The U.S. juice market is expected to reach 3.35B this year1 with 57 % of consumers purchasing juices in the past year, and nearly two-thirds drinking juice weekly.2 Gen Z and millennials purchase the most juice, as evidenced by the cascades of social media moments showing influencers’ fun beverages treats throughout the day. Additionally, as juice consumption rises, so do concerns around ingredients. In fact, sugar reduction claims are the most popular benefit among non-alcoholic beverage launches.3
About Califia Farms (pronounced “Cal-uh-FEE-ahh” like California) Califia Farms is on a mission to create a future where plants replace dairy, without compromise. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Califia produces innovative, healthy and great-tasting plant-based options. The brand’s wide range of plant milks, creamers, barista products, brewed-to-blend coffees, teas, and juices and are made using the highest-quality ingredients from whole food plant sources. Driven by shifting consumer demands for clean and sustainable products, Califia introduced hugely successful organic options with simple ingredients in 2023. The company continues to reduce its footprint, contributes to resilient agriculture and accelerates the circular economy, through actions like converting to 100 % recycled plastic in all its bottles and working with almond growers to plant organic crops. Founded in 2010, today Califia is one of the leading plant-based beverage brands in the U.S. and has on-the-ground operations in the U.K. with a brand presence in several other countries.
The low quality of orange juice and the limited demand due to high price levels have resulted in sharp price drops in the international market in this early 2025. The May/25 contract at ICE Futures dropped 20.6 % in the partial of March and 42.8 % in the accumulated of 2025, at 276.45 cents of dollar per pound on March 12.
Players surveyed by Cepea say that, in early March, the orange sugar/acid ratio was below the desirable for crushing activities. Moreover, the excess of limonin, due to a heterogeneous harvesting, has also been affecting the final product, since it increases the juice bitterness, reducing the acceptance of major consumers, such as the United States and the European Union.
Lower prices at ICE Futures contrast with the current scenario of orange juice stocks. CitrusBR released a report on March 10 indicating that inventories finished 2024 at 351,483 tons (converted to FCOJ), downing 24.2 % compared to 2023 and the lowest amount since the beginning of the series.
As for the domestic market, the low quality at this end-of-season period pressed down values paid by the industry.
Weather
The warm weather and the low volume of rainfall in São Paulo state since mid-February concerned citrus growers in early March. Many of them fear that the weather may affect both orange and tahiti lime in this end of the 2024/25 season and the citrus production in the next crop (2025/26).
The International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association (IFU), in collaboration with MEYED – the Turkish Fruit Juice Industry Association, is excited to announce its upcoming Technical Workshop, scheduled for April 15, 2025, at the Point Hotel Barbaros in Istanbul.
Leading figures from renowned organizations have already confirmed their participation. Among the distinguished speakers are experts from Tentamus Chelab GmbH, Biosystems, R-Biopharm, SGF, Doehler, Citrosuco, Neotron, Ecosign GfL, Biomerieux, Vienna Technical University, AIJN, and the University of Catania.
About IFU Founded in 1949, the International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association (IFU) is a global organization committed to advancing the science and technology behind fruit and vegetable juices and related products. As the official representative of the global juice industry, we unite over 300 members across the entire value chain, spanning 80 countries. IFU provides a platform for more than 2.000 industry professionals to exchange knowledge, stay at the forefront of the evolving juice sector, and foster collaboration.
Inspired by a time-honored Sicilian tradition, Sanpellegrino CIAO! features a unique blend of real fruit juices and a pinch of Sicilian salt
Sanpellegrino®, the iconic premium Italian sparkling beverage brand, is introducing its latest creation, Sanpellegrino CIAO! – a new line of flavoured sparkling waters with real fruit juices inspired by Italy’s zest for life.
Inspired by Sicily’s time-honored tradition of blending sparkling water with citrus juice and a touch of salt to enhance flavour, the new beverage line features four delicious flavours: Peach, Blood Orange, Lime, and Cherry. Each 11.15 fl. oz. can is expertly crafted with real fruit juices, a pinch of Sicilian salt, contains 10 calories or less, and has 0g added sugars.
CIAO! is the newest sparkling offering in the Sanpellegrino flavoured beverages portfolio, joining the renowned Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks and Sanpellegrino Zero Grams Added Sugar Italian Sparkling Drinks portfolio. With the addition of CIAO!, Sanpellegrino builds on its legacy of crafting some of the world’s finest sparkling beverages.
Sanpellegrino CIAO! is now available at select retailers and will be popping up at retailers in the US beginning April 2025, with a suggested retail price of USD 5.99 for a 6-can pack.
Prices of oranges to the industry dropped significantly in late February, due to the low quality of fruits and to international decreases of orange juice quotations. From February 24-27, for instance, the price average was at BRL 74.29 per 40.8-kilo box, downing 6.55 % compared to that in the week before and 16 % in February.
Players surveyed by Cepea say that the orange quality has reduced since the beginning of the year, with lower brix-acid ratio compared to what is desirable for processing activities, and this has been affecting the quality of the orange juice.
This scenario of low quality, in turn, is related to the fact that the 2024/25 had registered several blossoming cycles, resulting in the harvest of distinct stages of fruits (ripe and unripe), which affects the standardisation of oranges sent to processing activities.
Impacts on export
The lower orange supply and the limited quality of the fruits have been limiting orange juice shipments. According to data from Comex Stat, exports of not-from-concentrate (NFC) OJ (NCM 20091200) have presented a lower performance compared to that verified in the season before. In the partial of the 2024/25 crop (from July/24 to January/25), the volume of juice shipped by Brazil totaled 1.09 million tons, 3.4 % smaller than in the same period last season.
Tahiti lime shipments
Brazilian exports of tahiti lime continue moving at a good pace, after reaching a record volume in 2024. In January, Brazil shipped 17.15 thousand tons of tahiti lime, a record for the month and 18.1 % up compared to January/24 – data from Secex. Revenue totaled USD 14.826 million, for an increase of 13.4 % in the same comparison.
The increase of the orange size, especially fruits from the fourth blossoming, and the decrease of the fruit drop rate boosted the new estimate for the 2024/25 output compared to the previous projection.
Data released by Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund) in February indicate that the citrus belt (São Paulo and Triângulo Mineiro) may harvest 228.52 million 40.8-kg boxes, moving down 1.7 % (or 3.86 million boxes) compared to the first estimate, released in May/24, but upping 2.4 % (or 5.38 million boxes) in relation to the report from December/24.
Besides the good development of the fourth blossoming, Fundecitrus indicates that the rainfall has favored the production.
The higher supply against the previous crop brings a certain relief, but the sector still faces the low quality of the fruits and the low industrial productivity.
This scenario of higher supply and lower quality has been pressing quotations down. For the industry, which has been purchasing fruits at BRL 82.88/box, on average, in the second week of February, the decrease is by 3.63 % against the week before.
Florida
The orange production in Florida has also been facing challenges. The USDA indicated this month that the production in the state is likely to reach 11.5 million boxes, downing 500 thousand boxes compared to the estimate from January and a decrease of 36 % against the crop before.
Orange Juice
Global orange juice production for 2024/25 is forecast up 4 percent to 1.4 million tons (65 degrees brix) as higher production in Brazil and Mexico is expected to offset lower production in the United States. Consumption is down while exports are forecast up due to higher supplies.
Brazil production is forecast up 9 percent to 1.0 million tons as more oranges are available for processing. Exports are up with the higher supplies while stocks are forecast unchanged. Brazil is by far the largest producer and is projected to account for three-quarters of global orange juice exports.
Mexico production is projected to increase 4 percent to 187,000 tons on expected better fruit size and juice content. Consumption is down as more goes to exports which are also up due to the rise in available supplies. The United States is expected to remain the top export market.
U.S. production is forecast down 28 percent to a record low 80,000 tons due to a drop in oranges available for processing, especially in Florida. Yields continue to decline in Florida due to fruit drop caused by citrus greening and weather challenges such as hurricanes and freezes. Consumption is forecast unchanged while imports are up slightly with the lower production. Stocks are expected to be down with the drop in production.
South Africa production is forecast to increase 4 percent to 57,100 tons due to a rise in oranges available for processing. Consumption is forecast to be lower due to high prices while exports are forecast up with the higher production and global demand.
EU production is forecast down 7 percent to 50,000 tons as fruit for processing is down with the expectation that more oranges will be exported. Consumption is up with projected higher imports from Brazil and exports are forecast down with lower production. …
SIG, headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, and a global leader in aseptic packaging and filling solutions, announces the grand opening of its first production plant for aseptic carton packs in India. This EUR 90 million investment, completed in just 20 months in Ahmedabad, marks a major milestone for SIG as it strengthens its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing markets.
Designed with cutting-edge technology, the plant in the state of Gujarat has an initial annual production capacity of up to 4 billion aseptic carton packs, meeting the highest environmental standards while creating more than 300 local jobs. The plant will supply SIG’s growing filler base, which serves all leading dairy and non-carbonated soft drink players in India. The official opening ceremony, held in the presence of Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda and a Swiss economic delegation, highlights the significance of this achievement for both SIG and the Indian-Swiss partnership.
India, the world’s largest milk market and a major juice-producing country, presents immense growth opportunities for aseptic packaging solutions. With less than 10 % of its milk consumption packaged and a lack of cold chains, aseptic cartons are a safe, sustainable, and convenient solution, as they enable the long-term storage of nutritious food and beverages without the need for preservatives, energy-intensive refrigeration during distribution and storage. SIG’s new plant in India will ensure shorter delivery lead times, greater responsiveness to market demand, and enhanced support for the country’s dairy and non-carbonated soft drink producers.
Since entering the Indian market in 2018, SIG has experienced rapid business expansion, achieving robust double-digit revenue growth in 2024. This new plant positions SIG to meet increasing demand efficiently while paving the way for future growth. The SIG Board of Directors has already approved plans to invest an additional EUR 50 million in a local extrusion line, set to be operational by 2027.
Evolution Fresh, a leading producer of organic, cold-pressed, premium juice products, announced that four of ist Real Fruit Soda flavours – Tropical Mango, Strawberry Vanilla, Lemon Lime, and Orange Squeeze – will now be sold in the U.S. at select Whole Foods Market locations. Each Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda is made with organic, freshly squeezed fruit juice, never from concentrate.
Earlier this year, Evolution Fresh disrupted the soda alternative sector by adding Real Fruit Soda to its portfolio of high-quality, cold-pressed beverages. Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda provides the same level of sweetness and bold taste that traditional soda has to offer, while touting a simple label.
Each product contains no added sugar and prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and antioxidant Vitamin C to help support digestive and immune health. With only 5 grams of sugar and 35 – 45 calories per can, Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda is also non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Kosher.
According to data from NielsenIQ*, functional beverage sales increased to USD 9.2 billion between March 2020 and March 2024, and the category is projected to reach USD 277 billion by 2033. As the demand for better-for-you beverages steadily rises, Evolution Fresh plans to continue driving consistent growth in the premium refrigerated beverage space with innovation like its Real Fruit Soda.
The 12 oz. cans of Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda can be found chilling in the beverage cooler at select Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S.
*NielsenIQ Trend Report
The result of orange juice shipments from Brazil in the 2024/25 season already reflects the lower supply of oranges and the limited stocks of the national OJ. According to data from Comex Stat, from July to December last year, Brazil exported 448.5 thousand tons of orange juice (converted into FCOJ 66 Brix), for a decrease of 23 % compared to that observed in the same period last year and the lowest amount of the Comex Stat series, which has started in 1997. The revenue obtained with sales, in turn, rose 37 % in the same comparison, hitting the record of USD 1.96 billion.
Calculations performed to obtain the total volume exported consider the sum of the three codes available in the Comex Stat system. Specifically about the code “20091200”, which includes non-concentrate types of juice, numbers were converted into FCOJ 66 Brix. Moreover, differently from the methodology used by CitrusBR (Brazilian Association of Citrus Exporters), all ports in Brazil were taken into account, not only Santos port.
Citrus BR indicates that the volume shipped in the first six months of 2025 (the last ones of the 2024/25 season) may register a lower performance compared to the year before due to the offseason in São Paulo, which limits the availability of juice. Moreover, the international demand is low because of high OJ prices in the international market.
As for destinations of total Brazilian exports, the European Union continues as the most important, participating with 55 % of the revenue obtained with sales in the second semester of 2024. The second major destination is the United States (35 %) – data from Comex Stat.
Between July and December 2024, NFC (not from concentrate) shipments to the US accounted for 62 % of the total, against 53 % in the same period of the year before. As for the European Union, FCOJ exports accounted for circa 70 %, and NFC shipments, 30 %.
Brazil
The fourth blossoming in the citrus belt in São Paulo slightly increased the supply in late January, despite the below-expected quality of the fruits. Low stocks of orange juice have been leading some companies to purchase as many fruits as they can in the spot market in an attempt to reduce the juice deficit. Fundecitrus indicates that the good development of this last blossoming of the 2024/25 season may bring a slightly higher supply for the citrus belt.
With the acquisition of Trident Beverage, makers of Juice Alive, Frazil becomes one of the leading providers of frozen beverages in K-12 schools in the U.S., with thousands of schools in its growing customer base.
Frazil, one of the largest slush brands in the U.S., announces its acquisition of Trident Beverage, a trusted provider of 100 % juice slush for K-12 schools. With this acquisition, Frazil will continue to expand its presence in the K-12 channel, delivering an enhanced and innovative frozen beverage experience to schools across the country.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Trident Beverage team and their incredible legacy of providing schools with trusted products that students love and administrators rely on,” said Kyle Freebairn, CEO of Frazil. “This partnership marks an important milestone in our growth strategy, allowing us to expand our reach with K-12 schools and build on our existing success. Together, we’re combining Trident Beverage’s expertise with Frazil’s bold flavours and exceptional service to elevate the frozen beverage experience for schools across the country.”
Trident Beverage was established in 2004 to meet the growing nutritional demands of the school food service industry and has become a trusted partner for school nutrition departments and administrators across the U.S. Known for its smart snack-approved slushies made with fruit juice, Trident Beverage’s Juice Alive brand offers a healthy and profitable option for schools looking to enhance their beverage offerings.
Even with the return of rainfall in the citrus belt of São Paulo and Triângulo Mineiro from October/24 on, the scenario for the 2025/26 season continues uncertain. Flowers that opened after the rains were considered satisfactory, however, the development of the crop still depends on weather conditions during the season.
The 2024/25 crop is estimated at 223.14 million 40.8-kilo boxes of oranges, for a decrease of 27.4 % compared to the previous season (2023/24) – data from Fundecitrus.
Weather adversities have been hampering the production for five consecutive seasons, which resulted in restricted inventories of juice.
Cepea calculations indicate that Brazilian orange juice stocks may not recover during the 2024/25 crop, ending this season technically zero. Thus, a very positive 2025/26 season will be necessary to have at least a slight recovery.
Not even a decrease of exports in the 2024/25 season will be enough to compensate for the reduction in the volume of fruit processed, which will maintain the demand from the industry at high levels.
Moreover, Florida has been registering a decrease in inventories and may need to import more inputs from Brazil, which helps to sustain quotations in the domestic market. Besides this scenario of limited production and stocks in Brazil, data released on December 10 by the USDA indicate that the 2024/25 orange crop may total 12 million 40.8-kg boxes, downing 20 % (or 3 million boxes) compared to the report released in October (15 million boxes). Besides the citrus greening disease, the production drop is also related to the hurricane Milton in Florida in early October 2024.
For 2025, the conditions reported in the Brazilian citrus grove may support prices throughout the year.
Orange prices hit records in 2024. Values of the 40.8 kg box were above BRL 100 in the in natura market. Increases are explained by the firm demand from part of the industry (since players have low orange juice stocks) and the restricted orange supply, because of the limited production.
The weather in the citrus belt was predominantly dry and with high temperatures during the development of the crop. Although prices allowed good profits to citrus growers, the low productivity boosted costs (which had already been high due to the citrus greening disease). Margins may be reduced in areas where the production dropped significantly, despite record prices of the fruit. As for the tahiti lime, quotations were at low levels in the first semester and increased in the second part of the year, because of the offseason period, which is a typical movement.
As a result, due to the limited orange supply and the high demand from the industry, values operated at record levels, in real terms (prices were deflated by the IGP-DI). In October, the price average paid by the industry surpassed BRL 90 per 40.8 kg box. It is worth noting that 2023/24 trades started early, in January, with quotations at around BRL 38 per box. Since inventories at the industry had been limited, the demand in the spot market increased, and prices hit records in real terms, surpassing BRL 100/box in November.
São Paulo state and Triângulo Mineiro are likely to harvest 223.14 million 40.8 kilo boxes of oranges in the 2024/25 season, for an increase of 7.36 million boxes (or + 3.4 %) compared to the last projection, released in September, but still 9.24 million boxes less (or – 4 %) in relation to the first estimate (May 2024). Therefore, the current season may be 27.4 % smaller than the previous (2023/24), when 307.22 million boxes were harvested – data from Fundecitrus.
The smaller production was already expected in 2024/25, due to unfavourable weather conditions and to the citrus greening disease.
The current scenario is: very limited orange juice stocks in Brazil. Thus, in order to guarantee the global OJ supply, the next production (2025/26) would need to increase in both Brazil and Florida.
As for the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, it can favour shipments of lime, lemon and orange juice, but can also open a direct channel to receive these fruits from Spain. Still, the agreement is very important and brings good perspectives for the mid and long-terms.
The festive period is the most popular time for couples to conceive according to the Office for National Statistics1
As the seasonal baby boom begins, nine out of ten women will have marginal or low levels of folate – a vital nutrient which protects the foetus2
According to the NHS, expectant mothers can need up to 10 times more folate during pregnancy than the average adult to help their baby develop normally3
Dietitian, Dr Frankie Phillips, shares three simple but effective dietary tips for expectant mothers to boost their folate levels
Research by the University of Southampton has highlighted a concerning trend: nine out of ten women will have marginal or low levels of folate and other vital nutrients around the time of conception.2
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, can be found in a range of food and drinks and is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, like spina bifida. The average adult needs 200 micrograms of folate a day, but pregnant women need at least double this dose due to the demands of pregnancy. According to the NHS, some expectant mothers can even require up to 10 times the average adult recommendation.3
This common deficiency can extend into late pregnancy, potentially impacting the health of both mother and child. According to healthcare professionals, symptoms of a folate deficiency can include fatigue, pins and needles, mouth ulcers, and a sore red tongue.2
A developing baby needs folate to make healthy new cells, and to make genetic materials (DNA and RNA). Deficiency in the early stages of pregnancy can harm the neural tube which protects the spinal cord – affecting more than 1000 pregnancies a year in the UK. More generally, the health benefits of folate include encouraging the production of red blood cells in bone marrow, which is vital during periods of growth and development such as pregnancy, infancy and adolescence.
As the winter months herald the season of festive celebrations, they also mark the beginning of the most popular time of year for conception, evidenced by September’s leading birth rates.1 Dr Frankie Phillips, a registered dietitian with over 20 years’ experience, highlights the importance of optimal nutrition during family planning and pregnancy.
Dr Frankie Phillips comments: “Folate is needed for many important processes in the body, including helping form healthy red blood cell and contributing to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.A 150ml glass of 100 % orange juice is a recognised source of folate and a convenient, affordable way to help achieve daily nutrient requirements.”
For women who think they may be suffering with low folate levels, Dr Phillips recommends a few simple but effective ways to incorporate more folate into your diet.
Three steps to incorporate folate-rich food and drinks into your diet:
Drink a daily glass of 100% Orange Juice: Whether you buy a bottle from the shop or crank up the juicer at home, pure orange juice is a great source of folate and provides essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, according to a new Spanish study.4 Just one glass of orange juice a day is a recognised source of folate.
Include Leafy Greens: Incorporate folate-rich leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli into your diet to support foetal development and overall health. Try adding a handful of spinach to stews or curries and stir-frying broccoli stems with lean beef and soy sauce.
Add Legumes to Meals: Include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans in your diet, as they are excellent sources of folate. For example, just one cup of cooked lentils contains 90 % of the daily recommendation. Legumes are also rich in protein, fibre and antioxidants.5
Researchers, Dr Montana Camara and Dr Laura Dominguez, who recently published a study on the vitamin and mineral content of orange juice, noted: ” Folate is an essential mineral supporting foetal development by helping to release energy from the mother’s diet, and promoting normal development of the nervous system, especially during conception and pregnancy.”
Their study found that packaged fruit juices were a good source of folate, potassium and vitamin C.
The possibility of a small orange supply was reinforced due to the decrease of the number of companies operating in São Paulo state in late November. In the last two crops, when the supply was already below the normal standard, major processing companies started to reduce the pace of activities only between January and February.
In January 2024, only six plants were operating, against tem in the same period last year. At the end of November, there were seven units in activity. Players surveyed by Cepea say that there might still be a certain volume of raw material for the industry to continue processing up to February 2025, but March is still uncertain.
To make matters worse, the low supply is being verified together with low quality. According to players surveyed by Cepea, the brix-acid ratio is unsatisfactory, concerning both producers and players from the industry, since it affects the efficiency of processing activities and the quality of the final product.
The lower juice yield is especially linked to the scarcity of rains during the development of the fruits, which reduced the amount of juice in the fruit. As a result, more oranges are necessary to produce the same amount of juice.
Sponsored Post – On the 11th of December the general manager of ASPIS Hellenic Fruit Juice, an international company reaching over 70 countries across the world, will share his experience dealing with microbial risks in their production lines and how to limit them.
The Alicyclobacillus is a global microbial threat to the beverage industry, while noninfectious to humans it leads to product spoilage and can bring about product returns and brand damage if not detected properly. To avoid these risks, the industry established proper testing protocol, however these standards measures can be slow and will immobilise batches of products for days or even weeks at a time.
On the 11th of December, Mario Chronis, general manager of ASPIS Hellenic Fruit Juice, is invited by Diamidex to host a webinar and share his experiences regarding this microbial risk. In this 30-minute presentation he will tackle all the Alicyclobacillus related questions from the impact this microbial risk has on the product to the solution chosen by ASPIS to fight it and improve their lab workflow, all based on a real-world case study. He will be joined by Alexandre Muller, Diamidex lead innovation manager on the Alicyclobacillus project, who will be able to present the many advantages of the solution and answer technical questions during the 15-minute Q&A session at the end of the webinar.
PROFEL, the European Association for preserved Fruit and Vegetables, and AIJN, the European Fruit Juice Association, held a breakfast event at the European Parliament, to mark the start of the new EU mandate.
Kindly hosted by MEPs Herbert Dorfmann (IT, EPP) and Christine Schneider (DE, EPP), the event allowed both sectors to present themselves and demonstrate the benefits of fruit juices, frozen and canned vegetables, canned fruit and compotes in terms of health and sustainability. Prof. Javier Gonzalez, Professor at the University of Bath, validated the important role juices and preserved fruit and vegetables play towards healthier diets. Ms Betty Chang, from EUFIC (European Food Information Council), presented findings on the state of consumer awareness of the benefits of these products. Mauro Poinelli from DG AGRI wrapped up the event, stressing the need to communicate better on the health benefits, and mentioned the role EU promotion programmes and the School Fruit scheme as important instruments.
The ability to access and afford nutritious and sustainable foods is a challenge for many consumers, particularly in the current economic climate and declining purchasing powers. Fruit juices and preserved fruit and vegetables offer valuable solutions by enabling consumers to meet their nutritional needs1 in a healthy and cost-effective way. Fruit juices and preserved fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals in a form that is quick and easy-to-consume. They retain much of their nutritional value and can be stored for long periods so can be available throughout the year.
AIJN President Javier Lorenzo and PROFEL President Jan Ingelbeen welcomed the exchange with decision makers: “We call for the recognition of the important role our sectors play in the transition towards sustainable food systems and healthier diets. The common aim has to be to increase the EU citizen’s consumption of fruit and vegetables, in all their forms.”
1Currently consumers across the EU are a long way from achieving the WHO’s minimum recommended daily level of 400 grams per day per capita. In a Eurostat study from 2019, a staggering one in three people (33 %) in the EU reported not consuming any fruit or vegetables daily, and only 12 % of the population were consuming the recommended intake.
koalimo is the latest energy drink innovation, combining the naturally energising qualities of guarana and the sustainable sweetness of cocoa fruit juice.
koawach, specialists in organic, fair trade, and climate-neutral cocoa and guarana products, have created a one-of-a-kind beverage. The result is koalimo – the first caffeinated soft drink made with cocoa fruit juice, available in three refreshing flavours that redefine the energy drink experience:
Sun Burst – a tangy and refreshing taste of grapefruit
Citrus Wave – a zestful lime infusion for a rejuvenating kick
‘At koawach, we’re thrilled to launch koalimo as a sustainable and refreshing alternative to traditional energy drinks, harnessing the unique potential of the cocoa fruit,’ says Daniel Duarte, Founder of koawach. ‘This is a drink that brings together bold flavor, natural energy, and real impact for both people and the planet.’
Each flavour is lightly sweetened with cocoa fruit juice, an upcycled product that benefits both people and the planet. By using the often-overlooked cocoa fruit pulp, koalimo helps provide an extra income stream for small-scale farmers in Ghana and promotes upcycling – making a sustainable impact in the cocoa industry.
The refreshing essence of cocoa fruit is complemented by the energising kick of guarana, delivering 75 mg of natural caffeine per can – comparable to leading energy drinks but with a much simpler, cleaner ingredient list. Moreover, koalimo contains significantly less sugar than typical energy drinks (up to 3g per 100ml), making it a more natural and healthier choice.
koawach has teamed up with Koa, a Swiss-Ghanaian startup that upcycles cocoa fruit pulp, to create the innovative beverage—an effort born from two distinct but aligned brands.
‘We’re incredibly excited for this new koa-llaboration between koawach and Koa—a true match made in heaven!’ says Anian Schreiber, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Koa. ‘With koalimo, koawach has created a drink that brings together exquisite flavour, energising functionality, and a positive, sustainable impact on people and the planet.’
Koalimo will be available in over 1,100 dm stores across Germany and online at koawach.de starting in late November 2024.
Although it is the offseason period for the tahiti lime, quotations decreased in early November. The downward trend is related to both the size and the quality of the fruit, which are below expected by the sector. However, it is worth noting that price levels are still high.
According to data from Cepea, tahiti lime prices averaged BRL 95.59 per 27.2-kg box in mid-November, downing 16.17 % against late October.
It is worth noting that the price average for the tahiti lime was at BRL 117.94/box last month, 72.2 % more than in September and moving up 71 % against October last year, in nominal terms.
Season in Florida
The 2023/24 orange season finished in September in Florida. The Citrus Department of that state in the Unites States indicated in October that local juice stocks, as observed in Brazil, finished the season at low levels.
The limited orange supply has been frequent in the US, considering that the country has become majorly an orange juice importer since the advance of greening in Florida.
It is worth noting that Brazil is the major orange juice supplier for the US market. The fact that the Brazilian industry faced both low supply and high prices in the 2023/24 season (which limited exports) might have prevented a recovery of stocks in Florida.
Annual cost savings potential: € 80 – 100 million
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG’s Supervisory Board approved AGRANA NEXT LEVEL, the new Group strategy presented by the Management Board. The implementation of the measures it details will significantly increase AGRANA’s competitiveness in the future and is the company’s response to challenges such as economic uncertainty, geopolitical crises, high raw material volatility and increasing cost pressure. The strategy focuses on system change and profitable growth, and aims to reduce the company’s dependency on market volatility as well as increase its basic profitability.
The core element of AGRANA NEXT LEVEL is the transformation of the AGRANA Group into a streamlined, strategic holding company with two strategic business units: “Agricultural Commod- ities & Specialities” and “Food & Beverage Solutions”. This reorganisation will enable the Group to pool its expertise in a targeted manner and make greater use of existing synergy potential both in terms of markets and costs. The resulting annual savings potential, which will be fully effective from the 2027|28 financial year onwards, amounts to approximately € 80 – 100 million and is an integral part of AGRANA NEXT LEVEL.
All the details required to realise the savings effects resulting from AGRANA NEXT LEVEL will be worked out in detail by the end of the current financial year 2024|25 and then implemented step by step.
Stephan Büttner (Photo: AGRANA)
AGRANA CEO Stephan Büttner: “AGRANA NEXT LEVEL is our roadmap through a multitude of challenges that will affect our employees, customers, suppliers and owners alike. The trans- formation of our company is designed to make our organisation more effective and agile in future. With this new strategy, we’re responding to current challenges while also proactively shaping our future. We’ll achieve cost and market synergies, which will strengthen our profit- ability and increase our scope for future profitable growth. By systematically implementing our portfolio strategy and focusing on innovation, we’ll lead AGRANA into a successful future.”
In addition to structural transformation, sustainability remains a central component of AGRANA’s NEXT LEVEL strategy. We’re on track to achieve net-zero emissions (Scope 1+2) by 2040; and Scope 3 by 2050 at the latest. “This commitment is not only part of our social responsibility, but also a strategic imperative to remain competitive in the long term. We’ll have invested more than € 600 million in sustainable technologies and energy efficiency by 2040 to ensure that AGRANA meets the requirements of the Paris Agreement on climate change,” emphasises CEO Büttner.
The new role of the holding company
In future, AGRANA Holding will focus on the strategic direction of key areas, including strategy and transformation, human resources management, IT, procurement and operations excel- lence. Operational services are being combined to ensure efficient management of the Group. Consolidating similar functions and streamlining structures avoids redundant processes and ensures simpler, more efficient workflows.
A new role for the divisions
In order to combine the competencies of the AGRANA Group effectively and to align them with the market as well as create cost synergies, the company’s structure will be transformed into a more functional and permeable business model. While four companies (divisions) will remain under the holding company, they will be strategically combined into two business units, “Ag- ricultural Commodities & Specialities” (sugar, starch, fruit juice concentrate) and “Food and Beverage Solutions” (fruit flavour, brown flavour & spicy preparations, flavourings, syrups, sauces) to better meet the different management requirements.
“Agricultural Commodities & Specialities” will focus on cost efficiency, from raw material pur- chasing to production due to the broad standardisation of products and high competitive pres- sure. This business unit will build on its strength of having a regional footprint with its proximity to raw materials and proven expertise in raw material management.
In future, the low margins resulting from the dependence of raw material processing on agri- cultural cycles, climate and market conditions will be counteracted by optimising processes and technologies. The structural similarities between sugar and starch production offer great synergy potential, which AGRANA will be exploiting by aligning production and maintenance processes, as well as by intensifying technology transfer (for example, in emission-reducing energy systems).
In “Food and Beverage Solutions”, management focuses on developing innovative solutions for and with industrial customers. Here, AGRANA can draw on its market leadership in fruit preparations with a global footprint, worldwide customer proximity and innovative strength. The focus is on customer-specific, value-added products and the co-creative development of customised solutions with customers in the food and beverage industry. This higher level of innovation will lead to products with stronger margins and better opportunities for differenti- ation in global markets. In particular, the “Ice Cream”, “Food Service” and “Flavours” customer segments will be further promoted. The existing collaboration between AGRANA Fruit and AUSTRIA Juice in product development will be intensified, for example by using AUSTRIA Juice’s flavour expertise for dairy products.
“AGRANA NEXT LEVEL is not just the name of our new strategy; it’s the philosophy for the future of our entire organisation. The strategy was developed by the AGRANA management team with the support of external expertise and the diligent work of an internal project team, to whom I’d like to express my sincere thanks. We’re taking many valuable things with us from our almost forty-year company history and we’re leaving some things behind us as we enter a new era. Knowing that we have a strong team of many outstanding colleagues, we’re confident that the transformation we’ve begun will be a success story and that we’ll continue to succeed as we chart our course into the future,” concludes CEO Stephan Büttner.
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Regular rains and mild weather were registered in late October in the citrus belt of São Paulo state and Triângulo Mineiro, the biggest orange producer for the juice industry. This scenario has helped to bring a relief for trees that were affected by the lack of rains and high temperatures.
2024/25 season
Even with the return of rainfall, the current orange crop has presented low quality. Still, rains in October may improve the quality of fruits that are still on the trees. It is worth noting that the orange crop has started in June this year and may finish between December and January/25. As for tahiti lime (the main season starts between November and December), weather conditions may favor the development, since fruits are currently below the standard.
Exports
The revenue obtained by Brazilian exporters with orange juice shipments in the partial of the 2024/25 crop (from July/24 to September/24) totaled USD 905.3 million, for an increase of 42.3 % compared to the same period of the last season (USD 636.1 million), according to Comex Stat.
The volume of orange juice exported by Brazil, in turn, continues decreasing, as it has been verified since the 2023/24 crop. From July to September/24, Brazil shipped 207.5 thousand tons of orange juice, downing 27 % in relation to the same period in 2023.
The lower volume exported is linked to the limited supply. Weather adversities have been hampering the production for five consecutive seasons, which resulted in restricted inventories of juice.
Around 450 industry leaders discussed innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the global juice sector.
The Juice Summit 2024, held in Antwerp on 16-17 October, concluded with great success, bringing together around 450 participants from around the world. Jointly organised by AIJN (European Fruit Juice Association), IFU (International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association), and SGF International (SAFE- GLOBAL-FAIR), this year’s summit once again reinforced its reputation as the premier global platform for the fruit juice and nectar industry. With dynamic discussions, insightful keynotes, and forward-looking sessions, the summit explored the critical challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the juice industry.
Key themes addressed during Juice Summit 2024
At the Juice Summit 2024, keynote speakers offered valuable insights into the industry’s future. Elwin De Groot from RaboResearch addressed global economic challenges, emphasising the need for innovation and adaptability. Following him, Elopak CEO Thomas Körmendi focused on the growing importance of sustainable packaging, urging the industry to make strategic, eco-friendly choices for long-term success. Following the keynotes, four panel discussions tackled key issues. The first a session focused on consumer behaviour, including an analysis of psychological drivers, particularly during times of crisis such as inflation and health concerns. Leaders shared actionable insights on how businesses can adapt to emerging consumer trends, providing fresh opportunities to revitalise product offerings and better meet evolving consumer needs.
Another key issue addressed was the citrus greening disease affecting the orange industry in South America with consequences on availability and price. The session stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between growers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to safeguard the future of orange juice production.
Sustainability was another key theme at the summit, particularly during the session on the evolving Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, exploring how the juice sector can thrive in a circular economy, and analysing both the challenges and opportunities presented by this regulation.
The final session took a broad view of emerging markets of apple juice production and global citrus industry trends. The summit ended with a presentation on building resilient food systems, outlining adaptive strategies for handling climate change, economic volatility, and global disruptions in agriculture.
Looking ahead: a united industry for a sustainable future
The Juice Summit 2024 concluded with a strong emphasis on adaptability, innovation, and sustainability as critical drivers for the future of the juice industry. Kees Cools, President of IFU, remarked, “The Juice Summit offers a great information and dialogue platform to all segments of the global juice supply chain in support of solutions for the many challenges the industry faces today.” Joachim Tretzel, President of SGF, added, “The unique blend of commercial and technical subjects during the Juice Summit offers many opportunities to jointly exploit new routes to future success.” Javier Lorenzo, President of AIJN, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The future of the juice industry lies in our ability to work together, share knowledge, and drive innovation”.
The next edition of the Juice Summit is scheduled for early October 2025, before Anuga 2025, with further details to be announced in the coming months.
For more information and to stay updated on future events, please visit The Juice Summit Website.
SAMBAZON, a leading supplier of certified fair trade and organic Açaí, announced that its Açaí Superfruit Juice is now available with 50 % less sugar. Responding to consumer demand for lower sugar alternatives, SAMBAZON reformulated its popular juice using natural sweeteners like Agave Inulin to maintain its signature taste while significantly reducing the sugar and calories.
“Consumer feedback was clear-even loyal SAMBAZON buyers like the new product just as much as the original,” said Vicki Isip, Chief Marketing Officer at SAMBAZON. “We’ve optimised the flavour and sweetness to match our best-selling Original Açaí Juice while using natural ingredients to deliver a great-tasting product with all the nutritional benefits.” The new formulation retains all the antioxidants and vitamins of the original, but with 50 % less sugar and 29 % fewer calories. The relaunch also features a refreshed look, including the new SAMBAZON logo and transparent packaging that showcases the quality of the juice.
SAMBAZON’s revamped Açaí Superfruit Juice with less sugar is available in 32oz bottles at Whole Foods Market, Publix, and other retailers in the US in the refrigerated juice section.
About SAMBAZON® Founded in 2000, SAMBAZON, an acronym for Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon, was the first company to introduce “Certified Açaí” to the world, supplying Organic and Fair Trade certified Açaí products such as Smoothie Packs, Ready-to-Eat Açaí Bowls, Juice, Energy drinks and Açaí Bites from a proprietary supply chain, and pioneering transparency from the “Palm of the tree to the Palm of your Hand.” SAMBAZON’s Fair Trade certification has helped to protect the Amazon Rainforest and its rich biodiversity and has helped to positively impact thousands of local growers by donating over $1 million to build or renovate healthcare centers, community centers, and schools. SAMBAZON Açaí Bowls retail concepts are available for franchising and licensing, transforming quick-serve restaurants for various segments such as Universities, Healthcare, Stadiums, Airports, and Neighborhoods.
Zotefoams, a world leader in cellular materials, announced that ReZorce, its sustainable mono-material barrier packaging range, has been named winner in the Product Innovation category at the 2024 Reuters Sustainability Awards.
This year, 700 entries from 50 countries contested 17 categories judged by an international panel of business leaders, academics, designers and changemakers in the field of sustainability. ReZorce won the Product Innovation category ahead of 13 other shortlisted entrants including other aseptic liquid packaging board (LPB) beverage cartons and packaging innovations.
Currently available aseptic beverage cartons – used for products such as fruit juices which are not refrigerated – are produced from composite layers of wood fibre, aluminium and polymer bonded together (LPB). Unlike ReZorce, these composite materials cannot be recycled through mainstream processes. ReZorce on the other hand has a mono-material design which leads to excellent performance in standard Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). The resulting recyclate can be reused, including in the core of ReZorce cartons, bringing the prospect of circularity to the 250 billion unit-per-annum beverage carton market for the first time.
Zotefoams is currently in the latter stages of developing ReZorce for beverage carton applications and is preparing for trials with a north European supermarket chain.
During the Awards ceremony on October 1, judge Danielle Holly, Associate Director of the Aspen Institute, commented, “The judges thought [ReZorce] was an excellent and practical step towards fully recyclable packaging for widely used food and beverage formats. It’s exciting, it’s disruptive and it will really deliver an immense impact in everyday lives. Well done for pioneering it!”
Ronan Cox, Zotefoams Group CEO, comments, “We are delighted that ReZorce has been recognised on the global stage in this way. Entrants to the Reuters Sustainability Awards include some of the world’s best-known and most-admired companies and it is an honour for Zotefoams to stand alongside them.
“It is also telling that the judges recognised the need for wholesale change rather than incremental improvement in pack formats such as aseptic beverage cartons.
“This award which follows recent success in the Deutsche Verpackungsinstitut’s German Packaging Awards, serves as further confirmation that ReZorce is a much-needed product with a bright future. We are 100 % focussed on translating these award achievements into on-shelf success, as ReZorce looks to finally bring a truly sustainable solution to the aseptic carton industry and beyond.”
Two iconic Australian businesses with household brands that have been in the pantries of Australian families for decades are merging, together with the powdered milk business of a third Australian founded business Nature One Dairy to create a market leading Australian food and beverage company with significant scale.
Former Asahi Beverages Group CEO and current SPC Director Robert Iervasi has been appointed the Managing Director of the merged business, which will own and operate three business divisions, namely SPC, The Original Juice Co. and Nature One Dairy.
SPC is an iconic Australian brand and is the largest producer of fruit, tomato, baked beans and spaghetti processing, packaging, and canning in Australia. It holds some of Australia’s most recognisable household food brands such as SPC, Ardmona, Goulburn Valley, ProVital, Pomlife, the Good Meal Co, and Street Eats – feeding Australian families for more than 100 years.
The Original Juice Company is a well-known Australian food processing company specialising in chilled fruit and vegetable juices. Founded in 1988, it has maintained a commitment to sourcing local fruit and producing fresh juice daily for over 30 years. Using a mix of conventional and custom-developed equipment, OJC manufactures high-quality juices, fibres, infused fruits, and fruit waters for both domestic and international markets.
Nature One Dairy is a Singapore registered, Australian-founded dairy company that manufactures and sells premium infant formula, nutritional formula and milk powder products. With an established sales and marketing footprint in Australia, China and other Asia Pacific markets, products are sold under the Nature One Dairy brand. The Nature One Dairy international market presence provides a platform for further inorganic growth for the combined business through product diversification and access to the Asian distribution market.
Together the three businesses create a substantial Australian based and owned global food and beverage companies that will continue to support Australian producers and execute on a global growth strategy.
The 2024/25 orange crushing was moving at a good pace at juice processing companies in São Paulo state at the end of September. According to players, the pear orange has been the most processed variety; however, the harvesting pace has been progressing, and the participation of late fruits (such as valencia and natal) has been increasing.
The harvesting is more advanced due to the higher share of fruits from the first blossoming. Data from Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund) indicate that 64 % of oranges produced in this season account for the first blossoming, higher than the last four crops (36 % of the fruits, at most). Thus, the crushing pace is likely to reduce earlier this year – the second blossoming considers fruits that will be harvested from October on, according to Fundecitrus.
In addition to that, greening (HLB – Huanglongbing), above-average temperatures and the dry weather also accelerate the harvesting. As for greening, one of the symptoms of the disease is the early fruit drop, and producers may harvest in advance to avoid losses. Weather conditions, in turn, accelerate the ripening and may result in early fruit drop.
The share of late fruits in processing activities is likely to be higher in October, but the amount of pear oranges allocated to juice production can still be relevant.
Stocks
Cepea calculations, based on data released by CitrusBR on Sept. 19, indicate that Brazilian orange juice stocks may not recover during the current crop (2024/25), ending this season technically zero. Not even the forecast of improvement in industrial yield (due to below-average rainfall) and limited exports will be enough to compensate for the decrease in the volume of fruit processed.
According to CitrusBR, the stocked quantity of the commodity was 116.7 thousand tons at the end of 2023/24 crop (on June 30, 2024), being 37.7 % higher than that on the same period last year, but the third lowest in history (the series has started in 1988/89).
Almost 9 in 10 (89 %) parents across the UK are concerned that their children aren’t getting enough vitamins and minerals in their everyday diets, according to a new study.
The study, which surveyed parents across Great Britain, suggests the rising cost of living is partly to blame, with over 1 in 3 (38 %) saying food and drink rich in vitamins and minerals can be expensive to buy. The survey also revealed almost half (47 %) of British parents have no clear idea what foods or drinks their children are consuming at school – making it difficult to ensure they are maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
However, the study also revealed a lack of awareness among parents about the levels of essential vitamins and minerals in everyday staples such as fruit juice – which are inexpensive and easy to consume as part of children’s daily routine.
Fruit juice is an easy, affordable way for children to get a head start on key nutrients*: for example, a standard 150 ml glass of orange juice provides more than 90 % of the recommended vitamin C intake. A recent study published in the journal, Nutrition Research Reviews, found that 100 % fruit juice currently provides over a quarter (26 %) of the vitamin C intake for children across the UK, with the average child consuming just two to three small glasses a week.
While most Brits recognise that orange and other fruit juices are a good source of vitamin C – essential for a healthy immune system, skin health, and helping to increase iron absorption – the research revealed that many parents are unaware of the added health benefits provided by fruit juice which contains vitamins, minerals and plant bioactives.
For example, 9 in ten parents are unaware that orange juice contains folate – proven to support normal immune health and helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue. The majority of UK parents (87 %) also don’t know that orange juice contains potassium, a mineral which supports normal muscle function – helping children to stay fit and active.
The study revealed the small amount of calories in a typical small glass of fruit juice – just 20-40 kcal per day or 1-2 % of a child’s average daily calorie intake. Almost half (46 %) of parents across the UK mistakenly think fruit juice contains added sugar, despite the fact that 100 % fruit juice never contains added sugars, colours or preservatives and cannot be diluted with water under UK and European law.
Leading nutritionist and dietitian, Dr Carrie Ruxton, said: “Children’s health remains a top priority for parents across the country. However, with continuing financial pressures and uncertainty around kids’ food consumption at school, parents are finding it hard to keep track of what their children are eating and encourage healthier food choices.
“Although promoting and maintaining the health of your kids may feel like stressful at times, there are easy, affordable ways to ensure your children are fighting fit, and armed with all the vitamins and minerals they need. A simple first step is ensuring your kids have a daily glass of orange juice, which not only provides up 90% of the vitamin C recommendation per day** but is packed with a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants to support immunity, energy levels and active lives.”
Carrie Ruxton’s top five easy, quick and affordable ways to keep children healthy are:
Drinking Daily Juice: Giving children a daily glass of 100 % orange juice with breakfast will naturally increase their intakes of vitamin C, folate and potassium to support normal immune health and muscle function. It doesn’t matter whether you buy a carton of fruit juice or squeeze it at home – both are rich in vitamin C.
Fibre-tastic: Fibre is an essential nutrient to encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promote healthy digestion. An affordable way to weave this into your kids’ diets is to swap sugary breakfast cereals for wheat biscuits or bran flakes, or add peas, beans or sweetcorn to evening meals.
Taste the rainbow: Aim to give your kids five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Try adding blended or grated veg into pasta sauces, or bananas to sweeten desserts. Buying frozen veggies and fruit is an affordable way to preserve key ingredients for longer.
Delicious Dairy: Yogurt drinks and desserts are often a good source of calcium and vitamin D for children, which are important for growth and maintaining strong bones. They are also relatively affordable when brought in multi-packs.
Get fishy: Giving children a portion of oily fish each week will provide inflammatory omega-3 fats to improve brain function, alongside key bone strengthening nutrients such as zinc and selenium. Tinned fish such as tuna is affordable, has a long shelf life, and is an easy after school meal served with pasta, sweetcorn and mayonnaise.
*Walton J & Kehoe L (2024) Current perspectives and challenges in the estimation of fruit juice consumption across the lifecycle in Europe – PubMed (nih.gov). ** Salar FJ et al. (2024) Comparison of vitamin C and flavanones between freshly squeezed orange juices and commercial 100% orange juices from four European countries – PubMed (nih.gov)
Perricone Farms, a premium craft juice company with deep roots in California’s citrus industry, announced its acquisition of Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, an award-winning juice company based in Fort Pierce, Florida. The merger unites two of the highest quality and most trusted names in the juice industry, strengthens both brands, and enhances the ability to serve customers with excellence in quality and customer service in the US.
The combined company will be able to take advantage of bi-coastal production facilities, improve its delivery capabilities, expand product offerings, and leverage its additional scale to ensure juices reach customers with the same uncompromising quality they have come to know and love.
“We are excited to add Natalie’s to the Perricone Farms family. Natalie’s commitment to producing the highest quality products, combined with unmatched customer service, aligns with the core values we have been providing in the marketplace for years. Working together, we will be stronger and will be able to provide greater value to our customers,” said Bob Rovzar, CEO of Perricone Farms. “This exciting merger offers new opportunities for growth and expansion, including entrance into new markets, developing innovative products, and strengthening relationships with customers, suppliers, vendors, and partners. Together, Perricone Farms and Natalie’s are now better equipped to ensure the continued success and growth of both brands.”
Over the decades, Perricone Farms and Natalie’s Juices have become industry experts at procuring and producing the highest quality juices. By unifying these two entities, we strengthen our undisputed reputation for being the best premium juice provider in the food service and retail channel.
“The impressive growth that has driven the success behind the Natalie’s brand for the past 35 years has been built on the brand loyalty and relationships we have established with our customers and consumers. We are forever grateful for the opportunity to serve them with the nation’s best-tasting juice—not because it was our job, but because we loved doing it,” said Natalie’s CEO, Marygrace Sexton, who founded the award-winning juice company, named after her daughter, over 35 years ago. “We are excited for the future and the opportunities this partnership will provide our cherished Natalie’s family. Natalie’s has been built to last and will be providing you with authentic juices on a world-wide scale for generations to come.”
With the foundations for both companies built on a shared vision and values that have existed for generations, the combined company will remain devoted to a legacy that has been rooted in tradition and a commitment to exceeding expectations in quality and customer service.
Perricone Farms, a premium craft juice company with deep roots in California’s citrus industry, announced its acquisition of Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, an award-winning juice company based in Fort Pierce, Florida. The merger unites two of the highest quality and most trusted names in the juice industry, strengthens both brands, and enhances the ability to serve customers with excellence in quality and customer service in the US.
The combined company will be able to take advantage of bi-coastal production facilities, improve its delivery capabilities, expand product offerings, and leverage its additional scale to ensure juices reach customers with the same uncompromising quality they have come to know and love.
“We are excited to add Natalie’s to the Perricone Farms family. Natalie’s commitment to producing the highest quality products, combined with unmatched customer service, aligns with the core values we have been providing in the marketplace for years. Working together, we will be stronger and will be able to provide greater value to our customers,” said Bob Rovzar, CEO of Perricone Farms. “This exciting merger offers new opportunities for growth and expansion, including entrance into new markets, developing innovative products, and strengthening relationships with customers, suppliers, vendors, and partners. Together, Perricone Farms and Natalie’s are now better equipped to ensure the continued success and growth of both brands.”
Over the decades, Perricone Farms and Natalie’s Juices have become industry experts at procuring and producing the highest quality juices. By unifying these two entities, we strengthen our undisputed reputation for being the best premium juice provider in the food service and retail channel.
“The impressive growth that has driven the success behind the Natalie’s brand for the past 35 years has been built on the brand loyalty and relationships we have established with our customers and consumers. We are forever grateful for the opportunity to serve them with the nation’s best-tasting juice—not because it was our job, but because we loved doing it,” said Natalie’s CEO, Marygrace Sexton, who founded the award-winning juice company, named after her daughter, over 35 years ago. “We are excited for the future and the opportunities this partnership will provide our cherished Natalie’s family. Natalie’s has been built to last and will be providing you with authentic juices on a world-wide scale for generations to come.”
With the foundations for both companies built on a shared vision and values that have existed for generations, the combined company will remain devoted to a legacy that has been rooted in tradition and a commitment to exceeding expectations in quality and customer service.
The 11th edition of the Juice Summit will take place on 16 and 17 October 2024 in Antwerp
The Juice and Nectar Industry is set to convene at the Juice Summit 2024, jointly organised by AIJN, the European Fruit Juice Association, IFU, the International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association and SGF International (SAFE – GLOBAL – FAIR).
Since its launch in 2013, the Juice Summit has grown into the leading event for the juice industry, attracting over 450 participants every year. This highly anticipated gathering will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from all around the world to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global juice sector.
The Juice Summit 2024 will offer a unique opportunity for insightful dialogue and building valuable connections. Attendees will gain insights from prominent speakers, engage in thought-provoking panel discussions, and participate in interactive sessions focused on key industry themes.
Key highlights of the Juice Summit 2024:
Inspirational keynotes: Hear from leading figures in the juice industry, including Elwin de Groot, Head of Macro Strategy at Rabo Research and Thomas Körmendi, CEO of Elopak Group.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry colleagues, potential partners, and thought leaders to foster new collaborations and exchange ideas.
Session highlights:
Understanding Consumer Minds, Market Trends, and Research-Driven Strategies: Explore consumer behavior, market dynamics, and expert perspectives on the new sugar-reduced juice category.
Main threats and new approaches for a healthy orange industry in Brazil: Explore challenges like citrus greening, economic pressures, and environmental factors, along with innovative strategies to protect the orange industry.
The PPWR (r)evolution: How the juice business can thrive in a circular economy? Learn about the evolving regulations and how the industry can adapt to thrive in a circular economy.
Supply Chain & Demand: Analyse the complexities of balancing supply and demand in the juice industry, focusing on logistics, forecasting, and the impact of global market fluctuations.
To secure your place at the Juice Summit 2024 and view the full agenda, please visit The Juice Summit. Early registration is encouraged, as spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Company’s largest-ever campaign will support zero sugar, full-flavour line rolling out in the US this fall
Zero sugar juices are known for having zero flavour – until now. Welch’s, the leading name in bold fruit flavours for over 150 years, is changing the game with the launch of their new line of zero sugar juices that don’t compromise on flavour.
“We heard from our more health-conscious consumers that they wanted a zero-sugar juice option that didn’t compromise on flavour, and the options currently in the juice and refrigerated aisles just weren’t delivering on that ask,” said Scott Utke, Chief Marketing Officer at Welch’s. “Our team worked tirelessly to innovate a line of zero-sugar juices that are bursting with the bold, fruit flavours Welch’s is known for, and we believe this new line is a game-changer for consumers who are mindful about the choices they are making when it comes to sugar.”
In September, Welch’s largest-ever marketing campaign, “You Gotta Sip It, To Get It,” will kick off to support the new line of zero sugar juices. From social to streaming, custom integrations to sponsorships, and sampling to experiential events – the campaign will appear across various consumer touchpoints. Highlighting the puzzling moments in life that make our heads tilt in curiosity. However, once one tries Welch’s Zero, these bewildering moments transform into a refreshingly flavourful experience – reinforcing the notion that “You Gotta Sip It to Get It!”
Welch’s Zero Sugar is available in two refreshing refrigerated flavours: Passion Fruit and Grape (59 oz cartons), and three delicious shelf-stable flavours: Tropical Punch, Strawberry, and Concord Grape, offered in multi-serve (64 oz) and single-serve (10 oz) sizes. Crafted with the same commitment to quality and flavour that has made Welch’s a trusted household name, each serving is bursting with vibrant, real fruit flavour with 0 grams of sugar and provides an excellent source of Vitamin C (20 % of DV).
All flavours of Welch’s Zero will be available in juice aisles and refrigerated sections at retailers in the US starting September 1.
The 2024/25 crop-year for orange juice exports (from July/24 to June/25) has started in July and shipments, which had been moving down in 2023/24, continued to move at a slow pace. This scenario was already expected, since the supply is limited in Brazil, due to the confirmation of a smaller orange production in São Paulo state and in Triângulo Mineiro. At the same time, Brazilian imports of in natura orange and tangerine rose in July.
Orange juice exports
According to Comex Stat, Brazil shipped 53.4 thousand tons of orange juice in July, downing 38 % compared to the same month in 2023. The limited supply boosted quotations. As a result, the revenue totaled USD 198.9 million in July/24, for an increase of 9 % in relation to July/23.
NFC orange juice shipments amounted 164.2 thousand tons in July/24, and the revenue totaled USD 96.45 million, upping 3 % and 55 % against July/23. As for FCOJ exports, the total was 23.6 thousand tons (-59 %), and the revenue was USD 102.4 million (-15 % in one year).
In natura citrus fruits imports
In natura orange imports are at record volumes this year, boosted by the low domestic supply and high prices of national fruits. According to data from Comex Stat, from January to July, 34.8 thousand tons were imported, 87 % up in relation to the same period last year. Expenses amounted USD 24.7 million, 72 % more this year against the previous.
As for tangerines, the volume purchased by Brazil in the partial of 2024 totaled 14.5 thousand tons, 96 % more than in the period from January to July last year. Expenses are at USD 15.65 million (+89 %).
Domestic market
Quotations of citrus fruits surveyed by Cepea may continue to increase in August, sustained by expectations of a limited supply for all varieties. This scenario can be verified despite the orange season peak.
The orange harvesting is moving at a good pace in the citrus belt, but most part of the produce has been allocated to the juice industry. Factories continue with high prices to purchase the raw material, leading many producers that typically operate in the in natura market to allocate oranges for processing activities. Therefore, not even the low demand, due to mild temperatures, was able to press down quotations.
Data released by the USDA in late July reinforced the scenario of limited world supply for the 2023/24 orange season (or 2024/25 in the Southern Hemisphere). Despite the slight increase in the production estimate compared to the crop before, the total volume may continue at historical low levels. Moreover, the decrease in Brazil, major global producer of both orange and juice, may not be counterbalanced by other suppliers.
The USDA indicates that the 2023/24 world crop is projected at 47.4 million tons, upping 1 % compared to the season before. In Brazil, the output may decrease 1.2 %, to 15.3 million tons – equivalent to 375 million 40.8-kg boxes. However, the decrease indicated by the USDA might be underestimated. In São Paulo and in Triângulo Mineiro, the production is likely to drop 24.4 %, according to Fundecitrus, and there are doubts whether a possible increase in other states would compensate the low volume produced in the citrus belt.
Orange juice
In spite of the slight rise in the global orange production, the orange juice output is projected at 1.5 million tons, 3 % down against the season before. The decrease is related to the lower availability of fruits to process in Brazil, which represents more than 70 % of the global OJ production.
The Brazilian output is calculated at 1.1 million tons, downing 9 %, and national exports are likely to decrease in the same intensity, since almost 100 % of the Brazilian production is sent to the international market.
Tahiti lime
The global production of lemons and limes in 2023/24 is estimated to move up 2 %, reaching 10.1 million tons, boosted by the higher output in the European Union and in Turkey.
It is worth noting that these numbers consider lemons (Sicilian, for instance) and limes (such as the tahiti lime). Among major producing countries, only Mexico produces significant volumes of tahiti lime (which is produced and exported by Brazil). Mexican shipments are likely to reduce 7.5 %, which can keep the focus of this country on supplying the US, opening more room for the Brazilian tahiti lime in the European market – Brazil has been hitting records in exports year after year.
Revl Fruits™, the adult juice box* with flavours that bring you back to your childhood with just one sip, wants to encourage fans to “Grow Up Never” and take back all the joys of being a kid by saying goodbye to the boring constraints of adulthood. To further this inspiration, starting today, the brand is giving fans the chance to win the cushiest of cushy summer jobs – Global VP Of Water Park Inflatables.
Inspired by the fun-filled freedom and laid-back nature of a summer job that many of us remember, the Global VP of Water Park Inflatables will get to slam their laptop shut and embrace the last morsel of summer. In addition to bragging rights, the winner will receive USD 50,000**, a lifetime supply of Revl Fruits Juice*, and the opportunity to be in charge of, being in charge of nothing – except drinking 100 % juice and floating around in a pool of their choice.
“As we rolled out Revl Fruits earlier this year, we noticed one common sentiment from consumers – many haven’t enjoyed juice since they were kids because of sugar. With no added sugar, mouthwatering flavours, and a splash of coconut water, our fans told us they finally felt free to sip on juice, and the flavours brought them back to their childhood with just one sip. It got us thinking – what other ‘kid only’ things have we given up?” said Christina Zwicky, Head of Brand Marketing for Revl Fruits. “The motto of ‘Grow Up Never’ was inspired by these consumers and will continue to be our north star for our marketing efforts. I’m excited to showcase this first step with the introduction of our Global VP of Water Park Inflatables contest and offer our fans the opportunity to experience the joy of being a kid and celebrate the last moments of summer.”
Fans can hang on tight to the last bit of summer before reality sets in and apply to the “job” now through August 14 by recording a video explaining why they’re an adult that’s never grown up and why they won’t take this job seriously as a boring adult would. To enter, tag @RevlFruits on Instagram or Tik Tok with #GrowUpNeverContest and submit the video on growupnever.com.
Revl Fruits, 100 % juice, brings joy to juice again with no added sugar or unnecessary additives. These four mouthwatering flavours are the perfect poolside sips:
Boldly Cran™: Packed with cranberry juice’s bold, tangy essence, Boldly Cran juice spotlights the naturally rich flavour of cranberries.
Tart Cherry: Tart Cherry juice is a celebration of this vibrant fruit. Each sip delivers the distinctive tartness that cherry enthusiasts crave, earning it PEOPLE Magazine’s Best New Juice of 2024.
Berry Wild: A fusion of nature’s most vibrant superfruit juices – cranberry, pomegranate, and açaí – Berry Wild is crafted to perfection and straight-up yum.
Truly Tropical: Featuring an enchanting blend of pineapple and mango juices, Truly Tropical will take you on a vacation with each sip.
Depending on the flavour, Revl Fruits™ SRPs range between USD 4 and USD 8, and all flavours are currently available in the U.S. at Kroger, Target, Publix, and Amazon.
*Oh, you thought we meant alcohol? Nope. No alcohol included **NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of: The U.S. & D.C who are at least 18 or the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence, whichever is older. Contest runs 12:00 ET on 7/31/24 to 11:59 pm on 8/14/24. Void where prohibited. Limit one (1) entry per person. See Official Rules at www.growupnever.com. Prize Definition: USD 50,000″salary” is a one-time payment of USD 50,000.00 to the winner. In addition to a lifetime supply of Revl Fruits™ Juice which equates to one (1) carton of 32 oz Revl Fruits™ juice per week for the winner’s lifetime or until USD 11,000.00 in Revl Fruits™ juice products or equivalent 32 oz. juice products have been awarded to the winner, whichever occurs sooner, in the form of manufacturer coupons to be mailed to the Grand Prize winner’s address. SPONSOR: Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
After weeks of dry weather, rains were registered in many citrus areas in São Paulo state in mid-July. Although the volume of rainfall was not homogeneous among regions (rains were registered especially in the south and in the southwest of São Paulo state), it brought a certain relief for citrus growers, who were concerned with the dry weather that had already been affecting the trees.
The rainfall was more significant in the southwest of SP state; thus, flowers may start blossoming. In areas where rains were less abundant (or they were not registered), more humidity is necessary for the flowers to blossom.
As for the tahiti lime, the recent rainfall is not likely to increase the supply in this moment, but it may favor the harvest and the quality in the coming weeks.
Juice exports decrease in the 2023/24 season
Brazilian shipments of orange juice dropped in the 2023/24 season (from July 2023 to June 2024), after increasing in the previous crop. Brazil exported 1 million tons, downing 8.1 % compared to the season before (data from Comex Stat). The revenue totaled USD 2.7 billion, for an increase of 25 % in the same comparison. The export decrease is mainly related to the low volume of juice in stocks in Brazil.
Processing activities
The orange processing continues to move at a fast pace in São Paulo state. Some players from the industry surveyed by Cepea say that the crushing is more advanced this season, and that the processing activities of early varieties are likely to reduce this month. Last year, the processing finished only in the second fortnight of September; however, in 2024/25, activities are expected to end in July or in August.
A recent study reveals that natural sugars found in fruit juice appear to support physical recovery after exercise
Cloudy apple juice was found to recover the intestinal barrier function more quickly than other drinks – this helps to support recovery
The body’s stress makers reduced more quickly in recovery after drinking fruit juice when compared with other beverages
The study, led by Dr Patrick Diel, shines a light on the potential health benefits of fruit juice for fitness enthusiasts
Drinking fruit juice could help the body recover more quickly after intense physical activity such as long-distance running, according to a new study.
The peer-reviewed study, published in international journal, Nutrients, found that while added sugars can have a negative impact on the intestinal barrier after exercise, the naturally occurring sugars and polyphenols (plant compounds) found in fruit juice seem to support a more balanced recovery.
While it’s common to reach for a sugary sports drink during or after exercise, scientists have known for some time that added sugars can cause problems with the intestinal barrier – a critical part of our immune defence. A leaky intestinal barrier can lead to harmful bacteria crossing from the gut into the blood which stimulates inflammation. This, then, increases the risk of overtraining syndrome and metabolic conditions such as endotoxemia – where the body has a toxic reaction to bacteria.
The study, led by Dr Patrick Diel, was set up to find out whether fruit juices caused the same inflammatory effect as sugar-sweetened drinks.
The researchers looked at the gut health of runners before and after an ultramarathon. They compared the impact of drinking diluted cloudy apple juice with a test drink which mimicked a typical sugary sports drink. This contained identical amounts of sugar but not the polyphenols and other fruit complexes naturally found in juice.
The researchers found that, while both exercise and sugars can disrupt the intestinal barrier, the natural compounds found in fruit juice eased these effects*. Runners who drank the cloudy apple juice after the race recovered their intestinal barrier function more quickly than those who drank the sugar-sweetened test drink*.
Another part of the study on amateur runners found that drinking diluted cloudy apple juice after running influenced a protein called CD14 suggesting that the juice supported the body’s immune system. Furthermore, the study showed that runners who drank fruit juice reduced their stress markers more quickly compared with those who drank the sugar-sweetened test drink.
Dr Patrick Diel from German Sport University in Cologne, said: “The research comes at a timely moment for anyone inspired to get more active in the run up to the Olympic games, and these findings offer a fresh perspective how to best replenish our bodies. Simply diluting cloudy apple juice and drinking it after playing sports or exercising seems to be an easy and healthy option which supports both gut health and immune function”.
Award-winning dietitian, Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “To properly recover after exercise, our bodies need healthy carbohydrates. In light of these findings, I would encourage athletes, fitness enthusiasts and causal gym-goers to add a serving of around 150ml of cloudy apple juice to their sports bottle and top up with tap water for a low cost and effective sports drink. Not only will this mixture keep us hydrated, it also provides energy-giving natural sugars and polyphenols to promote optimal recovery.”
As with any dietary change, it is important to drink juice in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. However, these studies suggest that when it comes to supporting the body after an Olympic-inspired workout, cloudy apple juice is the perfect health hack.
*Valder, S. et al. Effect of Sugar- and Polyphenol-Rich, Diluted Cloudy Apple Juice on the Intestinal Barrier after Moderate Endurance Exercise and in Ultra-Marathon Runners. Nutrients 2024, 16, 1353. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091353
Stephan Büttner (Photo: AGRANA)
In the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year (the three months ended 31 May 2024), AGRANA, the fruit, starch and sugar company, generated operating profit (EBIT) of € 32.3 million, a significant reduction of 49.1 % from the first quarter of the prior year. Revenue eased slightly, by 2.3 %, to € 944.3 million. “After the robust results of the full year 2023/24, as expected we had a weaker start to the 2024/25 financial year. The significant decline in profit resulted from the highly challenging market environment in the Sugar and Starch segments, where sales prices fell. Business in the Fruit segment was better, leading to a significant increase in Fruit EBIT,” says AGRANA Chief Executive Officer Stephan Büttner.
Results in each business segment for the first quarter of 2024/25
FRUIT segment
The Fruit segment’s revenue in the first quarter was € 415.6 million, up 3.6% from the same period one year earlier. The increase occurred both in the fruit preparations and fruit juice concentrate businesses and resulted from volume growth.
EBIT of the segment as a whole grew to € 27.0 million in the first three months of the financial year (Q1 prior year: € 24.4 million). In the fruit preparations activities, EBIT was significantly above the year-ago level. The improvement was attributable partly to a positive business performance in the Europe region (including Ukraine) and in Mexico.
STARCH segment
Revenue in the Starch segment in the first quarter was € 265.5 million, a reduction of 16.3% from the year-earlier comparative period (Q1 prior year: € 317.1 million), when the war in Ukraine had led to powerful increases in market prices. Owing to the decline in raw material and energy prices, market prices for the segment’s products decreased noticeably year-on- year, which impacted the selling prices obtained for the entire Starch portfolio. Ethanol sales prices, for instance, fell by about 25 % amid a substantial drop in Platts quotations.
At € 9.4 million, EBIT in the Starch segment was down very significantly year-on-year. A key reason for this was the margin decline in starch and saccharification products driven by significantly lower sales prices for core and by-products.
SUGAR segment
Sugar segment revenue was € 263.2 million, up 6.2 % from the first quarter of the previous year. The negative effect of lower sugar sales prices was more than made up for by higher sales volumes. The trajectory of the sugar market was most recently driven by the sugar imports from Ukraine and the expectation of increased EU sugar production in the 2024/25 campaign.
The Sugar EBIT result in the financial first quarter was a deficit of € 4.1 million, a pronounced deterioration from the year-earlier period. This reflected especially the significant fall in sugar selling prices, which was steepest in the regions heavily affected by the imports of Ukrainian sugar.
Outlook
For the full 2024/25 financial year, AGRANA expects a significant reduction in operating profit (EBIT) compared to the previous year. Group revenue is projected to show a moderate decrease.
Total investment across the three business segments in the 2024/25 financial year, at approximately € 120 million, is to be moderately below the 2023/24 value and in line with budgeted depreciation. About 12 % of this capital expenditure will be for emission reduction measures in the Group’s own production operations under the AGRANA climate strategy.
In this publication confructa medien GmbH present beverage innovations from all over the world with specifications like ingredients, company, country, claims, packaging and launch price. What has hit the shelves in the international beverage sector? Which companies and products are the main driving forces in the market? Which trends have become apparent?
The international (non-alcoholic) beverage product review WORLD OF FRUITS 2024 has been published and is available for free download!
As the industry shifts its focus to the new crop, growing conditions for the next apple season in Poland were initially favourable, with fruit maturation occurring three weeks earlier than usual. However, a cold snap between April 2020-2023 significantly affected the orchards. This freeze occurred while the apple trees were still in bloom, and despite strong flowering, the frost caused damage across all apple varieties.
Following the freeze event in April, Poland experienced a second cold wave in May, accompanied by hailstorms in the latter half of the month. While it is difficult to assess the full extent of the damage, market players estimate the crop yield will be no more than 3 million tonnes, significantly lower than the anticipated 5 million tonnes. Consequently, apple juice concentrate production is expected to be around 200,000 MT for 2024/25 MY, down from 2023/24 MY which was 265,000 MT.
The apple crop in Turkey in the 2024/25 MY is also expected to be smaller year-over-year by at least 15 %, according to market sources. This decrease is attributed to heavy rainfall and lower yields following three years of high yields, with one market player noting that “the trees are tired.” Demand for Turkish apple concentrate has been strong from US buyers in recent months. …
The international (non-alcoholic) beverage product review WORLD OF FRUITS 2024 has been published and is available for download!
In this publication confructa medien present beverage innovations from all over the world with specifications like ingredients, company, country, claims, packaging and launch price. What has hit the shelves in the international beverage sector? Which companies and products are the main driving forces in the market? Which trends have become apparent?
The volume of orange juice exported by Brazil in the partial of the 2023/24 season (from July/23 to May/24) remains below that registered in the same period of the previous crop. According to data from Comex Stat, Brazil exported 914.9 thousand tons of orange juice, for a decrease of 8.9 % compared to the same period last season.
The revenue, in turn, totaled USD 2.47 billion, moving up 22 % this season in relation to the previous. The main reason for the increase in revenue was the higher price paid per ton of juice, which rose due to the low availability of the commodity in Brazil, according to agents consulted by Cepea.
OJ shipments to the European Union amounted 489.79 thousand tons from July/23 to May/24, downing 8.2 % against the same period of 2022/23. The income, in turn, rose 27 %, at USD 1.35 billion. To the US, exports dropped 11 % in relation to that in 2022/23, at 293.64 thousand tons. The income verified between July/23 and May/24 was USD 737 million, 9 % up against the same period last season.
Domestic market
Prices of oranges allocated to processing activities have been moving up since March, when contracts involving the 2024/25 season have started to be closed. In early June, values of the fruit traded in the spot market in São Paulo state hit BRL 85.00 per 40.8-kilo box, harvested and delivered, a new record of Cepea series, which started in 1994, in real terms (averages were deflated by the IGP-DI).
Price rises are related to both the higher demand and the limited supply. As for the demand, the industry needs to purchase the raw material, because orange juice stocks are very low. Concerning the supply, the fruit output may be small again in São Paulo and in Triângulo Mineiro.
Consumers shift to natural beverages, immune-boosting benefits of fruit juices fuel growth
The North American fruit juice sector is undergoing a substantial growth period, with market size swelling to USD 39.6 billion as of the year 2023. Industry forecasts are robust, predicting a continued expansion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5 % from 2023 to 2032, culminating in an expected market value of USD 59.1 billion.
The surge in market growth is primarily driven by rising health awareness among consumers, who are now gravitating toward natural beverage options like fruit juices. These shifts in consumer preferences are linked to the numerous health benefits attributed to fruit juices, including their vitamin and mineral content, antioxidant properties, and their role in bolstering the human immune system.
Moreover, advancements in technology that allow for the introduction of organic preservatives enhance the appeal of fruit juices. When coupled with modern packaging solutions that cater to consumers’ increasingly busy lifestyles, it’s clear that the market is riding a wave of both practical innovation and heightened product awareness.
Consumer Trends
The shift in consumer behavior denotes a significant move away from carbonated drinks toward healthier options. The adoption of fruit juices as a method to improve metabolism and manage cholesterol levels is also noteworthy. Moreover, consumers are showing an inclination towards convenient consumption methods, which is another factor propelling the market growth.
Market Segmentation
The North America fruit juice market report covers a detailed analysis of the market segmented by type, flavour, and distribution channel, along with projections at both the regional and country levels. Market segments include 100 % fruit juices, nectars, juice drinks, concentrates, powdered juices, and others. Popular flavours profiled include orange, apple, mango, mixed fruit, and more, while the distribution channels investigated are supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty food stores, online retailers, and others.
Market Outlook
In conclusion, the North American fruit juice market is set for promising growth in the coming years, with consumer demand for healthier beverage options being a prime catalyst. Companies within the market are responding with innovative products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, positioning the industry for sustained expansion through 2032.
Caribe Juice, maker of WTRMLN WTR®, #1 selling cold pressed watermelon juice brand in the US, announces the launch of WTRMLN® ADE, a first-of-its-kind, clean cold-pressed ultra-hydrating lemonade that harnesses the hydration superpower of real watermelon in a delicious and refreshing lemonade. Each 12 oz bottle packs a whopping 600 mg or more of electrolytes, on par with shelf stable sports drinks, thanks to its high concentration of naturally electrolyte-rich watermelon, and touts 100 % DV Vitamin C, No Added Sugar, and half the calories and sugar of traditional lemonade. WTRMLN® ADE is available in 3 popular flavours: Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, and Limeade.
“Everyone loves the taste of watermelon, but many consumers do not realise that watermelon is naturally packed with extraordinary amounts of electrolytes, especially potassium, as well as L-Citrulline, an amino acid that aids in muscle recovery post-workout, and lycopene, an antioxidant powerhouse,” said Luis Solis, CEO of Caribe Juice. “Having just wrapped up our second year in a row of double-digit growth, now is the perfect time to lean into Wtrmln momentum with new innovation.”
WTRMLN® ADE is a full flavour sport lemonade that delivers thirst-quenching benefits to help consumers hydrate faster and recover more efficiently than regular water without all the junk ingredients found in most sports drinks. Like all WTRMLN® products, the base is cold pressed watermelon juice, which delivers one of the cleanest sources of hydration on the planet. Combined with lemon and other real juices, the result is a super-hydrating delicious lemonade that delivers the key functional benefits found in watermelon, such as clean electrolytes, vitamins and antioxidants.
WTRMLN® ADE will be available in retailers such as Target, Stop & Shop, and Whole Foods (starting September) as well as regional accounts throughout the Northeast and West Coast in the US.
Research into ultra-processed foods (UPF) and their role in today’s diet is becoming an increased focus for healthcare professionals. But with a range of studies emerging and differing opinions on the matter, it can be confusing for consumers to navigate what the broad term really means.
A recent study highlighted some of these misconceptions when almost half of respondents (45 %) said they wouldn’t be able to define or identify an ultra-processed food or beverage, and the same amount said they don’t know the difference between ultra-processed and minimally processed products.
Orange juice was highlighted as one of the most common misconceptions amongst Brits in the study, with 21 % believing the drink was ultra-processed, despite being minimally processed. In the same study, 19 % even said they avoid buying orange juice as they worry it sits in the UPF category.
Award-winning nutritionist and health writer, Dr Emma Derbyshire says: ‘Some of the misunderstandings around ultra-processed foods are resulting in consumers avoiding certain products which contain healthy benefits. Products like 100 % orange juice are essential in a balanced diet and provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C and potassium, needed to help meet an individual’s nutrient needs.”
Top 5 orange juice truths:
Unlike ultra-processed products, 100 % orange juice contains no added sugars and cannot be diluted with water under European law
Fruit juice counts as one of your 5-a-day fruit and vegetables – a convenient and nutritious way to up your fruit intake
The high levels of vitamin C found naturally in fruit juice help the immune system to combat symptoms of common colds and illness and support normal skin health
Fruit juice contains potassium, which supports normal blood pressure
Drinking orange juice helps your body absorb iron from plant foods
