Nowadays especially, it takes a human to spot news that is repurposed.

Multiple channels resurfaced the news of “An orange juice giant is building a 2.1 million-square-foot plant in Brazil, and the wastewater left behind by the fruit is expected to produce more than 1.77 million cubic feet of biogas every day…” The original is from a press release by LDC (from March 2025), yet it does make me curious… how is that project going? Anybody?

Sincerely

Olipop's founder has chosen not to sell the company to major beverage corporations like Pepsi or Coca-Cola, highlighting a different vision for the brand. This decision reflects a growing trend among some beverage companies that prioritize independence over acquisition by larger entities. The founder's commitment to maintaining control over Olipop's direction underscores a desire to innovate within the health-focused beverage market.

Consumers are shifting their perspective on beverage premiumisation, emphasizing the importance of connection and occasion over price. New research indicates that experiences associated with beverages are becoming more significant to consumers than the cost, suggesting a transformation in purchasing motivations. This change highlights a growing trend where the value derived from social interactions and memorable moments takes precedence in beverage choices.

Coca-Cola's innovation labs are exploring new beverage options, including "dirty sodas" and refreshers, in response to customer demand. Major fast-food chains like McDonald's and Wendy's, which have long partnered with Coca-Cola, are diversifying their drink selections to enhance profit margins. This trend reflects a broader industry shift towards innovative beverage offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences and drive sales growth.

Beyond, previously known as Beyond Meat, is expanding its beverage line, Beyond Immerse, into various retail locations throughout Southern California. This initiative is part of the company's broader strategy to enhance its presence in the plant protein market. The rollout aims to increase brand visibility and accessibility for consumers interested in plant-based drink options, aligning with current trends in health and wellness.

Krones celebrates 75 years of innovation in the beverage industry, focusing on enhancing Australian beverage production. The company is actively expanding its portfolio with advanced technologies aimed at improving efficiency and quality in the sector. This milestone reflects Krones' commitment to evolving its offerings and supporting the growth of the beverage market in Australia, ensuring it meets contemporary production demands and standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted unconditional registration for a new treatment product aimed at combating citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). This innovative solution is based on naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides derived from spinach. The approval marks a significant advancement in efforts to manage citrus greening, a disease that has severely impacted citrus production.

South Africa has reduced its 2026 orange export estimates by up to 19% due to challenges faced by Southern African citrus growers. The adjustment follows a recent meeting of the Orange variety focus group, which discussed the outlook for Valencia and Navel oranges. This revision reflects ongoing difficulties in the citrus market and the impact on export potential for these varieties.

The study investigates the layer-by-layer encapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus using chitosan and hyaluronic acid to enhance the probiotic's gastrointestinal survival, thermal stability, and shelf life in an apple juice beverage. The encapsulation method significantly improves the viability of the probiotics, which is essential for their health benefits. This approach could potentially lead to more effective probiotic beverages and improved consumer health outcomes.

Fruit beverages are significant for human nutrition and represent a major sector in the global food industry. The turbidity of fruit juice is a critical quality parameter affecting consumer acceptance and shelf life. Electrochemical methods have been explored as potential solutions for juice clarification, offering advantages such as efficiency and reduced chemical usage. These approaches could enhance the quality and marketability of fruit juices.

Research published in npj Aging identifies hesperetin, a molecule derived from citrus fruits, as a potential rejuvenator for aging livers. The study demonstrates that hesperetin can restore a critical longevity gene in the livers of aged mice. This finding suggests that compounds found in citrus may play a role in promoting liver health and longevity, warranting further investigation into their effects on aging.

A randomized controlled trial evaluated the metabolic safety and cardiovascular health effects of a commercial fruit, vegetable, and berry juice powder concentrate in older adults over six months. The study aimed to assess the supplement's impact on biomarkers related to systemic oxidative stress and cardiovascular health, given the increasing use of FVB concentrates for long-term consumption to support cardiovascular well-being.