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Kayco Beyond announces the debut of Wonder Lemon™, a first-of-its-kind, 100 % organic cold-pressed juice with zero added sugar. Wonder Lemon will have its first debut at Natural Products Expo West 2022 in Anaheim, California, US. With the demand for organic juices on the rise, Wonder Lemon offers the bonus of fresh and delicious citrus flavour, along with the health and wellness benefits of lemon.

Kayco is a family-owned business with humble beginnings in Upstate New York. Starting only with bottles of the now-iconic Kedem Grape Juice in 1948, Kayco worked diligently to create high-quality, affordable products that meet the most rigorous kosher standards. Now producing thousands of products, distributed in over 30 countries around the world, Kayco remains committed to the standards that defined the company nearly 75 years ago and originally made it one of the most recognized and adored brands in the specialty food business.

Wonder Lemon is the latest product to be released under Kayco’s traditionally high standards. Wonder Lemon is crafted with a blend of 100 % cold-pressed fruits and vegetables with zero added sugar and a delightful reduction of the acidity of the citrus. Cold-pressed juice, as opposed to other forms of fruit juices, is made with a hydraulic press, which allows for maximum extraction of the fruit or vegetable’s juices and nutrients. Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have been growingly conscious of health and wellness, often seeking out food and drinks to help boost the immune system. As such, cold-pressed juices have gained a lot of popularity as a healthy and guilt-free treat. Lemon juice is an especially great choice for health-conscious consumers, as lemons are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, potassium, and beta-carotene, making them helpful for immunity, fatigue, and mood. Wonder Lemon is a delicious and refreshing way for consumers to get all of these health benefits.

Wonder Lemon is available in three refreshing and delightful flavours: Lemon Ginger, Lemon Mint, and Lemon Basil Jalapeño. Each of the lemon blend flavours are made with only five to six ingredients, with less than 110 calories per bottle and made up of 100 % natural fruits and vegetables. With the pairing of tart lemons with other dynamic flavours, Wonder Lemon juices are sweet and thirst-quenching, and customers can feel confident in knowing that they contain no added sugar, artificial flavours, preservatives, additives, or artificial colouring. Wonder Lemon is great for children and adults alike and can even be great for mixing with other beverages for some extra flavour and nutrients.

“Compact blade peeler” improves the peeling speed and yield rateSponsored Post Large industrial fruit processors such as central kitchens and food factories, often use fruit peeling machine. Replacing manual peeling with peeling machine is a common trend since it can save labour fee and improve speed. However, many small fruit juice bars still peel fruits by themselves. Small kitchens do not have neither enough space to install a large machine, nor budget to purchase an expensive unit. There are some compact, low-priced peeling machines in the world. However, most of them are too cheap, easy to brake, too slow… except for the ASTRA KA-700H.

KA-700H “Peel-a-ton” is a compact, industrial peeling machine designed for use in limited process space. The machine can peel more than 20 kinds of fruits, in speed of 400 peeling per hour. Choose your fruit, insert the fruit, and GO! Easy to operate with simple navigation, allowing uncomplicated training for any level of employee.

The largest difference between the KA-700H and other common peeling machine is that KA-700H peels with peeler blade, while the others peel with a rotating round-type blade unit. This difference might seem small, but this makes varieties of merits for every customer.

“Compact blade peeler” improves the peeling speed and yield rate
Astra vs normal comparison (Photo: Astra Inc.)

Peeler blade peels the fruit surface to a smooth polygonal shape, while the round-type unit creates a bumpy, rough surface. In other words, Peeler blades makes higher yield and less waste. The peeling speed is faster, since the peeler blade can peel larger area than the round-type unit. Also, the KA-700H is good in adjusting the peeling depth. For those who peel lemons might know that the aroma of lemon is mostly included in the yellow surface of the lemon skin, not in the white part. KA-700H is possible to peel just the very surface of lemon, which is the reason why this unit is highly evaluated from the Limoncello distilleries.

KA-700H is already used in 20+ countries, mainly in the fresh-cut fruits and fresh juice industry. As ASTRA Inc. sees the booming opportunity in the markets, the company is now looking for distributors in many areas.

  • The Interprofessional of Lemon and Grapefruit of Spain has also requested “the application of ethylene in citrus” in organic production “because unlike what happens in other fruits or vegetables, does not induce ripening but only to change the color of the skin”.
  • Both comments have been submitted as part of the consultation period that the European Commission has opened on the draft regulation authorizing products and substances to be used in organic production.

The Interprofessional Association of Lemon and Grapefruit of Spain (AILIMPO) has submitted a proposal to the European Union for the food industry BIO products to replace the use of citric acid (E-330) by organic lemon juice “for being a totally effective and natural alternative“. The proposal has been presented by AILIMPO in the framework of the consultation period that the European Commission has opened on the Draft Implementing Regulation authorizing certain products and substances for use in organic production and establishing their lists.

AILIMPO presents to the EU an initiative to replace Citric Acid (E-330) for Organic Lemon Juice in the Organic Food Industry
(Photo: Zumo)

“We have requested the elimination of the authorization of this substance (citric acid E-330) as a preservative in food additives because it is perfectly substitutable in the processes by organic lemon juice whose main component is natural citric acid, whose production in Europe fully guarantees its availability “, said from AILIMPO, while recalling that Spain is a community leader in production and processing of lemon.

AILIMPO, in favor of using ethylene in organic citrus

In addition, AILIMPO has also submitted an observation to be able to use ethylene. The draft regulation establishes an important limitation for its use in organic citrus. This substance is used so that, once the internal maturity of the fruit is reached, the skin changes its green color to the characteristic color of the species and variety. This process is called degreening.

Since its use is restricted to organic citrus as part of a fruit fly prevention strategy, it could not be used for degreening. However, “the application of ethylene in citrus, unlike what happens in other fruits or vegetables, does not induce ripening but only to change the color of the skin,” clarified from AILIMPO whose position is not to limit the use of ethylene in organic citrus.

“AILIMPO has an important commitment to sustainability as is being made visible through the Welcome to the Lemon Age campaign,” they remind. The organic production of lemon and grapefruit has great relevance in its activity, hence the involvement of interprofessional in defending the interests of this sector. Therefore, AILIMPO has already moved this position also to the European organization FRESHFEL EUROPE, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the citrus Autonomous Communities, and the Councils of Organic Agriculture involved in order that their contributions to this draft implementing regulation take into account the considerations of the sector.

Below are the links to AILIMPO’s contributions to the public consultation of the Regulation.

CITRIC ACID

https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12377-Organic-farming-list-of-products-substances-authorised-in-organic-production-update-/F2238983

ETHYLENE

https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12377-Organic-farming-list-of-products-substances-authorised-in-organic-production-update-/F2231345

About AILIMPO
AILIMPO is a national interprofessional, based in Murcia, officially recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain and the European Commission, which represents the economic interests of producers, cooperatives, exporters and processors of lemon and grapefruit in Spain, a sector in which Spain is a world leader in fresh exports and ranks second in the ranking of processing countries, with an annual turnover of 700 million euros, generating 20,000 direct jobs and a turnover in ancillary industries of more than 250 million euros.

Summer arrives early with unveiling of unsweetened sparkling Lemon Limeade, Strawberry and Pink Lemonade from the first sparkling water brand made with real squeezed fruit

Lighter, brighter and even more refreshing, lemonade is reimagined as Spindrift®, the first sparkling water made with real squeezed fruit, puts its signature spin on this summertime favourite. Crafted with a uniquely balanced pairing of real squeezed lemons and limes, Spindrift’s Unsweetened Lemonade Sparkling Waters come in three twists on the classic. New Lemon Limeade, Strawberry and Pink Lemonade Spindrift flavours sparkle with 0 – 1 g of sugar, bold real fruit ingredients and a timeless delicious taste that embraces refreshment.

“We’re excited to introduce our newest flavour innovations to lemonade lovers and all of our loyal Drifters, who continue inspire our real-fruit sparkling water vision,” said Bill Creelman, founder and CEO of Spindrift. “Lemonade is a classic beverage enjoyed by all. But with concerns about health and diet at an all-time high, we challenged ourselves to reimagine what this traditionally sugary drink could taste like with a Spindrift spin—real ingredients, uncompromised taste and legible calories. Each Lemonade flavour has a distinct and unforgettable flavour profile that will blow people away and make them do a doubletake on the sugar content.”

In addition to the right combination of real fruit, which Spindrift takes considerable time to get just right, the sugar content in the new lemonade lineup is nearly nonexistent. With just 0 – 1 g of sugar in each can, the bold flavours of lime and lemon truly shine. The result is a new category of lemonade: unsweetened, sparkling with real ingredients and just 3 – 10 calories per can.

This is the first time that Spindrift, in its 10-year history, has introduced three flavours at once with a new line of sparkling water. The flavours include:

  • Lemon Limeade – Started with lemon, added a splash of lime and lightly carbonated for a deliciously healthy alternative to sugary beverages.
  • Pink Lemonade – with crushed cherries and raspberries, for a touch of sweetness. It’s Lemonade – but Pink.
  • Strawberry Lemonade – We started with Lemon and Lime and threw ripe, juicy strawberries into the mix. Together this trio makes for an unforgettable taste you’ll keep coming back to.

Spindrift Lemonade will be shared with the Spindrift Community first. Fans who’ve signed up to be a part of the Drifter Community by February 22nd will receive an email with a promocode for a chance to redeem a drinkspindrift.com exclusive, Lemonade 6 pack. Spindrift Lemonade will be available in March at Target stores in the US and through DrinkSpindrift.com.

About Spindrift
Spindrift® is the first sparkling water made with real, squeezed fruit. Founded in 2010, Spindrift® celebrates simplicity, transparency, and the superior taste that only real ingredients can deliver. All products are free of added sweeteners or natural flavours, and only consist of water, just the right amount of bubbles, and real squeezed fruit – yup, that’s it. Spindrift® works with family farms to source the best fruit to make the fresh juices and rich purees they use. The result is light, bright, and flavour-rich sparkling water that tastes just like the fruit in its name. Varieties include: Pineapple, Lime, Blackberry, Cranberry Raspberry, Cucumber, Half Tea & Half Lemon, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange Mango, Strawberry, and Raspberry Lime. Spindrift® sparkling water is available in the US at grocery retailers and café-style restaurants, including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, Starbucks, Kroger, Target, and online at Amazon and shop.drinkspindrift.com. Spindrift® was ranked #385 on Inc. Magazine’s 2017 list of fastest-growing companies. The company donates to environmental not-for-profits through their membership to 1 % For the Planet. Spindrift® is headquartered in Newton, MA. (US)

Expansion includes increased retail presence, robust eCommerce availability, and a wide distribution network

Ingrilli Citrus, Inc., a family-owned business producing high-quality citrus juices out of Capo d’Orlando, Sicily, announced the solidification of its brand in the United States markets. This strengthened U.S. presence includes a wide distribution network, a strong retail presence, operational eCommerce sales, and streamlined sales to retailer warehouses – all of which has been made possible because of the brand’s uniquely focused, in-house farming and manufacturing.

“The Ingrilli family has been farming in Sicily and selling products worldwide for five generations, and our goal has always been to share the labor of our love with as many people as possible,” explains Giuseppe Ingrilli, Business Development Manager, Ingrilli Citrus, Inc. “With this increased U.S. presence, we have done exactly that, establishing our brand on the world stage and sharing our organic, farm-to-table, high-quality and never from concentrate juices directly with you. No other lemon and lime squeeze bottle manufacturer can say that, and we are very proud of the accomplishment.”

Ingrilli first began selling citrus juices in the United States in January of 2020. Like all businesses, Ingrilli was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the company was able to quickly resume sales and operations. Since then, Ingrilli Citrus, Inc., has opened and maintained operations with multiple distributors, started to sell direct full container loads to retail warehouses, and expanded its retail presence nationwide.

The company attributes this expedient growth to the phenomenal movement of Ingrilli products at the retail level, the company’s standout sales team, its excellent relationships with brokers, customers, and retailers, and its singular focus on delivering the highest-quality lemon and lime juice products.

Following this success, Ingrilli™ aims to give back to the community. Since the beginning of the year, Ingrilli Citrus, Inc., has donated about 40,000 bottles of lemon and lime juice to help to feed the hungry, and the company will continue to donate as the opportunities arise.

About Ingrilli Citrus, Inc.
Ingrilli Citrus, Inc. is a family-owned business with five generations of farming and producing citrus juices directly from their family orchard in Capo d’Orlando, Sicily. All Ingrilli juices and condiments are batch-produced directly in their facilities in Sicily. The company follows the strictest food safety standards, and they do not outsource any of their production. This allows them to squeeze the freshest lemons, maintain the highest quality, and produce the best-tasting juices on the market today.

Fresh lemon production for MY 2019/2020 is forecast at 1.6 MMT, down 11 % from 2018/19, as trees cyclically lower production in response to a heavy blossom the prior marketing year. Orange and tangerine production is projected at 720,000 MT and 390,000 MT, down 10 % and 13 % respectively, due to unfavorable weather conditions which affected fruit blossom.

MY 2019/2020 lemon exports are forecast at 300,000 MT, up 25% from 2018/19 primarily due to lower global supplies, reduced domestic demand for processing and expanded export market opportunities. Sweet citrus exports are expected to decrease slightly to 70,000 MT for oranges and 35,000 MT for tangerines. Smaller production and relatively high production costs have reduced Argentina’s ability to compete in international markets for sweet citrus against other Southern Hemisphere exporters, mainly South Africa.

Domestic consumption of lemons for MY 2019/2020 is forecast to remain stable at 150,000 MT, and fresh orange and tangerine consumption is projected to fall to 300,000 MT and 220,000 MT, respectively, due to smaller production.

Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: https://bit.ly/39q64da

Kreider Farms, Central Pennsylvania’s (US) favorite producer of farm fresh milk, ice cream, premium eggs and more, announced the launch of their new line of unique hemp iced tea drinks – Chiques Creek Hemp Tea.

These specialty beverage products are available in select regional retail outlets and online at the brand new ChiquesCreek.com website, designed by EZMarketing of Lancaster. The three currently available flavors—all made from a blend of hemp seed oil and natural flavoring with no artificial sweeteners—are:

  • The Original Recipe – showcases the earthy flavor of hemp
  • Passionfruit + Mint – a refreshing tropical blend
  • Peach + Lemon + Dandelion – a complex blend of earthy, fruity and tastefully bitter notes

Chiques Creek Hemp Tea does not contain CBD or THC, as the FDA has not approved these additives for food and beverage use yet. As regulations change, Kreider Farms may explore recipe alterations in the future.

“Since the recent passing of the Farm Bill, we are excited to see hemp being reintroduced to agriculture,” said Khalee Kreider, Marketing/Social Media Specialist at Kreider Farms. “With its rich history in Lancaster County and our proximity to East Hempfield Township and the Chiques Creek waterway, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to launch a cutting edge product consumers can get excited about.”

Lancaster County – home of Kreider Farms – has a long history of successful hemp production, and the Chiques Creek brand pays homage to the burgeoning revival of this culturally important farming tradition. ChiquesCreek.com features an educational Hemp Q&A page that shares how the hemp plant shaped Pennsylvania.

Named for the refreshing creek that flows through Kreider Farms’ company headquarters, Chiques Creek is more than a delicious tea—it’s a celebration of Lancaster County heritage.

Wonder Melon juice comes in two varieties

Kayco introduced Wonder Melon, a watermelon juice it said builds on consumer demand for the summer staple. Wonder Melon is made from 100 % organic cold-pressed juice with no added sugar, artificial ingredients or artificial colorings.

The healthy drink comes in two varieties. Watermelon Cucumber Basil is a concoction of real watermelon juice, lemon juice, apple juice, cucumber juice and basil, with only 80 calories per 8.45-ounce bottle. Watermelon Lemon Cayenne has real watermelon juice, lemon juice, apple juice and a dash of cayenne and just 100 calories per 8.45-ounce bottle.

Both juice varieties are Non-GMO Project Verified, Fair Trade Certified, certified USDA organic and certified OU kosher. The suggested retail price of the juice is $ 3.99 per 8.45-ounce bottle. Wonder Melon is available in the US in the refrigerator section at Shop-Rite, Fairway, Best Market and many independent grocers, and is also available through Amazon.

Flying Embers, an Organic Hard Kombucha brewed with botanicals and live probiotics, is expanding beyond its Reyes Southern California footprint into the San Francisco Bay Area, Oregon and Washington; southwestern states Arizona and Texas; and jumping to the east coast via New York, Philadelphia and into the New England area. Flying Embers is in partnership with distributors including Crescent Crown Distributing, Columbia Distributing, Sheehan Family, Ben E Keith, Mancini Beverage, Matagrano, Penn Beer and more to be announced soon.

Flying Embers Organic Hard Kombucha currently comes in three flavors: Ginger & Oak, Lemon Orchard, and Ancient Berry. Each refreshing, smooth flavor is fermented with black tea, botanical adaptogens, and a kombucha culture with live probiotics. All Flying Embers Hard Kombuchas have a unique botanical adaptogenic base of roots including ginger, turmeric, ashwagandha, and astragalus. Flying Embers is USDA-certified organic, gluten-free, vegan and has zero grams of sugar at a sessionable 4.5 percent abv.

About Flying Embers
Flying Embers is Organic Hard Kombucha, with live probiotics, adaptogenic ingredients at 4.5 percent alcohol by volume. The Organic Hard Kombucha is made from a sparkling fermented tea kombucha culture with adaptogenic botanicals. Flying Embers was founded in 2017 by Bill Moses, proven beverage entrepreneur, co-founder and former CEO of Kevita sparkling probiotics, which sold to PepsiCo in December of 2016. The Organic Hard Kombucha line features innovative live brews: Ancient Berry, Lemon Orchard, and Ginger & Oak. Flying Embers is a presentation of Fermented Sciences Brewing.

Cold-pressed juice leader Evolution Fresh announced the launch of new Organic Celery Glow, the first available celery juice hitting store shelves at select grocery and natural retailers beginning in April in the U.S.A. Consumer interest in plant-based hydration is on the rise, with the USD 54 M category growing 28 % in 2018*, and Evolution Fresh is making it easier than ever to enjoy

“We are excited to introduce Evolution Fresh Organic Celery Glow nationwide and offer consumers a convenient celery juice without the fuss of juicing at home,” said Michelle Chin, vice president, marketing and category, Evolution Fresh. “Evolution Fresh Organic Celery Glow is a delicious, functional, ready-to-drink beverage that offers an easy way to get more nutrients from green vegetables as part of your daily diet.”

Evolution Fresh Organic Celery Glow

New Evolution Fresh Organic Celery Glow features revitalizing, cold-pressed celery juice that is brightened with a twist of lemon and contains 2 grams of naturally occurring sugar per 8 fluid ounce serving. The beverage is a good source of potassium and certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and Kosher and is available for the suggested retail price of USD 4.99 (per 15.2 fluid ounce bottle).

* IRI/Spins Plant Water Category L52 Wks ending 1/27/19

Turkey produced 4.3 million MT of citrus, including orange, lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit in MY 2016/17.

Turkey is the eighth ranked country in the world for citrus production with a 2.7 percent share. Citrus production in Turkey is 63 percent above the amount that is consumed domestically.

Turkish producers have started to search for new varieties from the other leading citrus producing countries in order to improve domestic production and capture new export markets.

Approximately half of the total citrus production is exported, with an export value of $880 million. Top export destinations are Russia and Iraq, followed by Ukraine.

Turkish citrus exporters would prefer more diversified export markets to avoid complications from any political tensions.

Please download the complete report under: gain.fas.usda.gov