› ectus unlocks tomorrow’s ingredients industry.

Ghost Energy has become Keurig Dr Pepper's fourth brand to surpass $1 billion in sales, joining the ranks of Dr Pepper, Snapple, and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. This milestone reflects the growing popularity of energy drinks within the beverage sector. Meanwhile, economic pressures are negatively impacting the growth of K-Cup coffee sales, indicating a shift in consumer preferences and spending habits in the beverage market.

The FDA is currently considering implementing new labeling requirements for caffeine content in energy drinks. Advocacy groups are urging for stricter regulations to ensure consumers are better informed about the caffeine levels in these beverages. The proposed changes aim to enhance transparency and safety, addressing concerns regarding the potential health risks associated with high caffeine consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Coca-Cola Consolidated has announced a $35 million expansion in Indianapolis, designating the city as one of three glass bottling hubs. This initiative is expected to create new job opportunities in the area. The expansion reflects the company's commitment to enhancing its production capabilities and supporting local economic growth through increased manufacturing operations in the Indianapolis region.

Food scientists have created a triple-action formulation that effectively reduces the intense bitterness of citrus-derived neohesperidin by 92 percent. This formulation combines three components: aspartame, beta-cyclodextrin, and adenosine monophosphate. The development aims to enhance the flavor profile of citrus products, making them more palatable for consumers. This innovative approach could significantly impact the citrus and beverage industries by improving product acceptance.

Fresh-market citrus requires detachment with a short residual stem to avoid puncture damage to nearby fruit during handling and transport. The paper discusses a passive stem-centering end-effector designed for a robotic citrus harvesting platform. The study includes integration and evaluation in an orchard setting, demonstrating the effectiveness of the end-effector in achieving controlled residual stem length during the harvesting process.