
Bit longer edition today… compensating for yesterday’s lack of an edition.
One article I came across that addressed an issue that needs more attention: “Truckloads of food are being wasted because computers won’t approve them.”
Some of you may know that part of my motto is “… and Listen to Evidence that Contradicts Your Beliefs.” We cannot take thing for granted and this is a good example.
We live in a time where we can measure so much. Way beyond the cosmetics of that perfect apple. I believe we can narrow the discrepancies between fresh and processed by shifting and readjusting focus… resulting in higher nutritional input for our ingredients.
Keep looking over the fence, don’t take things for granted.
Sincerely
Jan van Iperen · ectus
— – - JUICE & BEVERAGE NEWS - – —
A Goldman Sachs report indicates that all major energy drink companies experienced year-over-year sales increases. However, the report highlights that this growth is not uniform across the industry, suggesting that not all companies are benefiting equally from the overall rise in energy drink sales. The analysis emphasizes the changing dynamics within the energy drink landscape, reflecting varying performance levels among different brands.
Alantra's Food & Beverage Fast 50 2025 highlights the UK’s fastest-growing privately owned food and beverage businesses. This marks the 15th edition of the Fast 50, showcasing a sector that is experiencing significant growth and rapid evolution. The annual ranking emphasizes the dynamic changes within the industry, reflecting the ongoing developments and trends shaping the food and beverage landscape in the UK.
Keurig Dr Pepper has expanded its long-term partnership with Suntory Beverage & Food Europe to enhance growth in the European carbonated soft drinks market. This collaboration aims to leverage both companies' strengths to meet increasing consumer demand and improve market presence. The partnership reflects a strategic move to capitalize on opportunities within the competitive beverage landscape in Europe.
Bansk Group has acquired a majority stake in So Good So You, a Minneapolis-based cold-pressed juice manufacturer. The company is known for its distribution to major retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, and Target. This acquisition marks a significant investment in the growing beverage sector, particularly in the health-conscious juice market, aligning with Bansk Group's strategy to expand its portfolio in the food and beverage industry.
Innovations in gut health are increasingly focusing on formulations that incorporate prebiotics and probiotics. These ingredients are designed to enhance digestive health and support the microbiome. The food and beverage industry is responding to consumer demand for products that promote gut health, leading to a rise in formulations that prioritize these beneficial components, reflecting a growing trend in health-oriented product development.
The energy drink market is undergoing significant transformation, moving away from traditional, adrenaline-driven products aimed primarily at males. Instead, there is a growing emphasis on healthier, natural options that cater to a wider, more diverse consumer base, particularly among Gen Z. This shift is largely influenced by social media and a focus on better-for-you positioning, reshaping the industry's landscape and consumer engagement strategies.
Rising consumer demand for protein is driving the emergence of protein-enriched sodas, presenting a new opportunity for the dairy industry. These beverages are designed to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking additional protein sources in their diets. By leveraging this trend, dairy producers can innovate and expand their product offerings, potentially increasing market share and consumer engagement in the beverage sector.
PepsiCo has introduced Dirty Mountain Dew and Dirty Mountain Dew Zero Sugar as ready-to-drink beverages in the US, expanding the "dirty soda" trend from specialty shops to mass retail and direct-to-consumer channels. These new products aim to attract consumers seeking indulgent, flavorful soft drinks in a convenient packaging format, reflecting PepsiCo's strategy to capitalize on evolving consumer preferences in the beverage market.
Kylie Jenner’s beverage brand, Sprinter, is transitioning from its initial focus on fruit-forward vodka sodas to the functional beauty and hydration sector. The brand has launched k2o by Sprinter, its first non-alcoholic product, featuring drink packets in Strawberry Lychee, Watermelon Lime, and Peach flavors. This pivot reflects a broader trend in the beverage market towards health-oriented, non-alcoholic options.
Swoon has launched Swoon Berry, a sugar-free functional beverage designed for everyday wellness, featuring magnesium sourced from Compound Solutions' Mag41™. This innovative drink aims to provide health benefits while maintaining a focus on taste and quality. Compound Solutions, Inc. specializes in supplying clinically studied nutraceutical ingredients, enhancing the formulation of Swoon Berry to meet consumer demands for functional beverages that support overall health.
Lotte Chilsung Beverage has introduced a new prebiotic soda that features zero calories and dietary fiber, aiming to penetrate the functional carbonated beverage market. The company made this announcement on the 7th, highlighting its focus on health-conscious consumers. This product aligns with current trends in the beverage industry, where functional drinks that offer health benefits are increasingly in demand.
A deadly chemical explosion occurred at a beverage plant in Mooresville, resulting in one confirmed fatality, as stated by Mooresville Fire-Rescue Chief Shane LaCount. The incident is currently under investigation by both state and federal authorities. Details regarding the cause of the explosion and the specific chemicals involved have not yet been disclosed, and further updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Valencia Nutrition Limited has formed a strategic manufacturing partnership involving its subsidiary Valencia Beverages and Superwaters Private Limited, collaborating with Virchow Laboratories Ltd to produce juice products. This agreement aims to enhance Valencia's juice product portfolio, leveraging the manufacturing capabilities of the involved parties to improve production efficiency and expand market reach. The partnership represents a significant step in Valencia's growth strategy within the beverage sector.
— – - CITRUS NEWS - – —
Florida experienced an unusual dry spell throughout much of 2025. However, the situation worsened significantly as the intensity of the drought increased starting in January 2026. This escalation in drought conditions has raised concerns about water availability and agricultural impacts in the region. The ongoing dry conditions highlight the challenges faced by Florida due to changing weather patterns and climate variability.
In the first five months of the 2025/26 season, the value of Valencian citrus shipments experienced a minor decline of 0.4 percent, despite a nearly 6 percent decrease in volumes. This indicates that higher prices have effectively supported the overall value of citrus exports from Valencia, allowing the market to maintain relative stability amidst reduced shipment quantities.
University of Georgia Assistant Professor and Citrus Extension Specialist Mary Sutton reported that the recent winter freeze significantly affected Georgia's citrus crops. The freeze caused damage to fruit quality and yields, particularly impacting varieties such as oranges and grapefruits. Sutton emphasized the need for growers to assess their orchards for freeze damage and consider management strategies to mitigate the long-term effects on production and profitability.
Naimo Citrus is proceeding with the sale of its remaining assets, a decision that comes after the company successfully sold two orchards earlier this year. This strategic move reflects the company's ongoing efforts to streamline operations and adjust its business focus. The details regarding the specific assets being sold have not been disclosed, but the liquidation process is underway.
Want to dive deeper in citrus? Coming in 2026: citrodex.com
— – - FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES - – —
Upcycled ingredients, including actives, oils, exfoliants, and functional powders, are increasingly popular in the cosmetics sector as consumer demand for zero-waste solutions rises. This trend reflects a growing interest in products that adhere to circular economy principles, highlighting a shift towards sustainability within the industry. The adoption of these upcycled components signifies a broader commitment to environmentally responsible practices among cosmetics manufacturers.
— – - RESEARCH - – —
Essential oils (EOs) are increasingly recognized as potential natural food additives, yet existing safety data is limited. This study integrated in silico and in vitro approaches to characterize the toxicological profiles of citrus essential oil nano-emulsions. The findings aim to enhance the understanding of their safety and efficacy as food additives, providing a foundation for future research and regulatory assessments in food safety.
Undergraduate students at Penn State Brandywine, supervised by Assistant Professor of Chemistry Anna Sigmon, developed an environmentally friendly method for synthesizing compounds from plant-derived molecules. This innovative approach aims to facilitate the creation of citrus-derived therapeutics. Their findings were published in a special issue of the journal ACS Omega, highlighting the significance of undergraduate research in advancing sustainable practices in the field of chemistry.
Recent advancements in genome sequencing have led to the assembly of numerous plant genomes, yet existing pangenome methodologies remain limited. A new super-pangenome pipeline has been developed, revealing domestication signatures of conserved noncoding sequences within the orange subfamily. This innovation enhances the understanding of genetic diversity and evolutionary processes in citrus species, providing valuable insights for future research in plant genomics and breeding strategies.
This study focused on extracting and characterizing pectin from the peel and pulp of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes. The research aimed to establish sustainable and optimized extraction conditions. Additionally, it evaluated the potential use of the extracted pectin in developing films for food packaging, highlighting the material's applicability in sustainable packaging solutions within the food industry.
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