This website uses cookies

Read our Privacy policy and Terms of use for more information.

Happy Thursday!

With recent events and acquisitions in the US citrus industry, and while working on citrus insights for the development of Citrodex, I decided to dive into the matter. Daemmon Reeve was so kind to give his field notes.

Please see an assessment of the current situation of citrus production, processing, know-how and future-proofing in the US.

FL-CA Citrus Op-Ed.pdf

Citrus in the US: Shift Happened

Two strategic investments, one equipment auction, and a state quietly trading fruit volume for citrus knowledge.

470.21 KBPDF File

If this is to your liking, make sure to get on the waitlist for Citrodex.

Quick update on talking Reingredia with domain-experts here at ICBC:
Great response and conversations, as well solid questions for Reingredia yesterday.

It sometimes takes a domain-expert’s own realization that a company’s “we’ve always done it this way” routines are not necessarily the best ones, let alone the best for the budget.

In the conversations it became apparent that what Reingredia solves, is what many not necessarily, and understandably, speak openly about. A double-anonymous approach takes away what holds many back.

Start with a 45-day subscription-free trial… and use JUICENEWS to get 30% off your first-year subscription. I know you want to.

Sincerely,

Jan van Iperen · ectus

New Reingredia users get 30% off their first-year subscription with code JUICENEWS, up from the standard 25% early-adopter rate. Apply at reingredia.com.

– - JUICE & BEVERAGE NEWS - – —

Brazil's orange juice exports decreased early in the 2026/27 season, reflecting a 16% drop compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to reduced production levels and lower demand from key markets, particularly the United States and Europe. Additionally, the overall economic conditions and competition from other juice-producing countries have impacted Brazil's export performance. The situation may affect future pricing and market dynamics.

The Beverage Industry's Top 100 report indicates that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are significantly transforming the rankings of leading beverage companies. Hain Celestial has divested a unit for $323 million, reflecting ongoing industry consolidation. Additionally, brands are increasingly focusing on limited-edition flavors to attract consumers, highlighting the dynamic nature of the beverage market amidst these structural changes.

— – - CITRUS NEWS - – —

Florida orange growers are adjusting their strategies for the upcoming season, prioritizing fresh fruit over processed products. Doug Feek of Feek Family Citrus noted that there is a collective desire among growers to focus on fresh oranges. This shift reflects a broader trend within the industry as growers seek to adapt to changing market demands and consumer preferences for fresh produce.

The Maersk Lanco experienced a fire on September 4, 2026, in the South Atlantic, approximately 170 miles from Brazil's coast. This incident has caused delays in shipments of Brazilian citrus to Europe. The extent of the damage and the impact on the citrus supply chain remain to be fully assessed, but the disruption is significant for exporters relying on timely deliveries to European markets.

A Nara nonprofit has successfully revived the near-threatened citrus variety Yamato Tachibana, turning potential rejection into an innovative success. This initiative has led to the creation of various products, including pasta, gelato, and hand cream, showcasing the versatility of the citrus. The project highlights the importance of preserving traditional agricultural varieties while also finding new markets for their use in modern products.

— – - FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES - – —

Givaudan, a Swiss multinational company, has acquired land in West Harrison, Indiana, to construct a new state-of-the-art liquid production facility. The investment for this facility is estimated at $215 million. This development is expected to enhance Givaudan's production capabilities and strengthen its presence in the region, contributing to the local economy and job creation in West Harrison.

— – - RESEARCH - – —

Texas A&M has developed a spinach defensin-based therapy to combat citrus greening, which has received full federal registration from the EPA. This approval allows for the nationwide commercial use of the treatment, providing U.S. citrus growers with a new tool to protect their crops from this devastating disease. The therapy aims to enhance the sustainability and productivity of the citrus industry.

The study investigates the dynamic evolution of aroma compounds in peach juice during thermal processing, emphasizing the importance of flavor quality for consumer acceptance. By integrating volatilomics and non-volatile metabolomics, the research elucidates the relationships between aroma precursors and final aroma profiles. This comprehensive approach enhances the understanding of how thermal treatment affects the flavor characteristics of peach juice, which is vital for product development.

This study assessed the impact of high-pressure processing (HPP) at 500 MPa for 10 minutes on the quality of selenium-sand melon juice (SSJ) during a 35-day refrigerated storage at 4 °C. The research included extreme contamination scenarios, inoculating samples with Escherichia coli at 6.886 log10 CFU/mL and Aspergillus sclerotioniger at 5.011 log10 spores/mL to evaluate storage quality, bioactive compounds, and flavor profile.

💡 Since November 2014, these daily newsletters have saved tens of thousands professionals countless hours in their daily search for relevant industry information.