Registration for the Technical Visits (to IFF, JBT Marel and Peace River Citrus Products) during the IFU Juice Conference, opened up last Friday for members.
[REGISTER HERE]

Sincerely

Jan van Iperen · ectus

– - JUICE NEWS - – —

Suja Organic has announced the launch of two new products in its functional beverage portfolio: Watermelon Love cold-pressed juice and Digestion Goldenberry wellness shot. Watermelon Love is designed to provide hydration and refreshment, while the Digestion Goldenberry wellness shot aims to support digestive health. These additions reflect Suja Organic's commitment to delivering organic, health-focused beverages to consumers seeking functional options.

Celsius CEO John Fieldly reported a significant increase in consumer interest in energy drinks, which are now viewed as an everyday choice. Many consumers are incorporating these beverages into their meals, using them as alternatives to alcohol, and even consuming them while taking GLP-1 medications. This trend indicates a broader acceptance and mainstream integration of energy drinks in various lifestyle contexts.

The functional beverage industry is positioned to gain mass-market appeal by promoting benefits such as improved sleep, enhanced gut health, and increased focus. These attributes are becoming increasingly important to consumers, driving demand for beverages that offer functional advantages. As the market evolves, manufacturers are likely to capitalize on these health-oriented benefits to attract a wider audience and meet consumer needs.

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is set to take effect on 12 August 2026, but businesses are encountering significant uncertainties regarding compliance requirements. As the deadline approaches, there is an urgent call for European institutions to clarify these requirements. The industry seeks practical solutions to navigate the impending regulations and ensure compliance ahead of the implementation date.

Trade uncertainty, regulatory pressure, and automation gaps are significantly influencing Canada’s food and beverage sector. Manufacturers and packagers need to be aware of these key trends as they navigate the evolving landscape. Understanding these factors will be crucial for adapting strategies and ensuring competitiveness within the market. Staying informed on these developments will help industry players respond effectively to ongoing changes and challenges.

Cargill's Chief Technology Officer, Florian Schattenmann, discusses the collaborative nature of food research and development, emphasizing that effective innovation requires teamwork. He highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence in driving advancements within the industry. Schattenmann also identifies genuine opportunities for growth and development in food innovation, distinguishing them from passing trends that may not yield long-term benefits.

Severe storms have impacted Moroccan blueberry growing regions, leading to significant concerns for growers. IBO President Mario Steta reported that losses could exceed 20%, with some areas potentially experiencing a reduction in volumes by as much as 50%. The adverse weather conditions pose a serious threat to the production capabilities and economic stability of the blueberry industry in Morocco.

Brazil continues to dominate the global açai market, accounting for over 99 percent of worldwide production , which is heavily concentrated in the Amazonian state of Pará. Driven by rising domestic and international demand for health-conscious foods , Brazilian açai production is projected to reach 2 million metric tons in 2026, marking an 11 percent increase from 2025. To combat the fruit's high seasonality, researchers are developing innovative agroforestry and genetic techniques to improve year-round yields. Meanwhile, international trade remains robust, with 2025 exports totaling 55,798 metric tons and the United States serving as the primary driver of export growth. Highlighting its profound cultural and economic impact, Brazil officially designated açai as its national fruit in January 2026.

Vita Coco's CEO, Mike Kirban, emphasizes the importance of speed in recovery, stating that it serves as a competitive advantage in product development. He highlights that early adopters and resilience are crucial factors that contribute to success when establishing a new product category. Kirban's insights suggest that agility and adaptability are essential for businesses aiming to thrive in dynamic markets.

The Wholesale Group has introduced CORE Juices, marking the inaugural product line under its new CORE own-label brand. This launch is part of the group's strategic initiative to improve its own-brand capabilities and bolster the competitiveness of its members. The introduction of CORE Juices aims to meet market demands while providing wholesalers with a quality product offering to enhance their portfolios.

— – - CITRUS NEWS - – —

[This is NOT advice. Please read whole article] May orange juice futures are expected to increase in price, indicating a potential buying opportunity for traders. The market dynamics suggest that prices are headed higher, prompting interest in futures trading. Investors may consider capitalizing on this trend as the outlook for orange juice prices strengthens, reflecting broader market conditions and demand for the product.

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

— – - RESEARCH - – —

This review explores the implementation aspects of integrated lemon biorefinery systems, focusing on cascade valorisation design and the integration of circular economy principles. It addresses life-cycle assessment methodologies, evaluates techno-economic feasibility, and discusses relevant regulatory frameworks. The study aims to provide insights into optimizing lemon processing residues for sustainable practices within the biorefinery context, contributing to environmental and economic benefits.

QUT Professor Peter Prentis will lead a $2.2 million study in Australia focused on the genetic basis of various citrus traits. The research aims to explore traits related to disease resistance, fruit quality, and environmental adaptability. This initiative seeks to enhance the breeding and cultivation of citrus varieties, ultimately benefiting the citrus industry by improving crop resilience and productivity in changing environmental conditions.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of various extraction methods for pomegranate seed oil (PSO) derived from juice by-products. It compares microwave-assisted, Soxhlet, and cold extraction techniques, focusing on their impacts on oil yield, oxidative stability, and the retention of bioactive minor constituents. The findings offer practical guidance for selecting the most suitable extraction method to achieve an optimal balance among these factors in PSO production.

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