Orange juice, once a cherished staple for breakfast, has been gradually vanishing from dining tables over the years. With Florida farmers now reporting that the damage from Hurricane Irma is the worst they have encountered in over two decades, the outlook for this beverage appears quite grim. An 8-ounce serving of orange juice contains 22 grams of sugar, just three grams shy of the World Health Organization’s recommended daily intake. The high sugar content of OJ, combined with the recent devastation to Florida’s orange groves, may solidify its status as a specialty item.
Despite this, orange juice still holds the title of America’s favorite “fruit” beverage, with the average consumer in the U.S. consuming 23.74 pounds of orange juice per year, compared to just 10.66 pounds of fresh apples. Moreover, in a recent survey conducted by Comax Flavors, it was reaffirmed as the nation’s preferred juice. However, The Washington Post highlights that thousands of acres of Florida orange groves have been sold to developers or repurposed for other crops. Following a thorough assessment of Hurricane Irma’s impact, many believe that even more farmers may abandon the citrus industry.
Manufacturers have long been attempting to revitalize the juice market. They have introduced exotic fruit blends, cold-pressed options, and functional benefits to entice consumers to drink more. Nonetheless, no amount of innovation can resolve the fundamental supply issue. Last year, Florida’s orange crop saw a 14% decline, marking the lowest yield since the 1963-64 season. Additionally, the persistent threat of citrus greening disease, spread by insects and decimating many of the state’s orange trees, remains a significant challenge. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated over $13 million in research grants to combat this issue.
As for calcium citrate, which is often highlighted for its health benefits, it remains to be seen whether the supply chain can recover quickly enough for the market to endure these ongoing challenges. With the current landscape, the future of orange juice, along with its potential for calcium citrate fortification, hangs in the balance.