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Germany is considering implementing a levy on soft drinks, influenced by a similar measure in the UK, which indicates that such taxes can encourage manufacturers to lower sugar content in their products. The potential tax aims to address public health concerns related to sugar consumption, reflecting a growing trend in various countries to regulate sugary beverages for better health outcomes. With reporting at Refresco in Germany.

Celsius Holdings, an energy drink company, is facing a class action lawsuit that challenges its claims regarding the beverage's ability to "accelerate metabolism" and "burn body fat." The lawsuit alleges that these assertions constitute "healthwashing," suggesting that the marketing may mislead consumers about the product's actual health benefits. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of health claims made by food and beverage companies.

The winter of 2026 was not cold enough and therefore the Marketing Year 2026/27 season will likely start 10 to 14 days earlier than usual. The production of apples and pears in MY 2026/27 is forecast to increase from MY 2025/26 based on higher-yielding varieties and newer trees coming into production. MY 2026/27 table grape production is forecast to drop from the record production in MY 2025/26. FAS Pretoria forecasts that MY 2026/27 deciduous fruit exports will increase from MY 2025/26 based on increased production of export-quality fruit. Exports to the United States will likely remain low as deciduous fruit exports face a 12.5 percent U.S. import duty.

Modern soda has emerged as a significant category in the US beverage market, currently valued at $1.8 billion, with an impressive year-on-year sales increase of 83%. This growth raises questions about its potential to establish itself as a lasting third pillar within the carbonates sector. The future trajectory of modern soda will be pivotal in determining its sustainability in the competitive beverage landscape.

Sonic Drive-In, established 73 years ago, is recognized for its innovative beverage offerings, including dirty sodas, refreshers, and boba. The chain has consistently set trends in the beverage market, appealing to diverse consumer tastes. Additionally, Sonic is known for its signature ice, which enhances the overall drink experience. This combination of unique beverages and iconic ice continues to distinguish Sonic in the competitive beverage landscape.

India's fresh fruit market continues to expand, driven by a young population, rising incomes, and growing health awareness. Apples, pears, and grapes lead consumer demand. In the apple market, domestic production supplies seasonal volume at affordable prices, while imports fill off-season gaps and meet demand for premium, consistent quality. Imports have turned pears from a limited seasonal product into a year-round category by timing shipments to the gap between domestic harvests. India remains a major table grape exporter.

Vanessa Hudgens and Oliver Trevena hosted a star-studded event in Miami to celebrate the nationwide launch of Caliwater, a new beverage brand. The launch took place at Pura Vida and featured various celebrities and influencers. The event highlighted the brand's commitment to health and wellness, showcasing Caliwater's unique ingredients. Attendees enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere while promoting the brand's vision and mission in the beverage market.

Grove Juice has introduced a new 140mL chilled juice pouch range featuring a lightweight, resealable packaging format. This innovation aims to enhance portability for consumers while reducing the amount of packaging material used. The new pouches are designed to cater to the growing demand for convenient beverage options, aligning with sustainability efforts in the packaging industry. The launch reflects Grove Juice's commitment to innovation in beverage packaging.

Canworks, a digital printer specializing in direct-to-aluminum-can printing, has been sold to private equity firm Mason Wells. This acquisition is significant for beverage brands and operators, as it enhances Canworks' capabilities and expands its market reach. The deal reflects ongoing trends in the beverage packaging industry, emphasizing the importance of innovative printing solutions for brand differentiation and consumer engagement.

A Georgia citrus industry leader believes the juice market can be a viable alternative for satsuma mandarins. However, for this to succeed, Georgia will need to address several challenges, including the establishment of processing facilities and ensuring sufficient production volumes. Additionally, market conditions and consumer preferences will play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and profitability of this venture for cold-hardy citrus growers.

Flash flooding in central and southern Florida has prompted Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency. The flooding has significantly impacted the citrus industry, damaging crops and affecting operations. Farmers are assessing the extent of the damage, which may lead to reduced yields and financial losses. The situation continues to develop as recovery efforts are initiated across the affected regions.

HTBA will introduce its patented, Upcycled Certified sweetener, citrose, at Fi Europe 2026. This citrus-derived ingredient is designed to assist food and beverage manufacturers in lowering sugar and salt content without compromising flavor quality. The launch will highlight the capabilities of citrose alongside the OptiTaste taste modulation platform, emphasizing its potential benefits for the industry in enhancing product formulations.

The early-bird registration for the Fruitnet Citrus Congress has been extended until 15 November. Participants are encouraged to book their places now to attend the event, which will focus on the changing supply map of citrus in Europe. The congress aims to provide insights into current trends and developments within the citrus market, making it a valuable opportunity for industry stakeholders.

The Citrus Growers’ Association has expressed concern that the potential loss of preferential access to the US market could significantly harm the citrus industry. This warning highlights the industry's vulnerability and the potential economic repercussions that may arise if the current trade arrangements are altered. The association is bracing for the impact of these changes on their operations and market stability.

At SupplySide Global 2026, Nicholas Jacobus of Nutritional Outlook interviewed Lixin Ding, chief scientific officer at BGG, regarding an innovative beverage concept featuring watermelon, tamarind, and cayenne, centered on ApplePhenon. This development highlights the ongoing research and potential applications of ApplePhenon in beverage formulation, showcasing its versatility and the growing interest in functional ingredients within the food and beverage industry.