
Closer to the source of our industry, there are developments worth noting as well:
“The Unwilding of Patagonia’s Pollinators” documents how industrial agriculture is replacing Patagonia’s native pollinators with managed European ones. It’s a collision between global commodity agriculture and local ecosystems: intentional introductions once aimed at food or shelter; today’s are driven by market share. Worth the long read.
Sincerely,
Jan van Iperen
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— – - JUICE & BEVERAGE NEWS - – —
Allison Ellsworth, co-founder of Poppi, has launched Jetty, a new hydration startup aimed at surpassing her previous success. In an interview, she discussed various topics, including personal experiences and aspirations for Jetty. Ellsworth's enthusiasm for the brand reflects her belief that traditional water lacks excitement, positioning Jetty as a more engaging alternative in the hydration market. The startup represents her next significant business venture.
Emerging litigation trends regarding PFAS class actions are impacting food, beverage, and alcohol companies due to the absence of federal standards for PFAS in these sectors. The article discusses regulatory gaps and highlights strategies that companies can adopt to prevent individual test results from leading to class action lawsuits. This situation underscores the need for proactive measures in managing PFAS-related risks within the industry.
PepsiCo is set to eliminate approximately 1,000 jobs in North America as part of a strategy to streamline operations amid challenges in reviving sales within its domestic market. This decision reflects the company's ongoing efforts to address difficulties faced by its North American business, aiming to enhance efficiency and improve overall performance in a competitive landscape.
Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH), the parent company of Coca-Cola's Indian bottling operations, has submitted draft papers for an initial public offering (IPO). This move indicates HCCH's intention to raise capital through public investment, reflecting the company's strategic plans for growth and expansion in the Indian market. The filing marks a significant step in the process of launching the IPO.
Chlorophyll Water, a US brand, received the Best New Water Concept award at the 2026 Global Water Drinks Awards held in Barcelona. The award was determined by a panel of six judges representing three continents, highlighting the brand's innovative approach within the beverage industry. This recognition underscores the growing interest in functional beverages that incorporate unique ingredients like chlorophyll.
Researchers have called on China to include sugar-rich beverages, such as those from the increasing number of made-to-order bubble tea stores, in its consumption tax overhaul. They argue that excluding these drinks from any sugar tax would be unjust, as their popularity continues to rise. The recommendation aims to address public health concerns related to sugar consumption and promote healthier beverage choices among consumers.
A Kalamazoo company has introduced a craft beverage specifically designed for dogs, which is now available in several retail locations, including two liquor stores in Kalamazoo County. This innovative product aims to provide a unique drinking experience for canines, catering to pet owners looking for specialty items for their pets. The launch reflects a growing trend in pet-focused consumables within the beverage industry.
Grape production in Peru is forecast to decline to 725,000 metric tons (MT) in marketing year (MY) 2026/2027, down 14 percent from the previous year. Warmer temperatures are expected to accelerate the start of the harvest and complicate fruit dispatch, particularly in the northern region, which accounts for 33 percent of export production. However, varietal diversity, an earlier harvest window and consistent fruit quality may help the sector respond to El Niño conditions, despite lower yields. Domestic consumption of fresh grapes is forecast at 75,000 MT in MY 2026/2027. Exports are forecast to reach 650,000 MT in MY 2026/2027, down 13 percent from the previous year. The United States is expected to remain Peru’s leading export market.
Clear protein technology enables manufacturers to create high-protein beverages without the typical milky, thick texture associated with this category. This innovation significantly broadens the potential applications for protein in beverages, allowing for its incorporation into clear drinks, including soft drinks and waters. As a result, the high-protein drink market can diversify and appeal to a wider range of consumer preferences.
— – - CITRUS NEWS - – —
Florida researchers are utilizing lime-green mesh covers to combat the spread of citrus greening disease, which poses a significant threat to citrus trees. These covers are designed to trap psyllids, the insects responsible for transmitting the disease. Farmers in Florida are actively collaborating with researchers to implement these protective measures, demonstrating their commitment to preserving the citrus industry despite the challenges posed by this devastating disease.
The Colombian citrus industry faces significant challenges due to the appreciation of the peso, which affects competitiveness. Rising labor costs further strain the sector, and a potential 19 percent tax on agricultural products could exacerbate the crisis. These factors collectively threaten the viability of citrus production in Colombia, highlighting the urgent need for strategies to address these commercial headwinds.
— – - RESEARCH - – —
Processing passion fruit beverages produces significant agro-industrial by-products that contain high levels of bioactive compounds. The study explores the potential of green extraction methods to obtain nutraceutical-rich oil from these by-products. This approach not only enhances the value of the waste generated during beverage production but also contributes to sustainability by utilizing resources that would otherwise be discarded, promoting a circular economy in the food industry.
A study published in Food, Nutrition and Health reveals that fermenting pasteurized kiwifruit juice with probiotic strains significantly improves its flavor, antioxidant capacity, and metabolic profile. The research indicates that the fermentation process not only enhances the sensory attributes of the juice but also contributes positively to its nutritional properties, thereby suggesting potential benefits for consumer health and product stability in the beverage market.
Researchers have discovered that three-dimensional chromatin looping, DNA methylation in the untranslated region, and abscisic acid signaling work together to activate the sucrose transporter gene CliSWEET14. This activation is crucial for driving high sugar accumulation specifically in sweet lemons. The findings highlight the complex interplay between genetic mechanisms and hormonal signals in regulating sugar levels within citrus fruits.
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