Employment growth in food and beverage manufacturing is projected to continue through the 2024-34 decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This sector is expected to see significant job creation as demand for food and beverages remains strong. The report highlights the importance of this industry in contributing to the overall economy and providing stable employment opportunities for workers in the coming years.

Zevia, the better-for-you beverage company, has appointed Alexandre Ruberti as its new president and CEO, succeeding Amy Taylor, who resigned to take a position with a National Women’s Soccer League team. Ruberti previously held executive roles at Red Bull, Coca-Cola, and Celsius. This leadership change is part of Zevia's strategy to enhance its market position and drive a turnaround for the company.

Agthia has launched a new energy drink named Fuell, which features date-based sweetness and incorporates ingredients such as guarana and Korean red ginseng. This product aims to target the expanding functional beverages market, responding to consumer demand for healthier alternatives. The introduction of Fuell aligns with current trends in the beverage industry, emphasizing natural ingredients and functional benefits for health-conscious consumers.

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) marked the grand opening of its new Orlando Distribution Center, enhancing its operational capabilities in Central Florida. This facility will improve distribution efficiency and strengthen service to customers. The center is part of Coke Florida’s ongoing investment in infrastructure to support growth and meet increasing demand for its products across the region.

A new event organized by Valencia Fruits, in collaboration with AgroBank and Livingstone, will address significant challenges facing the Spanish orange sector. This initiative aims to highlight critical issues impacting the industry, fostering dialogue among stakeholders. The event is expected to facilitate discussions that could lead to solutions, ultimately benefiting the Valencia orange market and its associated economic activities.

Marisa Zansler, the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) director of economic and market research, presented findings on citrus economic issues during the June Florida Citrus Commission meeting. Her report highlighted consumer perceptions regarding Florida citrus products, indicating trends and preferences among consumers. The insights gathered aim to inform industry stakeholders about market dynamics and consumer attitudes towards Florida's citrus offerings.

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

The study explores the use of drone imagery combined with deep learning neural networks for the early detection and management of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. This approach aims to enhance the efficiency of monitoring citrus crops, allowing for timely interventions. By leveraging advanced technology, the research seeks to improve disease management strategies, ultimately benefiting citrus production and sustainability in agriculture.

Recent interest in greener analytical workflows has increased the use of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) for analyzing furocoumarins in Citrus essential oils. This method employs bio-based solvents, enhancing sustainability while maintaining efficiency. The study highlights the high-throughput capacity of SFC, demonstrating its effectiveness in isolating and quantifying target compounds in essential oils, which is crucial for the beverage and ingredient industries.

The study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of nectar secretion in ‘Tarocco’ blood orange (Citrus sinensis cv. ‘Tarocco’), highlighting its significance as a spring nectar source. It examines the coordination between floral hormones, starch mobilization, and stomatal control in nectar secretion. The findings contribute to understanding the physiological processes that influence nectar production, which is crucial for pollinators and ecosystem interactions during the flowering period.