Plant-based food company SunOpta sold to Refresco

› juice news

Refresco Acquires Plant-based Food Company SunOpta

Refresco is promoting its B2B beverage solutions across Europe, North America, and Australia, emphasizing its reliability as a partner in the beverage sector. The company aims to attract businesses seeking comprehensive beverage solutions tailored to various markets.

• Refresco operates in multiple regions, indicating a broad market presence.

• The focus on B2B solutions suggests a strategy to cater to business clients rather than direct consumers.

• The emphasis on reliability may appeal to companies looking for stable partnerships in the beverage industry.

This news highlights Refresco's commitment to expanding its influence in the beverage market, which could impact supply chains and partnerships within the juice and beverage sectors.

Vita Coco Considers Tax Reforms for Global Functional Hydration Expansion

Vita Coco Company is recognized as a leader in the functional hydration sector, with a business model that allows for flexibility and scalability. The company is currently evaluating how potential new tax reforms that promote business investment may impact its capital allocation and growth strategies.

• Vita Coco is focusing on expanding its global presence in the functional hydration market.

• The company is considering the implications of tax reforms on its investment and expansion plans.

• A flexible business model positions Vita Coco to adapt to changing market conditions.

Understanding Vita Coco's strategic considerations regarding tax reforms can provide insight into potential shifts in the functional hydration segment of the beverage market.

Wonder Juice Expands Wonder Green Line with Two New Functional Juices

Wonder Juice has introduced two new functional cold-pressed juice varieties under its Wonder Green line, named Clean Green and Veg8 & Cayenne. This expansion aims to enhance their product offerings in the health-focused beverage segment.

• The new juices are positioned to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking functional beverages.

• Clean Green and Veg8 & Cayenne may include ingredients aimed at boosting wellness and nutrition.

• This launch reflects a growing trend in the beverage industry towards cold-pressed and functional juice products.

The introduction of these new products highlights the ongoing innovation in the juice market, particularly in the functional beverage category.

Brussels Aims to Define Cider, but Not Everyone Agrees on the Recipe

The European Union is working on establishing a legal definition for cider ahead of a new regulatory framework expected in 2026. This initiative aims to clarify product distinctions and improve consumer understanding, as there is currently no standardized definition across the EU.

• The EU's proposal seeks to create a unified standard for cider, which could impact labeling and marketing practices.

• There is opposition from some stakeholders who may disagree with the proposed definitions and regulations.

• The move reflects a broader trend in the beverage industry towards standardization and transparency for consumers.

The development of a legal definition for cider could influence the juice and beverage markets by shaping product offerings and consumer perceptions.

› citrus news

Florida's Citrus Industry Faces Challenges After Rare Multi-Day Freeze

A rare multi-day freeze in Florida has prompted citrus growers to take protective measures for their trees, potentially affecting future harvests. This event represents another significant challenge for the already struggling citrus industry in the state.

• The freeze may lead to reduced citrus yields, impacting supply levels.

• Growers are implementing protective strategies to mitigate damage from the cold.

• This incident adds to the ongoing difficulties faced by Florida's citrus sector.

The impact of this freeze could further strain the citrus market, influencing supply and pricing dynamics in the juice and beverage industries.

AGOA Extension Fails to Resolve US Tariff Issues for South African Citrus

South Africa's citrus industry has expressed that the recent inclusion in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) will not significantly impact its export prospects to the United States due to ongoing tariff issues. The industry remains concerned that these tariffs will continue to hinder their market access despite the AGOA extension.

• South African citrus exports to the US are still affected by unresolved tariff challenges.

• The AGOA extension is viewed as insufficient to enhance export opportunities for South African citrus.

• The citrus industry is seeking more effective solutions to improve trade relations with the US.

The ongoing tariff issues highlighted in the AGOA context could have significant implications for the competitiveness and market access of South African citrus products in the juice and beverage sectors.

Tango Mandarin Plant Patent Expires, Impacting Citrus Industry

The patent for the Tango mandarin, developed by the University of California, Riverside (UCR) in 2006, has recently expired. This marks a significant moment for the variety, which has seen considerable success in the market.

• The expiration of the Tango mandarin patent may lead to increased availability and competition in the mandarin market.

• UCR's reflection on the variety's success highlights the importance of innovation in citrus breeding.

• The release of patented varieties into the public domain can encourage new product development.

The expiration of the Tango mandarin patent could impact the citrus market by allowing more growers to cultivate this popular variety, potentially affecting supply and pricing dynamics.

Eosta's Organic Raingrown Initiative Saved 1.6 Billion Liters of Water in 2025

Eosta has launched its Organic Raingrown® initiative, which focuses on avocados and oranges, successfully saving 1.6 billion liters of water in 2025. This project aims to promote sustainable agriculture in areas facing water scarcity.

• The Organic Raingrown® initiative highlights Eosta's commitment to sustainability in fruit production.

• The project addresses water scarcity issues, which are increasingly relevant in agricultural practices.

• Eosta's efforts may influence consumer preferences towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

The initiative underscores the growing importance of sustainability in the juice and beverage markets, particularly for fruit-based products like avocados and oranges.

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

› research

Synergistic Impact of Inulin and Date Syrup on Hassawi Lime Juice Stability and Quality

The study examines the effects of fortifying Hassawi lime juice with inulin and date syrup on its bioactive stability, sensory attributes, physicochemical properties, and probiotic viability under both cold and hot treatment conditions. The findings highlight how these additives can enhance the functional components of lime juice.

• Fortification with inulin and date syrup improved the sensory and physicochemical properties of Hassawi lime juice.

• The study found that both cold and hot treatments affected the stability of bioactive components and probiotic viability in the fortified juice.

• The research suggests potential applications for enhancing the nutritional profile of lime juice in the beverage market.

The findings could influence product development strategies in the juice and beverage sectors by highlighting the benefits of fortification with functional ingredients.

Antifungal Pomegranate Peel Extracts from ‘Mollar de Elche’ Control Citrus Decay

Pomegranate peel extracts from the ‘Mollar de Elche’ variety have been studied for their antifungal properties against postharvest decay in citrus fruits caused by Penicillium spp. The research highlights the potential of these natural extracts to control green and blue molds, which are significant threats to citrus fruit quality and marketability.

• Pomegranate peel extracts exhibit antifungal activity against common postharvest pathogens affecting citrus fruits.

• The study focuses on the sequential selection process of these extracts to enhance their effectiveness.

• Controlling postharvest diseases can lead to reduced economic losses in the citrus industry.

The findings could have implications for the juice and beverage sectors by promoting the use of natural antifungal agents in preserving citrus fruit quality.