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NNB Nutrition, a leading innovator in functional ingredient solutions, announced its role in powering a new wave of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages featuring GeniusPure^™, its premium alpha-GPC ingredient known for enhancing cognitive performance. These launches include high-profile collaborations and cutting-edge formulations from Update, Bucked Up: Drive Hydration, and Life Cider X.

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Featured product launches

Update — with Kim Kardashian

A refreshed take on a beverage originally favored by Kim Kardashian, Update returns to market with an upgraded formulation featuring GeniusPure^™. This relaunch delivers enhanced cognitive benefits alongside hydration in a sleek, modern RTD format.

Bucked Up: Drive Hydration — with Bryson DeChambeau

Developed in collaboration with professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau, Drive Hydration was created to meet the demands of high-performance athletes seeking both hydration and mental sharpness. With the inclusion of GeniusPure^™, the product offers a powerful combination of physical and cognitive support – ideal for sport and everyday performance.

Life Cider X

Life Cider X sets a new category standard as the first functional apple cider vinegar beverage to also deliver energy and cognitive benefits. Powered by GeniusPure^™, this innovative drink bridges wellness and performance, offering consumers a versatile solution for energy, focus, and metabolic support.

Total orange production1 is updated at 292.60 million boxes

The third update of the 2025-2026 orange crop forecast for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt, published by Fundecitrus, carried out in cooperation with professor (retired) from FCAV/Unesp2, is 292.60 million boxes of 40.8 kg (90-pound box). In comparison to the May forecast, the crop season is expected to yield 22 million fewer boxes, a decline of 7%. Compared to the last forecast released in December, which projected 294.81 million boxes, the new estimate indicates a 0.7% reduction, corresponding to a decrease of 2.21 million boxes. This downward trend is due to the estimated smaller average size of late variety oranges, namely Valencia, Folha Murcha, and Natal. It is also estimated that approximately 25.73 million boxes will be harvested in the Triângulo Mineiro region.

From May 2025 to January 2026, the average accumulated rainfall in the citrus belt was 862 millimeters, which represents a 10% deficit in relation to the historical average (1991-2020), …

Please download the complete forecast here.

¹Hamlin, Westin, Rubi, Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple, Alvorada, Pera, Valencia, Folha Murcha and Natal.
²Department of Exact Sciences, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal Campus.

Total orange production¹ is updated at 294.81 million boxes

The second update of the 2025-2026 orange crop forecast for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt, published on December 10, 2025, by Fundecitrus, carried out in cooperation with professor (retired) from FCAV/Unesp2, is 294.81 million boxes of 40.8 kg (90-pound box). In comparison to the May forecast, the crop season is expected to yield 19.79 million fewer boxes, a decline of 6.3 %. Compared to the last forecast released in September, which projected 306.74 million boxes, the new estimate indicates a 3.9 % reduction, corresponding to a decrease of 11.9 million boxes. This downward trend is due to the estimated smaller average size of oranges and a higher rate of premature fruit drop. It is also estimated that approximately 25.83 million boxes will be harvested in the Triângulo Mineiro region.

When the last updated forecast was disclosed in September, the harvest pace indicated that a significant portion of the Pera variety crop would be harvested after the more intense rains expected during spring. However, rainfall in September …

Please download the complete forecast here.

¹Hamlin, Westin, Rubi, Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple, Alvorada, Pera, Valencia, Folha Murcha and Natal.
²Department of Exact Sciences, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal Campus.

On the occasion of the Pipfruit Market Observatory of the European Commission, WAPA (World Apple and Pear Association) presented a first update of its 2025/2026 European apple and pear forecast initially released at Prognosfruit in August 2025. The revised figures show a moderate increase in both apple and pear production for this season to reach, respectively, close to 11 million T for apples and slightly above 1.8 million T for pears. This is mainly due to favourable late-summer weather conditions that improved fruit sizes and colouring for mid and late-season varieties. While production is slightly higher than initially expected, total volumes remain well below the full potential of 13 million tonnes for apples and more than 2 million tonnes for pears, confirming for pipfruit a “medium to low” average European 2025/2026 season crop.

This provisional updated estimate brings the EU apple crop from the initial 10.4 million T released in August to reach between 10.9 and 11 million tonnes, about 5 % higher than the initial August forecast. It ranks this year’s crop as the 6th of the decade, and well below the peak crop of 2018 at 13.2 million tonnes. The EU pear crop is now estimated at just over 1.8 million tonnes, slightly higher than August expectations. This marks for pears the third consecutive low crop, and the fourth lowest of the decade, far from the 2010 peak of 2.7 million tonnes.

Following challenging spring conditions with late frost, weak pollination, and early-summer drought, more favourable weather conditions were recorded in September with rains and appropriate temperatures that contributed to improved yields across several Member States. The main revisions include an indicative increase for Poland (+400,000 tonnes), Germany (+60,000 to 80,000 tonnes), Belgium (+20,000 tonnes), the Netherlands (+10,000 tonnes), and France (+20,000 tonnes). Several contributors of Prognosfruit are still updating their figures, including Italy and Austria, as well as the aforementioned countries, upon the final harvesting later in November. For pears, an increase is mainly observed in Belgium (+25,000 T), the Netherlands (+10,000 T), and France (+10,000 T), an increase partially offset by a small further decline in Italy (-9,000 T).

WAPA emphasises that the updated figures reflect normal forecast adjustments as weather developments up to the end of harvesting in November can significantly influence fruit size and yields estimated in August. The organisation underlines that such revisions are part of a transparent and adaptive forecasting process.

“While this year’s crop is slightly higher than initially anticipated, the European apple and pear market remains well balanced,” said Philippe Binard on behalf of Prognosfruit. He added, “Production continues to be below full potential, stocks are clean, and new export openings are providing a positive outlook for the season”.

Although early sales in several countries were slowed by abundant garden production and cautious consumer demand, the market is now moving into full speed, supported by healthy domestic consumption and emerging export opportunities. The EU market observatory, building on some of the findings released at Prognosfruit, underlined some positive parameters for the season development. It is reminded that the season had a clean start with no overlapping stocks nor significant imports. While the intra-EU trade dynamic is not yet at its full potential in key markets such as Germany due to strong local availability, the outlook for intra-EU trade always remains as a safe bank for the sector, next to local sales. Some quality challenges have led to higher volumes being directed to the processing sector, balancing well the fresh market potential and tightening the stocks outlook for the fresh market later in the season. Despite geopolitical headwinds, export volumes are now already in full swing with volume up 20 % year-on-year, buoyed by lower production in Turkey. This is creating opportunities for the EU exporters in the Middle East, India and North Africa (Egypt, Libya) and as well as elsewhere in Southeast Asia or Latin America, despite some exchange rate disadvantages for EU traders, some ongoing market access restrictions, and logistics constraints in the Red Sea.

The apple and pear sector will need to continue mitigating some challenges for positive development, including securing satisfactory prices to fully recover rising production costs, securing a diversified toolbox for yield performance, and addressing emerging biosecurity risks under climate change. It will remain key to stimulate consumption uptake with evolving consumer patterns, availability of appropriate packaging types, and increased competition from other agrifood products and the growth of other fruit categories on supermarket shelves.

Apples and pears remain the lead category in the fruit basket assortment and have a diversity of varieties to offer to consumers throughout the season. The category needs to be properly stimulated by the future vision for agriculture in the EU and the upcoming CAP reform to keep the sector competitive and attractive for the generational shift.

More about the future outlook for the apple and pear sector will be on the agenda of Prongnosfruit 2026, which will take place in Constance (Germany) on 5-7 August 2026.

Total orange production¹ for the 2024-2025 crop season ended at 230.87 million boxes

The 2024-2025 orange crop for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt, published by Fundecitrus, carried out in cooperation with full professor from FCAV/Unesp², concluded with 230.87 million boxes of 40.8 kg each (90 lbs), divided as follows:

• 7.63 million boxes of Hamlin, Westin e Rubi early-season varieties;
• 15.60 million boxes of Valência Americana, Seleta, Pineapple e Alvorada early-season varieties;
• 74.70 million boxes of Pera Rio mid-season variety;
• 75.99 million boxes of Valência e Valência Folha Murcha late-season varieties;
• 26.95 million boxes of Natal late-season variety.

Of the total, about 14.94 million boxes were produced in the Triângulo Mineiro region.

This season production was 0.65% below the initial estimate released in May 2024 (232.38 million boxes) and 24.85% below the previous crop season, which totaled 307.22 million boxes, a production level in line with the historical average. The 2024-2025 crop was confirmed as the second smallest in the last 37 years, considered atypical due to adverse weather conditions, marked by dry weather, high temperatures, the extremely late and expressive fourth bloom, along with the incidence of greening …

Please download the complete forecast here.

¹Hamlin, Westin, Rubi, Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple, Alvorada, Pera Rio, Valencia, Valencia Folha Murcha, and, Natal.
²Department of math and science, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal Campus.

Total orange production for the 2023-2024 crop season ended at 307.22 million boxes¹

The 2023-2024 orange crop for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt, published by Fundecitrus – performed in cooperation with Markestrat and full professors from FEA- RP/USP and FCAV/Unesp² – concluded with 307.22 million boxes of 40.8 kg each (90 lbs), divided as follows:

• 58.09 million boxes of the Hamlin, Westin and Rubi early-season varieties;
• 18.51 million boxes of the Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple and Alvorada early-season varieties;
• 97.62 million boxes of the Pera Rio mid-season variety;
• 105.20 million boxes of the Valencia and Valencia Folha Murcha late-season varieties;
• 27.80 million boxes of the Natal late-season variety.

Of the total, about 27.82 million boxes were produced in the Triângulo Mineiro region.

The season´s production was 2.22% lower in comparison to the previous crop, which reached 314.21 million boxes and was 0.69% below the initial forecast made in May 2023 …

Please download the complete forecast under: www.fundecitrus.com.br/pdf

¹Hamlin, Westin, Rubi, Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple, Alvorada, Pera Rio, Valencia, Valencia Folha Murcha, and, Natal.
²Department of math and science, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal Campus.

Total forecast production of oranges¹ remains at 307.22 million boxes

The third forecast for the 2023/24 orange crop in the São Paulo and West-Southwest of Minas Gerais citrus belt, published on February 09, 2024 by Fundecitrus, in cooperation with Markestrat, FEA-RP/USP and FCAV/Unesp², maintains the projection of 307.22 million boxes of 40.8 kg each, unchanged in total volume from the previous forecast. This represents a reduction of 0.7 % when compared to the initial forecast for the season. Of the total estimated production, approximately 27.76 million boxes are expected to come from the Triângulo Mineiro region …

Please download the complete forecast under: www.fundecitrus.com.br/pdf

¹Hamlin, Westin, Rubi, Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple, Alvorada, Pera Rio, Valencia, Valencia Folha Murcha, and, Natal.
²Department of math and science, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal Campus.

The first 2022-2023 orange crop forecast update for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt published by Fundecitrus – performed in cooperation with Markestrat, FEA-RP/USP and FCAV/Unesp¹ –, is 314.09 million boxes of 40.8 kg each. That figure represents a decrease of 2.86 million boxes in relation to the initial estimate published in May this year and corresponds to -0.9 %. Approximately 22.97 million boxes of the total crop are expected to be produced in the Triângulo Mineiro …

Please download the full orange crop forecast update under www.fundecitrus.com.

¹Department of math and science, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal Campus.

WAPA, the World Apple and Pear Association, released the updated Northern Hemisphere Apple and Pear Crop Forecast. As crops have now been fully harvested since the first figures were released in August 2021, minor adjustments were made in different countries, although the new estimates are still in line with the original forecast. As the Northern Hemisphere season is getting into full swing, stocks depletion figures will be provided as well by the Association.

During the month of December, WAPA has been consolidating the forecast of apples and pears production for the Northern Hemisphere released during the month of August. As the season is now in full swing and harvest is completed, WAPA is reporting on the latest development for apples and pears in the Northern Hemisphere, while already looking to prepare the Southern Hemisphere 2022 forecast, which will be announced during the last week of February on the occasion of the WAPA Annual General Assembly. Overall, the countries survey by WAPA covers a production of 81 Mio T of apples and 23 Mio T of pears.

The updated estimates for European apple production of the 21 top EU producing countries and the United Kingdom increased by 160.000 T to stand at 11.895,000 T, which is 1,36 % more than what originally forecasted at 11.735,000 T. The forecast for the season is ultimately 11 % (or 1.195,000 T) up from the last year. The new figure is influenced by an increase in Poland (+ 130.000 T to 4,3 Mio T) as well as in Belgium (+ 48.000 T to 240.000 T) and Austria (+ 5.000 T to 120.000 T) but compensated by a decrease in France (- 12.000 T to 1.363.000 T) and the Netherlands (- 5.000 T to 245.000 T). Italy remains stable at 2.044.000 T, with 2.000 T less compared to the initial forecast of August. On the varieties side, the main changes concern Red Jonaprince (+ 53.000 T to 475.000 T), Jonagold (+ 26.000 T to 444.000 T), Idared (+ 24.000 T to 709.000 T), Red Delicious and Pinova (+ 14.000 T each, reaching 654.000 T and 197.000 T respectively), and Cripps Pink (+ 7.000 T to 240.000 T). On the other hand, Gala decreased (- 10.000 T to 1.553.000 T). Other EU countries and Switzerand represent around 200.000 T. In the USA, the apple crop is confirmed to be stable at 4,644.000 T (6 % down to last year), despite some readjustment within the breakdown by states and varieties. The major varieties in the USA are Gala (863.000 T), Red Delicious (625.000 T), and Honey Crisps (542.000 T). Varietal shift continues in the US orchards, with positive development with new varieties such as Ambrosia and Cosmic Crisp. In the US neighbourhood, Mexico’s production in 2021 was down by 2 % at 700.000 T, while Canada’s production dropped 11 % to 360.000 T. The Chinese apple crop was estimated in August just below 45 Mio T, dominated by the Shaanxi (12,5 Mio T) and Shandong (9,5 Mio T) provinces, which together account for close to 50 % of the Chinese apples production. The crop in EU neighbourhood was set at 8 Mio T, covering Turkey (4 Mio T), Russia (1,4 Mio T), Ukraine (1,3 Mio T), Moldova (600.000 T), Serbia (535.000 T), and North Macedonia (140.000 T). In Central Asia, the apple crop is around 2,5 Mio T, out of which 50 % is in Uzbekistan (1.250.000 T), followed by Azerbaijan (300.000 T), Tajikistan (250.000 T), Kazakhstan (200.000 T), and Kyrgystan (150.000 T). Production in India is forecasted at 2,65 Mio T. In the Southern Hemisphere, the final apple crop was set at 5.230.000 T.

In regard to pears, the European pear production is estimated to reach 1.666,000 T in 2021/2022, which is 3,87 % (or 61.000 T) above the August forecast. This increase is resulting from an increase in Belgium (+ 59.000 T to 354.000 T) and the Netherlands (+ 15.000T to 340.000 T) but compensated among others by a decrease in France (- 1.000 T to 56.000 T) and a further decline in the Italian crop due to the severe consequences of the climatic havocs experienced in the main producing regions (- 11.000 T to 202.000 T, while the orchard potential is over 700.000 T). On the varieties, Conference is set to increased by 68.000 T to 873.000 T while Abate should decrease by 12.000 T to
53.000 T. Regarding USA pear production, there is a slight increase from 525.000 T to 529.000 T, driven by Oregon and Washington State, while production in California is severely impacted by the lack of water and labour shortage . The main varieties for the seasons are Williams BC (270.000 T), Anjou (170.000 T), and Bosc (60.000 T). Elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere, China reported a forecast of pear production of 18,5 Mio T, Turkey of 539.000 T, and India of 89.000 T. In the Southern Hemisphere, the 2021 pears crop ended with a total volume of 1.346.000 T.

Philippe Binard, Secretary-General of WAPA commented: “This year, given the difficult climatic conditions, forecast of production was not easy to be made, in particular regarding the uncertainties on the impact of frost and other spring weather conditions for the quality and the size of products. Looking back, the work undertaken in the different countries was rather precise, as only limited variations were noted. Those were primarily influenced by the good conditions during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere”. Mr Binard added: “In addition to the apple and pear production forecast, WAPA collects stock figures from the major producing countries throughout the season. As of December, WAPA is resuming the collection of data for the stocks as now the crop is fully harvested and stocks data are now able to be calculated in a reliable manner”.

WAPA can reveal that EU apple stocks stood at 4,865,028 T as of 1 December 2021, which is 6.9 % above the figure of 2020, which reflects the 11 % increase in the crop. On the other hand, pear stocks stood at 654,484 T on 1 December 2021, 26,9 % below the volume of 2020, mostly because of the large decrease in Italy. In Europe, the final pear crop is 26 % lower than a year ago. For the USA, apple stocks in December stand at 1,909,045 T, down 2,58 % compared to 2020. This level is reflecting the lower crop in Washington States this year, which stands at just below 3.000,000 T, 4 % less than last year. Pears stocks in the USA stand at 224,278 T, which is 21,6 % above last year.

In regard to the current season, Domink Wozniak, President of WAPA commented: “Several factors influence the development of this Northern Hemisphere season. The rise in costs for production input, packaging, energy or labour as well as the predicted inflation will have an impact on prodcuer’s margins and competitiveness. Moreover, logistics challenges in terms of availability and costs are some of the new factors influencing trade patterns. Mixed fortune is also expected on market access considering for the European exporters the Belarus embargo as of January 1st combined with the on- going Russian embargo. For the USA, the effects of counter-sanctions in the Steel and Aluminium dossiers are affecting in particular US exports to distant markets such as India . USA trade is expected to primarily focus in North America to the Mexican and Canadian neighbours. In Asia, all exporters are confronted with increased burdens to access China due to increased COVID related controls and logistics hurdles in the port”. On the global stage, one should consider the role of new players such as Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine, Turkey, or Iran. China is also developing its export potential with exports now exceeding one million tons on apples, primarily to South East Asian neighbour. Mr Wozniak added: “Overall in the Northern Hemisphere, the local sourcing will remain a priority in many places considering on-going uncertainties on the world market. However, the growth of apple and pear production in the North Hemisphere, in particular in EU neighbourhood and Central Asia, makes it important to continue diversify the variety assortment for taste expected by consumers. Raising the quality and meeting new sustainability expectations of policy and consumers would facilitate a new boost of the consumption of apples and pears. At the same time, the global apple and pear community should continue searching for new opportunities for the apple and pear consumption in many markets around the world”.

WAPA is slated to host Prongosfruit in Belgrade (Serbia) on 10 and 11 August 2022, in cooperation with Serbia Does Apples. Information will be provided end of March 2022 on the Prognosfruit website (www.prognosfruit.eu).

SIG’s Corporate Responsibility (CR) Performance Update for 2019 explores key aspects of the company’s Way Beyond Good ambition, highlights its sustainability stories of the year, and reports progress towards its targets for 2020 and beyond.

„Our packaging has delivered food safely to billions of people all over the world. We want to help shape a sustainable food system that gets the most from what it uses and gives more than it takes,” said Rolf Stangl, CEO of SIG. “To do this, we need to go further than we’ve ever gone before. We took some more big steps forward this year and the increased uptake of our most sustainable packaging solutions shows we’re using growth as a driver for good.”

Highlights in 2019

SIG continues to build on its track record of sustainable innovation and industry firsts. Highlights this year include:

• Launching the world’s first Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) labelled packs and the first aseptic carton packs with all three key materials from certified sources – paperboard, plant-based polymers and aluminium foil
• Increasing uptake of SIG’s most sustainable products, such as SIGNATURE PACK and combibloc EcoPlus
• Introducing the first paper straws for carton packs – first straight and then U-shaped
• Accelerating the timeline to cut greenhouse gas emissions from SIG’s business – by 60 % by 2030 – with a new 1.5°C target approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative
• Engaging in new recycling partnerships around the world, including the innovative so+ma programme that is rewarding consumers in Brazil for recycling
• Turning food loss into over 9,200 school meals for underprivileged children in Bangladesh in the first year of the Cartons for Good programme run by the SIG Way Beyond Good Foundation
• Achieving a Platinum rating from EcoVadis that puts SIG in the top 1 % of businesses for sustainability.

Going further

The CR Performance Update includes a series of stories from the year, which bring to life some of the ways that SIG is realising its ambition to go Way Beyond Good for society and the environment.

The company is focusing on driving progress in the areas where it can make the biggest difference: helping forests thrive, tackling climate change, driving sustainable product innovation, contributing to a circular economy and delivering safe nutrition.

To pursue these opportunities, SIG is building on strong foundations. It is committed to doing business ethically, buying responsibly, supporting its people and keeping them safe, and partnering with communities to help them thrive.

Transparent reporting

SIG’s CR Performance Update is transparent about progress against targets and includes an update on key performance indicators related to the company’s most material social and environmental issues. It also includes direct feedback from SIG’s external Responsibility Advisory Group, together with the company’s response.

The interim CR Performance Update complements SIG’s full CR reports, which are published every other year. It covers the same focus areas and most material social and environmental issues as SIG’s award-winning full CR Report for 2018, which includes more detail on the way we manage these issues. The 2018 CR Report was produced in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.

Please download SIG’s CR performance update under www.sig.biz/en/