How to measure the quality of a juice

The fruit juice market has experienced significant growth over the past two years. After a period of decline, mainly due to the demonization of sugars, the market has recovered in conjunction with the pandemic. Fruit juices and citrus juices have regained their value thanks to their healthy aspect and the content of vitamins, allies of our immune system, and their consumption has significantly increased.

Differences between juices

However, all juices are not the same and check the quantity of fruit they contain it’s not enough to evaluate their quality. It is also necessary to take into account the proportion between fruit and sugars, the presence of non-natural ingredients, the materials with which the packaging is made. A quality juice is certainly a “free from” juice, ie without added sugars, preservatives and dyes. At the same time it is a “rich in” juice when it comes to vitamins and nutrients. It goes without saying that the greater the quantity of fruit is, the better the quality of the juice is. There are now several proposals for 100% fruit juices: the difference lies in the way they are treated and stored. A fresh product will always have a greater quantity of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals than a long-life product and will also be superior in terms of taste and genuineness.

A growing food category

According to the data processed by IRI, which includes all fruit drinks, both UHT and fresh, sold in large-scale distribution and small self-service, in 2021 fruit juices recorded an average growth of 6.5%. However, the category of fruit juices is very heterogeneous: it ranges from fruit-flavored drinks, with minimal fruit percentages, to 100% fresh fruit juices. Not all of these products recorded the same performance. In terms of sales volumes, fruit nectars are down to -0.2%, while fresh juices grow by + 9.2% and freshly squeezed juice even by + 12%.

What’s happening in the large-scale distribution

We are increasingly sensible to the foods we consume, their composition and the origins of the ingredients, the information contained in the label and the materials that make up the pack. In large retailers, products with no added sugar recorded a growth rate of 30%. The change also affects packs: many companies are designing eco-friendly packs to respond to the request of more sustainable packaging. Alongside the attention to sustainability there is also that for safety and hygiene. These are not empty concepts, but real qualities, validated by the presence of certifications.

It is also for these reasons that freshly squeezed fruit juices have become an alternative to packaged juices in large-scale retail stores. In fact, in many supermarkets, the fresh department is acquiring increasing importance, with a bigger offer of products. The automatic juicer machines appear next to the fruit area, with express orange juice, served in a glass or in a bottle, preferably recyclable or biodegradable.

Oranfresh solutions

Supermarkets and large-scale distribution shops are expanding their offer of fresh food and encouraging the active role of consumers. Meanwhile, the availability of bulk products and self-service departments is growing. Oranfresh offers mobile solutions for a self-made express juice specifically for large-scale distribution. They are easy to use, simple to clean and designed to meet the needs of supermarkets and people. The fresh juice, from freshly squeezed oranges, is immediately bottled and can be paid directly at the cash desk. An extra service to offer a healthy and natural alternative and enrich the fruit and vegetable department.

Source: Beverfood.com, Ilsole24ore.com, Mark-up.it, Greenme.it