Suja Life, a US company specializing in cold-pressed juices and functional shots, has officially filed for an initial public offering (IPO). Despite this move towards public trading, Paine Schwartz, the investment firm behind Suja Life, will maintain control over the company. This development indicates a strategic shift for Suja Life as it seeks to expand its market presence through public investment.

Protein soda is emerging as a significant beverage trend that integrates protein into mainstream consumption. This innovation transcends traditional gym-oriented shakes, targeting a wider demographic interested in refreshing drinks that also offer health advantages. As consumers increasingly prioritize wellness, protein soda is positioned to cater to their desire for beverages that combine enjoyment with nutritional benefits, reflecting a shift in beverage preferences.

The Produce Alliance US fruits report indicates that the apple crop has decreased while berry production has experienced a slow start in the second quarter. The report highlights that harvest outcomes and fruit quality are variable, influenced by specific fruit types and regional conditions. This variability underscores the challenges faced by the industry during this period, reflecting a complex market landscape for these fruits.

Consumers increasingly seek beverages that enhance mood, focus, and cognitive health. The market is witnessing a convergence of functional ingredients and indulgent flavors, aiming to provide both mental wellness benefits and sensory satisfaction. This trend highlights a growing demand for products that not only taste good but also contribute positively to consumers' mental well-being and cognitive performance, reflecting a shift in beverage formulation priorities.

Prodalim, a global leader in juice and specialty ingredients, has expanded its Solos technology platform in the United States by launching operations at a new facility in Hopland, California. This expansion aims to enhance Prodalim's capabilities and presence in the U.S. market, reinforcing its commitment to providing innovative solutions in the juice and specialty ingredients sectors. The announcement includes multimedia content for further details.

The global concentrated pear juice market is experiencing growth, primarily driven by the increasing demand for natural sweeteners. The Asia-Pacific region is leading this expansion, capitalizing on its significant role in the production of baby food and functional beverages. This trend highlights the region's strategic importance in the concentrated pear juice sector and reflects broader consumer preferences for healthier, naturally-sourced ingredients in various food products.

iJooz has established a global business model by selling fresh orange juice through automated vending machines, expanding its reach from MRT stations to over 30 countries. The company leverages smart machines and data to create a scalable operation, enabling efficient distribution and accessibility of fresh juice. This innovative approach has allowed iJooz to capitalize on the growing demand for convenient beverage options worldwide.

The April 2026 final orange crop forecast from Fundecitrus indicates that production in Brazil’s São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais Citrus Belt concluded at 292.94 million 90-pound boxes for the 2025–26 season. Although this final yield reflects a robust 26.9% increase over the previous season’s 230.87 million boxes, it represents a 6.9% decline from the initial May 2025 projection of 314.60 million boxes. The production shortfall highlights a complex growing season that struggled to maintain early optimistic yield expectations, despite an overall year-over-year recovery for the region.

The downward revision from the initial forecast was primarily driven by adverse climatic conditions and severe phytosanitary pressures, which together caused the highest premature fruit drop rate seen in 11 seasons (23.2%). A persistent water deficit—characterized by rainfall 13% below the historical average—exacerbated an ongoing citrus greening epidemic, citrus leprosis, and the impacts of a delayed harvest pace. As a result, the citrus belt suffered an estimated loss of over 88 million boxes to premature dropping and experienced notably reduced individual fruit sizes, ultimately requiring 266 oranges to fill a standard box instead of the 258 originally projected.

Also: Fruit Size and Droppage Rate Analysis

South Africa's citrus exports are expected to increase following a new trade agreement with China. John Steenhuisen indicated that the revised standards established by this deal will enable South African citrus products to reach the Chinese market in a fresher condition. This development is anticipated to enhance trade relations and potentially improve market access for South African citrus growers in China.

Want to dive deeper in citrus? Coming in 2026: citrodex.com

A study indicates that an isomaltulose-based caffeinated beverage combined with l-theanine may lead to a lesser increase in blood glucose and insulin levels compared to a sucrose-based caffeinated beverage. Importantly, this difference in glycemic response does not compromise the cognitive and performance benefits typically associated with energy drinks. These findings suggest potential advantages of isomaltulose over sucrose in energy drink formulations.

The study explores the nanoencapsulation of Helichrysum italicum essential oil as an eco-friendly solution for controlling citrus aphids (Aphis spiraecola). The research highlights the potential of this essential oil as a sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides, aiming to enhance citrus production while minimizing environmental impact. The findings indicate that nanoencapsulation may improve the efficacy and stability of the essential oil in pest management applications.

Conflicting studies regarding artificial sweeteners are intensifying ongoing debates in the food and beverage sectors. These discussions center around health risks associated with their consumption, regulatory measures, and the need for reformulation of products. As various stakeholders engage in this discourse, the complexity of the science surrounding artificial sweeteners continues to provoke differing opinions and perspectives, contributing to an unresolved and contentious landscape.

The study investigates the preparation of fermented plant-based beverages (FPB) using grape seed, a by-product of wine and grape juice processing. It compares various lactic acid bacteria strains, examining their effects on the physicochemical characteristics and flavor profiles of the FPB. The findings highlight the potential of utilizing grape seed in developing innovative fermented beverages, contributing to sustainable practices in the beverage industry.

The study employs stochastic frontier analysis using a beyond logarithmic production function to assess the technical efficiency of citrus fruit planting in China. It analyzes panel data from 2012 to 2024 across seven major citrus-producing provinces and cities. The research measures the efficiency levels and examines various influencing factors impacting citrus planting operations in the region, providing valuable insights into agricultural productivity.

Orange waste, often discarded, contains numerous bioactive compounds that can be utilized in high-value-added products across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. This study aimed to assess how different extraction methods, including automated Soxhlet extraction and temperature-controlled maceration, along with varying solvent systems and extraction durations, affect the recovery of these valuable compounds from citrus waste, highlighting its potential for sustainable use.