Minute Maid's Frozen Cans Are Getting the Ax
For generations, Americans relied on a convenient, pre-packaged solution for their morning orange juice fix: canned frozen Minute Maid juices. But in an effort to adapt to shifting consumer preferences, The Coca-Cola Co., which owns Minute Maid, is effectively pulling the plug on its frozen juice concentrates in the US and Canada.
By next April, consumers will no longer be able to find Minute Maid's popular frozen varieties of orange, lemonade, and limeade in stores. Instead, the brand will focus on fresh juices that have become more popular in recent years. The decision marks a significant shift for the company, which has been struggling with declining sales in the frozen juice category.
When Minute Maid first entered the market in 1946, its canned frozen orange juice was a game-changer, offering consumers an easy way to enjoy the beverage year-round without having to squeeze fresh fruit. At the time, it was a pioneering product that helped establish orange juice as a staple morning drink.
In recent years, however, other beverages have encroached on its territory, with energy drinks and protein smoothies drawing away customers. Moreover, rising prices due to weather-related issues in major citrus-producing countries like Brazil and Florida have also made frozen juice less appealing. Furthermore, the growing trend towards reduced sugar content has led Minute Maid to introduce Zero Sugar versions of its fresh juices.
According to market research firm NielsenIQ, sales of frozen beverages have plummeted nearly 8% over the past year. It's clear that consumers are moving away from frozen concentrates and opting for more convenient, on-the-go options like fresh juice.
As a result of this shift in consumer behavior, Minute Maid has made the tough decision to discontinue its frozen products and exit the frozen can category altogether. With inventory set to be cleared out by next April, fans of the brand's classic canned juices will have to find alternative ways to get their fix of orange juice without the need for a freezer.
For generations, Americans relied on a convenient, pre-packaged solution for their morning orange juice fix: canned frozen Minute Maid juices. But in an effort to adapt to shifting consumer preferences, The Coca-Cola Co., which owns Minute Maid, is effectively pulling the plug on its frozen juice concentrates in the US and Canada.
By next April, consumers will no longer be able to find Minute Maid's popular frozen varieties of orange, lemonade, and limeade in stores. Instead, the brand will focus on fresh juices that have become more popular in recent years. The decision marks a significant shift for the company, which has been struggling with declining sales in the frozen juice category.
When Minute Maid first entered the market in 1946, its canned frozen orange juice was a game-changer, offering consumers an easy way to enjoy the beverage year-round without having to squeeze fresh fruit. At the time, it was a pioneering product that helped establish orange juice as a staple morning drink.
In recent years, however, other beverages have encroached on its territory, with energy drinks and protein smoothies drawing away customers. Moreover, rising prices due to weather-related issues in major citrus-producing countries like Brazil and Florida have also made frozen juice less appealing. Furthermore, the growing trend towards reduced sugar content has led Minute Maid to introduce Zero Sugar versions of its fresh juices.
According to market research firm NielsenIQ, sales of frozen beverages have plummeted nearly 8% over the past year. It's clear that consumers are moving away from frozen concentrates and opting for more convenient, on-the-go options like fresh juice.
As a result of this shift in consumer behavior, Minute Maid has made the tough decision to discontinue its frozen products and exit the frozen can category altogether. With inventory set to be cleared out by next April, fans of the brand's classic canned juices will have to find alternative ways to get their fix of orange juice without the need for a freezer.