Adultifying Juice

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The trend of “adultifying” juice—transforming traditional juice beverages into sophisticated, health-focused, or functional drinks tailored for adult consumers—has been gaining momentum.

This momentum is reflected in recent product innovations across beverage companies, from Coca-Cola to Califia Farms, and is spurred by the younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who are reshaping beverage consumption in the following key ways:

• Prioritizing health and wellness by choosing functional beverages with added benefits like gut health support (prebiotics, probiotics), immune-boosting ingredients, and adaptogens.
• Favoring clean-label drinks with natural ingredients over traditional sodas or artificially flavored options.
• Reaching for bold, exotic, and unexpected flavor combinations, such as yuzu, dragon fruit, and hibiscus.
• Appreciating cultural and global influences, like matcha, turmeric, and botanicals.

These headwinds have been affecting the broader beverage industry and the orange juice subset, compounded by increased competition from alternative drinks and a general decline in traditional breakfast habits.

In response, Florida’s Natural, the citrus-focused and farmer-owned co-operative, is exploring a new product line that aligns with these evolving consumer tastes and trends.

Meet Bold Blends, a unique mix of vibrant and exotic flavors, like pineapple with dragon fruit and mango with habanero pepper.

Smith Design was engaged to rejuvenate Florida’s Natural’s brand appeal and address the shifting market dynamics to ensure long-term sustainability via this new product line. To do this, Smith created a design that departed from their core line with a rich, green label and vibrant and dynamic fruit imagery.  

The label design cues excitement and refreshment, hooking the consumer with a medley of unexpected flavors.

Flavors that could easily be used in a cocktail or mocktail, making Bold Blends especially appealing to the “make it your way” younger generation.

With Cinco de Mayo approaching, we offer this Spicy Mango Habanero Margarita recipe featuring Florida’s Natural Bold Blends. Raise a glass to reimagined flavor!

BOLD and Spicy Mango Habanero Margarita

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 2 oz tequila (silver or reposado)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz Bold Blends Lemonade with Mango and Habanero
• ½ oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
• Tajín or chili powder + salt (for the rim)
• Ice
• Lime wedge or mango slice (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rim: Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in a mix of Tajín and salt.
2. Mix It Up: Add tequila, Bold Blends, triple sec, and ice. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain & Serve: Strain into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish & Enjoy: Top with a lime wedge or a mango slice for extra flair.