Despite the positive ending stock scenario in July (referring to the 2017/18 crop), CitrusBR (Brazilian Association of Citrus Exporters) estimates a tight carry over for orange juice by June 2019 (2018/19 crop), at around 146.7 thousand tons.

This amount would be enough for two months of exportations, at the most, the second smallest in the CitrusBR series (which started in 1988/89) and 5.6 % lower than the minimum stablished by the Association in May, at 154.7 thousand tons of Frozen Concentrate Orange Juice (FCOJ) Equivalent. The critical volume is due to the smaller crop forecast for the citrus belt, at only 288.29 million boxes, 27.6 % down compared to the 2017/18 season.

New estimates from Citrus BR are based on an average industrial yield at 259 boxes of 40.8 kilos of oranges to produce one ton of FCOJ, higher than that last season, due to the dry period in the citrus belt – approximately 120 days. The lack of rains, according to CitrusBR, should significantly affect the initial volume forecast by Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund), released in May (which still did not consider the scenario from May to July).

As for the 2017/18 crop, CitrusBR reported ending stocks at 343 thousand tons of FCOJ Equivalent on June 30 2018 at the processors from SP. That amount accounts for a significant recovery at 219.6 % compared to the volume at the end of 2016/17.

This positive result is linked to the larger harvest at the citrus belt (São Paulo and Triângulo Mineiro) in 2017/18, which totaled 398.35 million boxes of 40.8 kilos, 62.4 % more than in 2016/17, according to Fundecitrus. Compared to the average in the last 10 years, the output was 25% larger and the largest since 2011/12 (when it totaled 416 million boxes). The positive harvest in 2017/18 ensured comfortable inventories at processors, which, however, cannot be considered a surplus.

IN NATURA MARKET – Despite the weak demand, pear orange quotes remain at high levels in Brazil. As crushing of mid-season fruits steps up at processors from SP, and with the low supply of good quality oranges at orchards, availability is low in the spot. Thus, pear orange quotes averaged 27.85 BRL per 40.8-kilo box (on tree) in the first fortnight of August, 5.9% higher than in the same period of July.

South African biotechnology company, Green Cell Technologies^® (GCT^®), announced it has signed an exclusive global licensing agreement for the world’s largest orange juice producer, Citrosuco, to make use of its proprietary Disruptor^™ technology, intellectual property, processes and applicable trademarks.

Green Cell Technologies’ award-winning, patented Dynamic Cellular Disruption^® (DCD^®) process, in conjunction with its Disruptor^® technology, is busy revolutionising the modern global food and beverage manufacturing industry. Without using harmful heat or chemicals, GCT is able to assist its clients in attaining higher yields, reducing food waste at source and all without denaturing the product. Because the process results in a molecular flow and allows for 99.99998 % of the available active ingredients to be harvested, the company already awarded for its work in the area, believes it is able to provide a commercially viable solution to the world’s future food security needs through its technologically advanced extraction and its New Product Development (NPD) capabilities.

The agreement – for an initial two year period – will see Citrosuco hold the exclusive licensing rights to GCT’s DCD process for the global orange juice and orange-related speciality ingredients market. This gives Citrosuco a significant competitive edge, taking its orange production into the future, streets ahead of conventional processing, while also reducing waste. Additionally, Citrosuco will have the increased ability to formulate products suitable for the growing consumer appetite for natural goods.

The Citrosuco development team commented: “Citrosuco aims to be the best company for natural fruit juices and ingredients in the global food industry. Access to Green Cell Technologies’ machinery and intellectual property will make this more of a reality. We are excited about the prospects this means for us as a global company to develop new products and for the people who will benefit from the added nutritional enhancements this technology can unlock.”

While both companies are necessarily un-specific as to the particulars of what the technology will generate for Citrosuco and what else the company is exploring, it is true to say that many possibilities are being explored and the companies will make further announcements in the months to come.

Roy Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Green Cell Technologies confirmed the agreement, remarking: “We are delighted to be working with Citrosuco as they are a company that shares our ideals as far as natural foods are concerned, and one that is prepared to invest in sustainable innovation with the aim of being able to provide better foods for more people while minimising negative impact on the environment.

“With the world population growing on a daily basis and the ability to deliver meaningful nutrition diminishing, it is imperative that food processors enter the modern manufacturing paradigm.”

The agreement came into effect on 6th August 2018.

Cold-pressed juice brand Evolution Fresh announced it will expand its functional beverage portfolio by entering the $1.2^* billion refrigerated tea category with the launch of new bottled Evolution Fresh Organic Kombucha across seven major U.S. cities from coast to coast. Available in six delicious flavors – Ginger Lemon Honeycrisp, Mango Pineapple, Ginger Greens, Spicy Greens, Pink Grapefruit, and Turmeric Pineapple Coconut – the beverages have started to ship to grocery and natural retailers in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle and New York City, with plans to roll-out to additional cities this fall and next spring. Evolution Fresh Organic Kombuchas feature the company’s cold-pressed juices and will be available in 15.2 fluid ounce glass bottles. Customer interest in kombucha and fermented beverages is on the rise with the category growing 36 percent in 2017 according to IRI data.^**

To create its kombucha, Evolution Fresh starts with carefully selected artisanal teas—Congou black tea, Yerba Matè tea, pu’erh black tea, green tea and matcha. The teas are fermented and paired with cold-pressed Evolution Fresh juice. Leading with flavor, these recipes leverage the brand’s culinary expertise rooted in authentic taste and quality since 1992 to delight the palate and create the perfect combination in every bottle.

Evolution Fresh Organic Kombucha is available in six flavors and is certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and Kosher:

• Ginger Lemon Honeycrisp: This invigorating elixir has complexity, leading with Congou black tea that lives in harmony with cold-pressed honeycrisp apple, tart lemon and a kick of ginger.
• Mango Pineapple: Congou black tea strikes a down-to-earth balance with vibrant, cold-pressed oranges, mangos and pineapples to bring a juicy-sweet edge to every lively sip.
• Ginger Greens: At the heart of this feel-good elixir is effervescent Yerba Matè tea, its notes deliciously pair with Evolution Fresh’s signature cold-pressed leafy greens, bright lemon and zingy ginger.
• Spicy Greens: Light-bodied yet full of character, green tea and matcha lift Evolution Fresh’s signature cold-pressed greens, pineapple and jalapeño. A refreshing blend with just a hint of heat, accented by the jalapeno’s rich flavor.
• Pink Grapefruit: This celebrated, complex pu’erh black tea is brightened with a sweet splash of cold-pressed pink grapefruit.
• Turmeric Pineapple Coconut: This spirited blend features bright Yerba Matè tea – made extra-special with savory turmeric and bright cold-pressed pineapple.

*IRI US MULO 52 WE 12/31/17
**IRI US MULO L52 Wks ending 7/30/17 & SPINS – Natural Channel L52 Wks ending 7/16/17 and NSS / Nielson Whole Foods report 8/9/17.

The 2017/18 Brazilian season of juice shipments finished in June with high volumes. As for FCOJ Equivalent (volume equivalent to concentrate juice), the total exported was the highest since the 2009/10 crop, while for NFC (not-from-concentrate-fresh juice), the amount hit a record.

Since the beginning of the season, exports surpassed the volumes registered in the same months of the year before, scenario boosted by the higher production in the citrus belt (São Paulo and Triângulo Mineiro) in 2017/18 and by the higher international demand, especially from the United States.

Secex says that, from July/17 to June/18, total juice (FCOJ Equivalent) shipments to all destinations amounted 1.2 million tons, for an increase of 28 % compared to the season before. The revenue, in turn, rose 29 %, totaling 2.2 billion USD. NFC exports totaled 1.5 million tons, for an increase of 14 % compared to the season before, generating 515.7 million USD, upping 16 % in the same comparison.

To the United States alone, the export increase was 81 % from July/17 to June/18, totaling 315.5 thousand tons of FCOJ. The revenue amounted 561.7 million USD, moving up 76 %. Both volume and revenue to the USA were a record in the 2017/18 season.

To the European Union, sales totaled 720.5 thousand tons of FCOJ, 17 % up compared to the previous season. The revenue, in turn, was 1.3 billion USD, for an increase of 18 % in the same comparison.

MARKET IN BRAZIL – The citrus market registered slow pace of trades in mid-July. Players surveyed by Cepea say that low temperatures and the lack of quality of fruits available in the in natura market hindered negotiations.

However, with the heated demand from processing companies, the supply of early varieties is reduced in São Paulo State, which increases demand for pear orange. From July 2 to 13, pear orange quotes averaged 26.30 BRL per 40.8-kilo, on tree, 3.1 % up compared to the first fortnight of June (1 – 15).

As for tahiti lime, demand decreased, mainly due to high prices and cold weather in São Paulo. Thus, in the first fortnight of July (2 to 13), quotes averaged 28.73 BRL per 27-kilo box, harvested, for a decrease of 21 % in the same comparison.

On-the-go combidome convenience for Pfanner’s range of ‘Supersäfte’ lifestyle drinks

SIG continues to fulfil its ongoing promise to turn the challenges of food and beverage manufacturers into viable commercial solutions. Pfanner, an internationally active premium manufacturer of juices and fruit juice drinks, is progressing its close cooperation with SIG as it chooses the innovative carton bottle combidome 500 ml for its new range of ‘Supersäfte’ healthy on-the-go drinks.

Pfanner’s recently launched Supersäfte not-from-concentrate range comprises of three unique drinks:

• Augenöffner (Eye Opener), a stimulating multi-juice energy drink, with added Guarana and caffeine for a natural boost.
• Pausenfüller (Pause Filler), ideal for hunger in between meals, is a mix of strengthening almonds, acerola cherries and bananas as well as other valuable fruits, with niacin to provide energy.
• Stresskiller (Stress Killer), a relaxing mix of direct-pressed apples, sour cherries, blackcurrants, elderberries, raspberries with added hemp, fragrant cinnamon and magnesium to support normal function of the nervous system.

Targeted at busy Millennials, who prefer to consume healthily on-the-go, Pfanner’s innovative Supersäfte range of lifestyle drinks is a stand out product that appeals to a younger, highly motivated and mobile demographic. Working jointly with SIG to create a complete product concept, from product ideas and recipes to overall marketing, the decision was made use combidome 500 ml as the perfect packaging solution. Pfanner first started to use combidome in its 1.0 litre fruit juice range back in 2016, moving from the gable-top carton for the first time in 18 years.

An increasingly mobile generation is making food and beverage manufacturers take important NPD decisions and packaging is playing an ever more integral role. SIG aims to drive Product Innovation and Differentiation, working in partnership with producers to offer product and packaging solutions which perfectly match food and drink innovations.

Millennials driving market change

Millennials are looking for healthy, nutritious and convenient snacking options which can be easily consumed on-the-go, expecting great taste and high quality to fit in with their busy lifestyles. combidome perfectly complements Pfanner’s new range, with its distinctive sturdy yet slim shape and modern design. It’s perfect for commuters who can enjoy the benefits of a carton pack in terms of product protection and environmental considerations. The packaging can be easily held and be resealed and stored neatly in a bag, just like a bottle. With a 28 mm single action screw cap positioned centrally on top of the carton, it creates the perfect angle for easy drinking straight from the pack.

Market research commissioned by Pfanner in spring 2017, with 20 to 35 age group, found that a staggering 98% of respondents thought the 500 ml packaging volume of combidome was the perfect on- the-go solution.

Standing out from the crowd

Pfanner also has the flexibility benefits of using the corresponding combidome filling machine, which can fill three different volumes on just one machine.

Peter Pfanner, Managing Partner of Hermann Pfanner Getränke GmbH, commented: “Different generations have changing needs and the mobile Millennial prefers to snack on the move, rather than taking regular meals. By working closely with SIG, we were able to develop a complete product solution for this health-conscious group, who like to maximise their time by consuming on-the-go. From developing initial product and packaging ideas through to the final concept, we now believe that together we’ve achieved the ideal range of drinks for this mobile generation.”

Pfanner continued: “combidome itself really stands out and helps us to differentiate our brand. We were able to create a dynamic, modern design, using the four display panels on the carton bottle, with fun colors and messaging which appeals to younger consumers and has excellent shelf appeal. At Pfanner, we value the reliability and high-quality production of SIG carton packs and we’re looking forward to developing our fruitful collaboration over many years to come.”

Pfanner continued: “combidome itself really stands out and helps us to differentiate our brand. We were able to create a dynamic, modern design, using the four display panels on the carton bottle, with fun colors and messaging which appeals to younger consumers and has excellent shelf appeal. At Pfanner, we value the reliability and high-quality production of SIG carton packs and we’re looking forward to developing our fruitful collaboration over many years to come.”

Marketing and Testimonials

Pfanner plans to promote its new Supersäfte on-the-go juice range on Facebook and Instagram, in a fun and engaging campaign. Influencer marketing will also be underway with target bloggers and opinion leaders. Pfanner has also implemented product tastings and sampling in 20 stores in Germany and Austria so far, with merchandised displays in many outlets.

Saying it with colour: the natural black appearance of the product stands out of the shelves.

Canadian Black River Juice launched a pure pomegranate juice. Made from high quality concentrated pomegranate juice sourced from Iran, where the pomegranate is native to. High in antioxidants, this juice is completely pure and refreshing. Sediment is normal, it’s just the natural fibre in the juice, give it a good shake and enjoy!

The juice, which is free from added sugar and flavours, is pasteurized pure pomegranate juice from concentrate available in a 1L glass bottle.

Canadian-owned and operated, Black River Juice had its humble beginnings in the cherry orchards of Prince Edward County. Founded by friends and co-workers, Keith Wallace and Grant Keane, they began by working with local farmers to help them sell the juice from their leftover cherries to Torontonians so not to have any of their crop go to waste. Keith and Grant quickly realized that the demand for this pure cherry juice far outweighed the farmers’ ability to keep up, so they bought a small juice press and some canning equipment and started to make the juice themselves. It was a labour of love that involved labelling, ladling and jarring by hand! In addition to the pure tart cherry juice, their first offerings were more exotic, like gooseberry, red currant blend and plum to name a few. They found there was no need to add sugar or flavourings as they were able to maintain much of the flavour and integrity of the fruit.

Why does a supplement made exclusively from tomato paste have an EFSA health claim, but not the tomato paste it’s made from?

Raised: 73,500€. Target: 270,400€.

The expansion of the Tomato Foundation Health Claim Project Consortium continues – rallying support from companies within the tomato industry global supply chain. The project focuses on obtaining an EFSA health claim for tomato paste/tomato products and improved blood flow – based on an existing EFSA health claim for a tomato supplement, awarded in 2009.

Consortium partners: Morning Star Packing Company / Kagome Co., Ltd. / Kagome USA, Inc. / Mutti S.p.A. / HIT Group / Assan Foods / Ingomar Packing Company / Integrated Supply Solutions SL. / Concentrated Solutions Inc. / Bösch Boden Spies GmbH & Co. KG / Agrofusion / Neil Jones Food Company / SADAFCO / CCFIA (China Canned Food Industry Association) / WPTC (World Processing Tomato Council) / AMITOM (Mediterranean International Association of the Processing Tomato)

Research group: SSICA (Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Conserve Alimentari) / Universidad Complutense de Madrid / NIZO food research BV / Caledonian Science Press Ltd.

Next steps – The product study: The Tomato Foundation invites collaboration, participation and support for the next step in the project, which is the tomato paste and product sample study. Samples from multiple locations will be tested.

For EFSA validation, a product study is needed to demonstrate consistent and sufficient levels of bioactives in tomato paste and consumer products. The health claim for Fruitflow dictates bioactive levels fixed by production standards. Processed tomato products are already standardised by the Codex Alimentarius for Natural Soluble Solid Content (NTSS). Therefore, the foundation’s new study will target bioactive content per standard serving.

An independent feasibility study produced by Nizo Food Research strongly suggests that the same bioactive content as in a single dose of Fruitflow is found in 12g tomato paste (30 % NTSS) and 70ml tomato juice (5 % NTSS).

The product study aims to show that, regardless of regional variation, the lower range of bioactive compound levels in standard servings of tomato products remain consistently above the level set by a single dose of Fruitflow. The study will be carried out by the SSICA food research institute – in Parma, Italy.

All consumer products that are tested in the study – and pass for sufficient bioactive content – will be awarded a licence of use for the health claim.

Only project consortium companies will be able to use this health claim for their products.

Full information on the project can be found here: www.tomatofoundation.org

For the 8th consequtive year already, the AIM took place from 9th-11th April 2018 at Dubai World Trade Center and is considered to be the leading interntaional direct investors meeting. More then 100 influencial and innovative experts participated at the conference to learn and discuss about the trends and innvocation of direct investments as a tool to guarantuee longterm competitiveness. The Conference was initiated and established by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economics to secure and promote innovative and direct investments longterm.

Claudia Lauener and Frank Hofer, nomenees and representatives of swiss-based Frutco AG, were proudly handed over the AIM Runner-up Investment Award 2018 for the best direct investment in Latinamerica, supported by nicaraguan ambassador Mohamed Lashtar.

The 20 Million Dollar project CHIMACO AG (farms) and Frutco de Las Americas SA (processing) has become an epicenter of sustainability for trainings, education and farming in regards of Maracuya. CHIMACO stands for Chinandega Maracuya Company and employs more then 100 people.

Frutco AG and CHIMACO currently produce on 200 hectares of farmland. As soon as the processing plant of Frutco de Las Americas SA, a joint-venture of Swiss based CT Finance AG and Nicaragua based Grupo Coen will be ready for production, additional independent producers for Maracuya, Guava and Bananas will join the project with a production plan of more then 1.500 hectares, ready to produce purees, concenrates and juices. Grupo Coen will dedicate 2.000 hectares of extra land to the project. In addition to that, enough land can be added for portential future projects.

Shot-sized health-boosting juice launches take off

Consumers are increasingly interested in naturally-functional food and drinks. This increase in health consciousness, coupled with busy on-the-go lifestyles, has fuelled innovation around smart, nutrient-rich snacking solutions. Tapping into this trend, health-promoting juice shots provide a quick, natural boost of nutrition in small to-go bottles. Though still niche, the share of juice shots in total juice launches in Europe has increased sixfold over the past four years.

Nordic countries take a leading role in innovation

Nordic countries, led by Denmark, take a prominent role in juice shot launch activity in Europe. Of all juices described as shots/boosters launched between October 2015 and September 2017 in Europe, 39 % were launched in Denmark. Germany, Norway and Sweden follow with 13 % of launches each. Repeatedly referred to as “the healthiest countries in the world”, Nordic countries put a strong focus on wholesome, nutrient-rich and naturally functional diets.

Ginger dominates the scene, but probiotic-rich ingredients on the rise

Using concentrated doses of fruits, vegetables, plant extracts and herbs, juice shots are designed as a preventive measure to boost consumers’ overall wellbeing, but can also address specific health issues…

The whole blog by Julia Büch, Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel

After the large output in 2017/18, supply may be limited again in the 2018/19 season in São Paulo State and Triângulo Mineiro. With unfavorable weather during the fruitlet settlement in the first flowering event (the main event), which would become fruits in the next season, losses were observed in three of the four main citrus producing regions in São Paulo.

Northern and central SP should be the most affected, followed by the eastern region of the state. In southwestern SP, however, fruitlet drops in the first flowering event were within normality. Thus, once again, productivity in this area may be high again.
With signs of new flowering events at the end of the year, losses may be softened if settlement is satisfactory. Still, the volume of fruits should be smaller than that from the main event.

The first USDA report for the next Brazilian orange crop, released in December, indicate an output of 320 million boxes of 40.8 kilos in 2018/19 in São Paulo State and Triângulo Mineiro, 19 % lower than in 2017/18. Although it is still early to measure, growers consulted by Cepea believe in an even lower output. The first estimates from Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund), in turn, should be released in May.

Despite forecasts for lower supply of raw material in 2018/19, 93 % recovery of orange juice inventories at processors from São Paulo in June 2018 does not indicate excess in juice supply yet. The large crop will be enough only to replenish low inventories from 2016/17.

Besides, agents should be watchful for lower production in Florida as well. According to the last report released by the USDA (in December), harvesting in Florida should total only 46 million boxes, 33 % down compared to the previous season. In addition to greening, which has affected local production for some crops, hurricane Irma hit the area in September 2017. Local production results will be released in July 2018. Thus, as inventories decrease in the United States, there is need for more importation.

PURCHASES – The first orange purchase proposals in the 2018/19 season were reported in the market of São Paulo in mid-November, 2017. Although occasional, large-sized processors have signaled possible trades around 20.00 BRL per 40.8-kilo box, harvested and delivered at the processor, with participation additional in juice sales prices in the international market. If a larger volume is purchased – or for a period longer than two years –, bids at 22.00 BRL per box have been reported.

However, based on expectations for a smaller crop, citrus growers are cautious regarding closing new contracts, and many of them are monitoring price rises. The values initially bid by the industry are higher than in the spot market this crop, but lower than in the 2016/17 season, when supply was low.

TAHITI LIME – Tahiti lime harvest in 2018 is forecast to be smaller as well. According to Cepea collaborators, besides losses of part of the flowers (due to warm and dry weather), many small-sized fruits were harvested in November and December, which should be ready to be harvested now in January.

The tahiti lime crop peak is forecast for January, since rains in late December and early January may have favored the development and growth of fruits. Thus, prices are expected to remain at low levels until late March, pressed down by higher supply. On the other hand, exportations are expected to increase, as well as the volume of fruits sent to processors.

Central Washington fruit grower extends beyond premium dried fruit lines into beverage market

Royal Ridge Fruits announces, via its Stoneridge Orchards brand, the introduction of its Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, a new liquid twist on their popular dried Montmorency cherries.

The Montmorency tart cherry, grown largely in the U.S and Canada, are abundant in anthocyanin’s – a natural, flavonoid compound that contributes to the ruby-red color and distinctive sour-sweet taste. The fruit has become the source of over 50 studies supporting health benefits such as:

• Natural ant-inflammatory agent: targeted for general pain relief, reducing muscle soreness after exercise and easing arthritic or gout pain
• Natural sleep aid: through the presence of melatonin, a human sleep regulating hormone also found in certain plants.
• Natural immune system regulator: through the presence of vitamin C.

Royal Ridge Fruits is the largest West Coast producer of Montmorency tart cherries, through its farming settlement along Central Washington’s Columbia river basin – known for rich soils and a diverse climate. The product will be the first juice available among an extensive line of premium dried fruits, in whole, sliced and diced varieties.

“Responding to a growing body of research on tart cherries, and the popularity of our own tart cherry dried fruit snacks, adding the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate was a natural step for us,” says Mila Savella, Vice President of Marketing at Royal Ridge Fruits. “The Montmorency cherry has held a special place in our growing cycle for decades, and through our new concentrate we’re hoping more can enjoy it year-round.”

Each bottle of the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate contains up to 1,000 individual cherries, providing a rich source of the fruit’s natural nutrients. All ingredients in the drink are natural, non-GMO and gluten-free. The Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate will be available to consumers in select US markets through the company’s retailer network. For the initial launch, Stoneridge Orchards will offer the product for $2.00 off.

Ocean Spray, an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers, announced that it has added two beverage lines to its extensive product portfolio: Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blends and Ocean Spray^® Pure Cranberry (Unsweetened) 100 % Juice.

Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blends are the perfect combination of organically grown North American cranberries from family farms, with other organic fruit juices. Organic 100 % Juice Blends contain no added sugars¹, preservatives or artificial flavors and are available in three delicious flavors: Cranberry, Cranberry Apple and Cranberry Blueberry. All Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blends are non-GMO² and feature the USDA Organic seal (certified organic by QAI). Each flavor has 100 % Vitamin C per serving and each 8-ounce glass is equivalent to one cup of fruit. An 8-ounce glass of these blends contains 100-130 calories, depending on the flavor.

For the pure, authentic taste and unique health benefits of the cranberry, Ocean Spray’s Pure Cranberry (Unsweetened) 100 % Juice contains no added sugars1, artificial flavors, preservatives or colors and is non-GMO². Each one-liter bottle provides the health benefits from the juice of more than 900 cranberries! An 8-ounce serving is only 60 calories and is equivalent to one cup of fruit to support daily nutritional needs. The juice can be enjoyed on its own or added to smoothies or sparkling water for an extra health boost.
“By adding Organic and Pure (unsweetened) beverages to our line up, we’ve rounded out our portfolio of “good-for-you” juices and juice drinks,” said Patrick Cramb, Ocean Spray’s Director of Beverage Marketing. “We continue to develop innovative products to deliver the cranberry’s healthy attributes in formats that fit the lifestyles of consumers around the world.”

Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blend and Ocean Spray^® Pure Cranberry (Unsweetened) 100 % Juice are available nationally in the US. The suggested retail price of Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blends is $3.99 per 1 liter bottle, while Ocean Spray^® Pure Cranberry (unsweetened) 100 % Juice is $5.98 per 1 liter bottle.

¹ These products are not low calorie foods – see Nutrition Facts for sugar and calorie content.
² These products do not contain genetically engineered ingredients.

Central Washington fruit grower extends beyond premium dried fruit lines into beverage market
Royal Ridge Fruits announces, via its Stoneridge Orchards brand, the introduction of its Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, a new liquid twist on their popular dried Montmorency cherries.

The Montmorency tart cherry, grown largely in the U.S and Canada, are abundant in anthocyanin’s – a natural, flavonoid compound that contributes to the ruby-red color and distinctive sour-sweet taste. The fruit has become the source of over 50 studies supporting health benefits such as:

• Natural ant-inflammatory agent: targeted for general pain relief, reducing muscle soreness after exercise and easing arthritic or gout pain
• Natural sleep aid: through the presence of melatonin, a human sleep regulating hormone also found in certain plants.
• Natural immune system regulator: through the presence of vitamin C.

Royal Ridge Fruits is the largest West Coast producer of Montmorency tart cherries, through its farming settlement along Central Washington’s Columbia river basin – known for rich soils and a diverse climate. The product will be the first juice available among an extensive line of premium dried fruits, in whole, sliced and diced varieties.
“Responding to a growing body of research on tart cherries, and the popularity of our own tart cherry dried fruit snacks, adding the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate was a natural step for us,” says Mila Savella, Vice President of Marketing at Royal Ridge Fruits. “The Montmorency cherry has held a special place in our growing cycle for decades, and through our new concentrate we’re hoping more can enjoy it year-round.”

Each bottle of the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate contains up to 1,000 individual cherries, providing a rich source of the fruit’s natural nutrients. All ingredients in the drink are natural, non-GMO and gluten-free. The Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate will be available to consumers in select US markets through the company’s retailer network. For the initial launch, Stoneridge Orchards will offer the product for $2.00 off.

Prodalim Group (Prodalim), one of the leading suppliers of juices, concentrates and multiunit blends, has entered into an agreement to acquire the Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) juice facility in Winter Garden, Florida.

The facility will allow Prodalim to sell and distribute its portfolio of juices, concentrates and compounds to North American clients. Upon closing, Prodalim will also provide storage, blending and tank loading services to LDC under a long term agreement.

The 27-acre facility is located near Orlando and it includes tank farms, cold storage rooms and a state of the art blending and compounding facility. The tank farm has a storage capacity of more than 12 million gallons / 60 thousand tons in addition to cold storage capacity of more than 15 thousand tons in drums.

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods globally. The juice business has been a key pillar of its diverse portfolio for over 25 years, comprising farming, processing and logistics assets in more than seventy countries, with global sales reach for orange, apple, lemon and lime juices and byproducts. The core focus of the business is to produce quality juices to serve and partner with customers around the world.

This transaction is aligned with LDC’s ongoing business goals to focus on core business areas while expanding juice sales distribution. As one of the largest suppliers of orange juice in the world, and to North America in particular, LDC will continue to serve its customers across the region by offering a variety of fruit juices, sourced from different origins.

At drinktec 2013, WILD Flavors GmbH (WILD) will be presenting innovations for the beverage industry, demonstrating its keen understanding of current consumer trends and sharing its global market expertise. Thanks to products from WILD’s portfolio, manufacturers can breathe new life into established beverage sectors as well as new ones: beer-mix drinks, malt beverages, ready to drink (RTD) tea, energy drinks, juice and much more.

At the WILD booth, the right innovation for new growth is available for every manufacturer. As one of the leading experts in global ingredients, WILD is always on top of international markets and consumer needs, and just in time for drinktec it will be presenting its new developments. Its motto for the industry: We grow your business, naturally!®

En vogue with new beer-mixes and malt beverages
In the field of beer-mix drinks, WILD has created highlights with en vogue products such as cloudy variants with juice. Manufacturers can come to the WILD booth and experience for themselves how compelling the new flavors for these popular mixed drinks are. Non-alcoholic malt beverages are extremely promising for breweries as well as producers of soft drinks. Here WILD features a variety of options in terms of malt content and numerous fruity flavors – perfect for the many different taste preferences around the world.

Subscribing to success ― the energy-drink sector
Higher, faster, newer ― the energy drink trend keeps growing around the world. WILD is seen as one of the leading international manufacturers of ingredients for these drinks which give people new vigor. In addition to classic flavors, WILD’s portfolio also includes developments such as energy plus juice, energy plus coffee, functional energy drinks and no calorie concepts. The energy drink boom is far from being over.

On top of today’s trends: premium RTD teas
Today, manufacturers who want to offer consumers innovative new drinks with a healthy image will set their sights on premium tea beverages ― a powerful growth category. The latest addition to WILD’s selection is brewed tea, which offers new standards in terms of quality and flavor. Another attractive bonus is the fact that these products can be labeled as “brewed tea.” Manufacturers who want to concentrate on classic products based on tea extracts or tea infusions will find what they are looking for at WILD as well. For years the company has specialized in the trend segment, as its broad range of product options at the drinktec booth will confirm.

Expertise in great taste for juice and nectar
WILD’s product palette in the juice sector consists of the finest ingredients: an exquisite taste, top quality fruit and new product ideas. When it comes to compounds for juices, nectars and functional beverages with a juice content, the company is a competent partner for the industry, last not least due to its acquisition of Cargill’s juice business. Creative innovations for new product ranges in the field of juices and nectars round out what WILD has to offer.

Creating new inspiration for soft drinks
WILD is also presenting new soft drinks featuring a “grown-up” taste profile based on WILD’s newly developed fermentation technology. This process gives beverages a distinctive flavor and allows manufacturers to position products naturally. WILD also offers new flavors for soft drinks – everything from fruity to spicy, with mint ingredients or sweetened with stevia for low calorie concepts. In keeping with the stevia trend, the company also offers stevia sweetened products in other beverage categories, such as still drinks and tea beverages.

Brand-new: beverages which taste of dessert
One WILD innovation which provides an exciting taste sensation is combining fruit juice with dessert flavorings. This sweet and fruity blend is an excellent response to the demand for new thirst quenchers with a delicious flavor. WILD developed the “Delicious Duo” products on a basis of milk and emulsions. A highly promising concept around the globe – no matter whether the products are for Europe, the Middle East, Africa or America.

WILD at drinktec 2013: Hall B1, Booth 101