Last year at this time, Dairy Foods had good news to share about the ready-to-drink juice/juice drink categories. 

The picture appears to be a little less than rosy for the refrigerated juices/drinks category. For the 52 weeks ending March 25, 2018, dollar sales in the category fell 1.1% to $6.6 billion, while unit sales declined by 2.1% to 2.2 billion, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI.

As noted in the nondairy beverage article in our May issue, consumers are seeking functional and no-sugar-added options for beverages — and some juice segments are taking a hit in sales because of it. Sales are down in orange, apple and juice/drink smoothies segments, but ticking up in refrigerated lemonade, fruit drinks and vegetable juice blends.

As consumers demand more better-for-you products, experts note that the juice and juice drinks category has been challenged in a unique way and struggled to maintain its share of the beverage market.

Juice beverages are a multibillion dollar industry, and according to a recent trend report from Fona International, millennials in particular are throwing back more juices as meals and snacks, and for health and hydration.

In the refrigerated juice category, orange juice takes a hit. There are a few bright segments, namely veggie juice cocktails, juice and drink smoothies, and lemonade.