Research on diet sodas presents mixed findings, lacking clarity regarding their health impacts. A guide by PolitiFact offers insights into navigating low-calorie beverage options and strategies for reducing consumption of sweet, fizzy sodas. The information aims to assist individuals who are considering weaning themselves off diet sodas, highlighting the complexities surrounding these beverages and the challenges of making healthier choices.

Coca-Cola is diversifying its beverage portfolio beyond traditional soda, focusing on faster-growing segments such as water, sports drinks, coffee, and tea. The company is exploring innovation and marketing strategies to address challenges posed by uneven performance across its segments and increasing costs. This shift aims to sustain growth and adapt to changing consumer preferences in the beverage market.

Refresco has acquired SunOpta for over $770 million, significantly altering the North American beverage market. This strategic move focuses on the growing demand for plant-based and wellness drinks, positioning Refresco to enhance its product offerings in these sectors. The acquisition reflects a broader trend in the beverage industry toward healthier options, aligning with consumer preferences for innovative and sustainable beverage solutions.

Pomona Organic has launched a redesigned website to enhance customer experience in discovering juices aligned with their wellness goals. The company has surpassed 10 million bottles sold and is now offering an affiliate program for creators. This initiative aims to expand its reach and engage with a broader audience, reflecting the brand's commitment to promoting health-focused beverage options.

Coca-Cola Consolidated has announced a $35 million investment aimed at expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Indianapolis. This investment will enhance local production and is part of the company's strategy to improve operational efficiency. The announcement was made on Monday, highlighting Coca-Cola Consolidated's commitment to growth and development within the Indianapolis facility, thereby potentially creating new job opportunities in the region.

South Africa's citrus export forecast for the 2026 season is projected at 209 million cartons, reflecting an increase of 5 million cartons compared to the previous year's final figure of 203.9 million cartons. This upward adjustment indicates a positive trend in the country's citrus production and export capabilities, positioning South Africa as a significant player in the global citrus market moving forward.

Florida's citrus industry is experiencing a significant decline, attributed to various challenges including disease and urban development pressures. The state's once-thriving citrus production faces an uphill battle as growers confront these issues. This situation threatens the legacy of Florida's citrus, which has long been a symbol of the region. The report highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the industry and the impact on local economies.

National Orange Juice Day highlights Florida's significant contribution to the juice market. Registered dietitian-nutritionist Jamie Lee McIntyre emphasizes the versatility of Florida orange juice in various recipes while also addressing its nutritional benefits. This celebration underscores the importance of orange juice not only as a staple beverage but also as a valuable ingredient in diverse culinary applications, promoting health and wellness through its consumption.

[off-topic, but I know there are a lot of golf players amongst my readers.... and I am slightly biased when it comes to orange...] In an interview, golf star Rickie Fowler discusses his partnership with Tropicana, highlighting his passion for orange juice and its significance in his life. He shares insights into his favorite shades of orange, reflecting his personal connection to the brand. Fowler's enthusiasm for orange juice underscores its importance to him, both as a beverage and as part of his identity.

Shipment volumes in the Brazilian agribusiness sector have shown stability; however, revenue has experienced a decline. The Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics reported that despite consistent shipment levels, factors such as market conditions and pricing pressures have contributed to reduced earnings. This trend highlights the challenges faced by the sector, indicating a need for strategic adjustments to improve financial outcomes moving forward.

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

Lemon (Citrus × limon) residues from agro-industrial processes pose a considerable environmental challenge due to their high organic load and acidity. This study focuses on optimizing the performance of a citrus extract derived from these residues for the biofunctionalization of spinach. The research aims to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of spinach by utilizing lemon waste, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

The rising global demand for sustainable hydrocolloids has highlighted passion fruit peel as a viable alternative to conventional citrus and apple sources due to its unique molecular composition, particularly its richness in rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I). Nonetheless, significant gaps persist in comprehending how structural modifications induced by extraction processes affect specific nutritional outcomes, indicating a need for further research in this area.

The study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology demonstrates that cranberry juice enhances the antibacterial efficacy of fosfomycin against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains. This effect is attributed to cranberry juice's ability to modulate bacterial sugar transport systems. The findings highlight the potential of cranberry juice as a natural product to combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics in public health.