AGRANA reported an operating profit of €81.2 million for the 2025|26 fiscal year, excluding exceptional items and joint ventures. The Food & Beverage Solutions segment was the largest contributor to earnings. Additionally, measures in the ACS – Sugar segment are starting to show positive results, while the ACS – Starch segment continues to face challenges due to prevailing market conditions affecting performance.

Researchers at UF/IFAS have developed an innovative tunnel-and-misting freeze-protection system aimed at assisting local passion fruit growers. This new technology is designed to maintain temperatures at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which could significantly mitigate the adverse effects of freezing temperatures on passion fruit crops. The advancement offers a promising solution for growers facing challenges related to cold weather conditions.

Tomato prices in California are increasing due to several factors, including tariffs, weather-related damage, and rising shipping costs. These elements are contributing to higher grocery bills for families, impacting overall food affordability. The combination of external economic pressures and adverse weather conditions is creating a challenging environment for both consumers and producers in the tomato market, leading to significant price increases.

Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji is set to establish a $50 million soft drinks manufacturing plant in Kenya, aiming to compete with The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo. This initiative is part of his strategy to introduce low-cost beverages that have previously transformed Tanzania’s consumer market. The move signals a significant challenge to established beverage giants in East Africa's largest economy.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted an assessment that raises health concerns regarding glycerol in slush drinks. As a result, EFSA is recommending that the European Commission consider setting numerical maximum levels for glycerol in these beverages. This recommendation aims to address potential health risks associated with glycerol consumption in slush drinks, highlighting the need for regulatory action in this area.

Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co., a Florida-based citrus juice brand, is selling its corporate headquarters located in Fort Pierce. The facility is marketed as the "home of the fresh squeezed difference." This sale comes amid ongoing challenges faced by the Florida citrus industry, particularly the impact of citrus greening, a disease first identified in South Florida in August 2005. The listing was reported on May 15, 2026.

The citrus industry is advancing towards the implementation of Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles, driven by increasing export volumes. This shift aims to enhance efficiency and accommodate the growing demand for citrus products in international markets. Stakeholders are actively engaging in discussions to finalize the PBS framework, which is expected to support the industry's expansion and improve logistical operations in the export sector.

South African citrus exporters are closely monitoring the potential impact of a forthcoming trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries in South America. This deal may increase competition in the European market, posing challenges for South African exporters. The situation warrants attention as it could affect market dynamics and pricing strategies for citrus products in Europe.

Tensions in the Middle East, especially between the US and Iran, are causing significant uncertainty in global logistics and fresh produce markets. This ongoing conflict has the potential to disrupt supply chains and impact trade dynamics, affecting the availability and pricing of fresh produce worldwide. Stakeholders in the agricultural sector are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves, given its implications for international trade.

Citrus Growers Association (CGA) reports that severe rainfall has impacted citrus-producing regions in South Africa, leading to significant flood damage. While an accurate assessment of the situation is not currently possible, it is anticipated that soft citrus varieties will experience the most severe effects from the flooding. Further evaluations will be necessary to determine the full extent of the damage in these areas.

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

The study investigates the valorization of citrus peel bioresidues, generated from high citrus fruit consumption, as a strategy for sustainable agri-food systems. It characterizes the nutritional, chemical, and bioactive properties of flours derived from orange, tangerine, lime, and lemon peels. Additionally, the research evaluates the potential of these flours as functional food ingredients, highlighting their possible applications in food formulations.

Current food trends, such as personalization and fortification with bioactives, aim to mitigate food monotony and health risks for astronauts on space missions. This study explores the formulation of beverage nanoemulsions, characterized by an oil content of less than 1 g/kg and a diameter of 200 nm or less, to enhance bioavailability of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fortified beverages for space exploration.

Citrus waste is considered inefficient for biogas production via biological processes due to the presence of limonene and phenolic compounds. An investigation into the interactive effects of these compounds on dark fermentative hydrogen production reveals metabolic and microbial insights. This research highlights the challenges posed by limonene and phenols in optimizing biogas production from citrus waste, emphasizing the need for further exploration in this area.

Red dragon fruit, scientifically known as Hylocereus polyrhizus, is an exotic fruit recognized for its high content of macro- and micro-nutrients. It is particularly noted for its potent natural antioxidants, which contribute to various health benefits, especially in the control and management of oxidative stress. The processing of red dragon fruit juice through membrane-based operations is essential for obtaining concentrated fractions of functional interest.