Minute Maid Discontinues Frozen Juice Concentrates Production
Coca-Cola has announced that it will discontinue the production of Frozen Juice Concentrates, including those under the Minute Maid brand. This decision reflects changing consumer trends favoring fresh juices over frozen options.
Changes in Frozen Juice Concentrate Production
Since 1946, Minute Maid has been a household name, transforming orange juice consumption in American kitchens. However, by April 2026, all frozen juice concentrates from Minute Maid will be pulled from shelves in the U.S. and Canada.
Reasons for Discontinuation
The Coca-Cola Company cited a shift in consumer preferences as the primary reason for discontinuing frozen products. As modern consumers lean towards fresh juices, the company plans to focus its efforts on this category.
- Frozen orange juice and its variants will be phased out.
- Minute Maid’s inventory will last until supplies run out.
A Brief History of Minute Maid
Minute Maid originally launched as a frozen juice brand created by Vacuum Foods Corp. in 1946. The company later changed its name to Minute Maid, solidifying its presence in the market. Rival brand Tropicana emerged in 1947, offering more competition.
Coca-Cola acquired Minute Maid in 1960. By 1973, the brand introduced ready-to-drink orange juice, paving the way for a new consumer convenience.
Market Challenges for Frozen Juice
Frozen juice has experienced a decline in recent years. Competitive products, such as energy drinks and protein smoothies, have gained popularity and captured market share.
- Sales of frozen beverages fell by nearly 8% in the last year, as reported by NielsenIQ.
- Cultural trends have shifted focus toward low-sugar and healthier beverage options.
Pricing Pressures
In addition to changing preferences, rising costs have affected consumer habits. A can of frozen orange juice averaged $4.82 in December 2023, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. Price hikes have primarily been attributed to adverse weather conditions impacting orange production in Brazil and Florida.
Looking Ahead
Despite phasing out frozen juice concentrates, Minute Maid seeks to innovate within the fresh juice segment. In 2020, the brand even introduced Zero Sugar variations to cater to health-conscious consumers. However, the departure from frozen products marks a significant shift in the company’s 80-year history.
