The News
Evolution Fresh, a leading cold-pressed orange juice brand, has secured its orange juice supply chain for the next 18 months. The company has committed to sourcing over 60 million premium Valencia oranges from a dual-region network in California and Northern Mexico. This procurement ensures multi-season availability of high-quality cold-pressed orange juice for grocery retailers, quick-serve restaurants, and institutional foodservice customers through 2027.
A major juice brand securing an orange supply that spans multiple states will affect both distributors and on‑premise menus. Evolution Fresh’s 60‑million‑orange contract covering California and Northern Mexico is therefore significant.
Evolution Fresh’s dual‑region sourcing puts it ahead of brands still dependent on Florida, whose recent harvest dropped to 14.4 million boxes—the lowest in a century. The cold‑pressed market grows only about 4.2% annually. California and Northern Mexico provide more reliable yields and lower weather risk, allowing the company to supply high‑volume programs consistently even as Florida’s output falls.
The 60‑million‑orange contract over 18 months gives Evolution Fresh enough raw material to cover a full harvest cycle and processing adjustments. Operators gain a stable cost structure—no price spikes from Florida shortages and fewer last‑minute sourcing issues that could disrupt menu planning or inventory control.
The sustainability angle is clear. The Rancho Cucamonga plant sends 99 percent of its waste to composting and recycling, earning a platinum “TRUE Zero Waste” certification. In a crowded cold‑pressed market, this green credential can justify premium pricing in QSR and hospitality channels.
From a distributor’s view, the 18‑month contract offers a reliable supply plan. Locking in oranges before seasonal swings lets distributors manage inventory more confidently, reduce spoilage risk, and keep product availability steady across accounts.
Operators can treat the 60‑million‑orange deal as a strategic shift away from Florida’s fragile supply chain. The contract gives Evolution Fresh an edge over brands still tied to Florida and lets distributors provide a reliable product for high‑volume programs.
Distributors can also highlight the sustainability credentials in marketing, appealing to eco‑conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for green packaging and waste reduction.
With 18 months of secured oranges, Evolution Fresh can maintain a steady stream of fresh juice even as Florida’s output declines, giving distributors and operators a dependable product source in an unpredictable market.
Original Press Release
Amid global citrus supply volatility, the leading cold-pressed juice brand’s strategic access to fresh oranges through long-standing grower networks insulates customers and consumers from market shortages
Proprietary Orange Juice Supply – Evolution Fresh has secured its cold-pressed orange juice supply chain for the next 18 months, guaranteeing multi-season availability throughout 2027 amid global citrus market shortages.
Dual-Region Citrus Sourcing – The brand has committed to pulling over 60,000,000 premium Valencia oranges from a dual-region network spanning climate-resilient citrus belts in California and Northern Mexico.
Citrus Market Stabilization – This strategic procurement insulates B2B partners (grocery retail, QSR) from extreme market volatility following major industry disruptions, including the complete exit of major Florida producers like Alico.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.--(June 18, 2026)--Evolution Fresh, the country’s undisputed leader in cold-pressed orange juice,* today announced it has successfully secured its orange juice supply chain for the next 18 months. By securing robust, multi-season commitments from its dedicated, long-standing grower network, Evolution Fresh promises an uninterrupted supply of consistent, high-quality, cold-pressed orange juice for grocery retailers, quick-serve restaurant partners, and institutional foodservice customers.
This news marks a distinctive supply advantage for Evolution Fresh. As commercial beverage procurement faces historic market instability, Evolution Fresh’s diversified sourcing strategy establishes the company as the most reliable orange juice supplier and commercial partner in the U.S.
Orange Juice Supply Chain Continuity Snapshot:
Volume Secured – Over 60,000,000 premium Valencia oranges.
Superior Taste Profile – California Valencia oranges deliver the highest brix content for an unsurpassed taste profile. Paired with Evolution Fresh’s in-house citrus extraction, this produces unmatched consistency and a great taste profile.
Sourcing Matrix – Dual-region coverage utilizing California and Northern Mexico citrus belts.
Duration – 100% uninterrupted supply locked through mid-2027.
Application – Ideal for QSR, hospitality, and high-volume beverage programs requiring premium, unpasteurized flavor profiles with absolute supply chain transparency.
“We have committed to pull over 60,000,000 Valencia oranges from California and Northern Mexico citrus growers over the next year,” said Peter Barone, Director of Fruit & Veggie Procurement for Evolution Fresh. “Our strategic roadmap captures California-grown fresh summer Valencias over the next four months, seamlessly transitioning to our trusted growers south of the border as seasons shift. This geographic agility allows us to press an uninterrupted supply of fresh orange juice utilizing fruit right from our backyard, while insulating our partners from the supply shocks plaguing traditional juice regions.”
Mitigating the Florida Citrus Deficit & Market Volatility
The broader orange juice supply market has faced unprecedented headwinds. Just recently, Alico, one of the largest U.S. citrus producers, which historically accounted for approximately 20–25% of the Florida orange juice market, executed a total exit from its citrus operations. Compounded by citrus greening disease and declining yields, the U.S. orange market has experienced a permanent structural shift away from Florida, forcing beverage brands to scramble for alternative orange suppliers. Alico’s departure represents a major disruption to the orange juice marketplace and is expected to place additional pressure on orange supplies from California and Mexico. (Fresh Plaza)
Evolution Fresh’s forward-thinking procurement model bypasses vulnerable regions entirely. By anchoring its supply chain in the climate-resilient microclimates of California and Northern Mexico, the company offers a secure, scalable solution while avoiding any inventory gaps.
“We are thrilled to be entering our 18th year of partnership with Evolution Fresh on fresh citrus procurement,” said Craig Holworthy, President, Wescal. “We’re confident that we are cultivating the sweetest, high-yield oranges specifically tailored for Pete and his team. This one-of-a-kind relationship is special and provides growers like us with long-term stability, while making sure Americans can continue to enjoy the Evolution Fresh orange juice they know and love year-round.”
Evolution Fresh represents a rare combination of premium, cold-pressed quality and a world-class supply chain infrastructure. The brand harvests and fresh presses 21 different kinds of fruits and vegetables at its recently built Juicery in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The facility is recognized as a platinum TRUE Zero Waste facility.
*Circana, US Food, latest 52 weeks ending 5-17-26.
Sources consulted (web research):
Source: BevNET