SK Capital Partners, a private investment firm based in New York, announced the acquisition of Brothers International, a company located in Rochester, NY, on April 22, 2026. This acquisition aligns with SK Capital's strategy to invest in specialty chemicals and materials. The transaction is expected to enhance Brothers International's growth and innovation capabilities within the specialty ingredients sector. Further details regarding the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Emirates International Investment Company, the strategic investment arm of National Holding Group, has acquired a minority stake in Joe & The Juice. This investment has led to a valuation of the company at $1.8 billion. The deal underscores the growing interest in the beverage sector, particularly in innovative juice and smoothie offerings, reflecting the brand's potential for future growth and expansion.

Australian brand Savvy has launched 'Calm Water,' a ready-to-drink functional beverage designed to reduce stress and anxiety while maintaining mental clarity. This high-dose relaxation beverage aims to provide consumers with a convenient option for managing their well-being. The product reflects a growing trend in the beverage market towards functional drinks that support mental health and overall relaxation in a ready-to-consume format.

PepsiCo identifies Saudi Arabia as a "strategic" market, emphasizing its potential for investment and innovation. The company aims to capitalize on the Kingdom's growing economy and increasing consumer demand. PepsiCo plans to expand its product offerings and enhance its supply chain in the region, reflecting a commitment to long-term growth and collaboration with local partners to strengthen its presence in the Saudi market.

Glass packaging is increasingly favored by beverage brands due to its appealing aesthetic and sustainable qualities. The material not only enhances the visual presentation of products but also aligns with consumer preferences for environmentally friendly options. As brands seek to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, glass packaging serves as a medium for storytelling, reflecting a commitment to quality and sustainability in beverage offerings.

Functional beverages are experiencing significant growth in 2026, with a focus on gut health drinks, electrolyte hydration, and adaptogen trends. These products are gaining popularity as consumers increasingly seek out beverages that claim health benefits. The article explores the effectiveness of these functional beverages, examining their potential health impacts and the science behind their ingredients, contributing to the ongoing trend in the beverage market.

Stephen and Ayesha Curry are entering the sports drink market with Plezi Hydration, a healthy beverage supported by Michelle Obama. In a Fortune interview, they discussed their motivation and the importance of their children as a focus group for the product. The Currys aim to create a nutritious option for athletes and active individuals, reflecting their commitment to health and wellness.

Leisure Hydration has successfully closed an oversubscribed Series A funding round, securing significant capital to support its growth. The brand is expanding its distribution by partnering with major retailers including Target, Whole Foods, and HEB. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for functional hydration products as consumers seek innovative ways to stay hydrated. The company aims to redefine hydration for its customer base.

The Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute recently took place at South Florida College in Avon Park, showcasing the latest research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). This event highlighted advancements in overcoming challenges faced by citrus groves, particularly focusing on improvements related to over-the-counter (OTC) practices. The findings aim to support the citrus industry in enhancing grove management and productivity.

Research indicates that certain insect species may play a crucial role in combating citrus greening disease, offering new hope for Florida's citrus growers. These insects could help protect citrus groves from the severe impacts of the disease, which has threatened the industry. The findings suggest a potential biological control method that could support the recovery and sustainability of citrus production in affected regions.

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This study focuses on optimizing solvent systems for the efficient recovery of phenolic compounds from lemon by-products. It evaluates ultrasound-assisted extraction and hydrodynamic cavitation as emerging extraction technologies. The research establishes a reliable framework for comparing these methods, emphasizing the importance of optimized conditions to enhance phenolic recovery from Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. by-products, which are often underutilized in citrus processing.

The study presents a voltammetric electronic tongue as a rapid and reliable tool for assessing the quality and safety of polyphenol-rich fruits, particularly apple juice. This method utilizes chemometrics to enhance the authentication process, ensuring that the juice meets safety standards. The findings indicate that this approach can effectively distinguish between different apple juice qualities, contributing to improved quality control in the beverage industry.

Huanglongbing (HLB), linked to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), significantly limits citrus production in calcareous and stress-prone soils. The study explores synergistic soil biotic amendments combined with host-defense induction as a dual-action strategy to enhance root vitality and yield in citrus plants affected by HLB. This approach aims to improve the overall health and productivity of citrus crops under challenging growing conditions.