Coca-Cola operates a hidden lab in Atlanta, where it develops new beverage technology, including innovative equipment like the Freestyle soda fountain. This facility is located near the company headquarters and plays a crucial role in testing and refining beverage customization technologies. The lab underscores Coca-Cola's commitment to innovation in the beverage industry, continuing a legacy that began with the first glass of Coca-Cola in May 1886.

The rise of functional beverages has transformed regular water into sophisticated formats that offer additional health benefits beyond basic hydration. This trend has gained traction through social media, highlighting consumer interest in innovative drink options. Companies are now focusing on creating water products that incorporate various health-enhancing ingredients, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards beverages that provide functional advantages alongside traditional hydration.

Tractor Beverage Co., led by chief revenue officer John Murphy, is innovating within the beverage sector by reviving the 17th-century drink known as "switchel." The company emphasizes organic and flexible beverage formats, aligning with the anticipated 2026 demand for transparency and functional variety in restaurants. This approach highlights Tractor Beverage Co.'s commitment to meeting evolving consumer preferences in the beverage landscape.

The Juice Summit is an annual conference that serves as a key gathering for fruit juice executives globally. It is organized by three prominent organizations: AIJN, IFU, and SGF. This summit provides a platform for industry leaders to discuss trends, challenges, and innovations within the fruit juice sector, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants from various regions of the world.

Eugene Willemsen, CEO of International Beverages at PepsiCo, addresses the evolving consumer trends in China, emphasizing the growing demand for experiential beverage experiences. He highlights the company's strategic use of artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency in response to these trends. Willemsen's insights reflect PepsiCo's commitment to adapting to consumer preferences and leveraging technology to enhance its market presence in China.

Beverage companies are increasingly investing in fountain drink innovations, focusing on advancements such as touchscreen soda machines and new retail programs. These developments aim to enhance customer experience and drive sales in the competitive beverage market. As brands explore these technologies, they seek to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for customizable and engaging beverage options, marking a significant shift in how fountain drinks are offered.

Liquid Death has transformed traditional licensing by implementing innovative concepts, engaging viral marketing campaigns, and offering premium products that resonate with a global audience. This bold strategy not only enhances brand visibility but also fosters a strong connection with fans, positioning Liquid Death as a unique player in the beverage industry. The company's approach resembles a creative writer's room, emphasizing originality and engagement.

Genesis Fresh reported that trials indicate the premium mandarin varieties, Havva and Sigal, exhibit natural resistance to red spider mite. This resistance is significant as it addresses critical agronomic and commercial challenges that growers encounter. The findings suggest that these varieties could potentially enhance crop resilience and improve productivity for producers dealing with pest issues in their orchards, benefiting the overall mandarin market.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will introduce a new federal definition for seedless lemons, effective May 13. This change aims to standardize the classification of seedless lemons within the agricultural sector. The USDA's decision reflects ongoing efforts to ensure clarity and consistency in the labeling and marketing of seedless lemon products across the United States. Further details on the implications of this standard are yet to be released.

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

Berry pomace, the solid residue remaining after the processing of berries for juice, wine, or other liquid extracts, contains valuable polyphenolic compounds. The extraction and chemical characterization of these compounds from blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) pomace reveal their potential health benefits and applications. This study highlights the importance of utilizing berry pomace, which is often discarded, to harness these beneficial compounds for various uses.

Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 (MPC1) plays a significant role in regulating sugar-acid metabolism in citrus fruits, which is essential for flavor quality. The study highlights that the sugar-acid balance directly influences the taste and overall quality of citrus. Understanding the function of MPC1 could provide insights into improving citrus flavor profiles, potentially benefiting the citrus industry and consumer preferences.

Citrus seeds are important resources in agriculture and industry due to their rich mineral content and beneficial components. A study assessed the morphological and mineral properties of 25 citrus varieties to evaluate seed quality. The findings highlight the variability in seed characteristics among different citrus types, which can influence their agricultural utility and industrial applications, emphasizing the need for thorough seed quality assessment.