Florida's orange juice industry faces decline amid consumer shifts, climate challenges
www.fox35orlando.com

... Orange juice consumption has plummeted over 50% since 2000, with Florida's orange crop facing a 30% decline for the 2024-2025 season, new data shows.

What we know:

Orange juice, once a staple in American households, is experiencing a significant decline in popularity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts Florida's orange crop for the 2024-2025 season will be the lowest since before World War II, with a 30% drop from the previous year. Despite this, some citrus prices at grocery stores have started to drop, indicating that market forces may be helping ease pressure on the industry.

What we don't know:

It is unclear how the industry's long-term future will unfold, especially with the continued threats of climate change and the spread of citrus greening. The exact impact of declining demand and external factors on individual growers, such as those in Florida versus other regions, remains uncertain.

The backstory:

The decline in orange juice consumption has been ongoing for decades, with research showing more than a 50% decrease in consumption since 2000. The industry has been heavily impacted by several challenges, including hurricanes, trade wars, and the widespread citrus greening disease, which has significantly harmed crops. The financial difficulties of iconic juice brands like Tropicana highlight the broader challenges faced by the industry. ...