Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has announced the development of a new product made from not-from-concentrate (NFC) orange juice that offers a 30% reduction in natural sugar content. The new product has more than triple the dietary fiber content while preserving original taste (Brix value) and vitamin C level, the company stated.
The product is the result of a five-year effort by the group’s in-house research and development laboratory team of food engineers, chemists and biotechnologists in Bebedouro, São Paulo, Brazil.
“Complementing our extensive portfolio of juices and ingredients from Brazilian-grown citrus fruits, this new product represents another positive step in LDC’s strategy to diversify revenue through value-added products,” said Juan José Blanchard, LDC’s global head of juice. “Leveraging our global network and partnerships, LDC aims to bring this new product to the global market in collaboration with leading beverage industry players.”
Although commercial roll-out will focus first on Asia Pacific, with an initial launch planned in early 2023 in China, the new product is available to customers worldwide, including in Europe, North America and South America.
Health discussions about the sugar content in OJ have been an issue of concern for the citrus industry in recent years. In a 2021 Citrus Industry article, Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shepp answered a question about criticism of OJ sugar content. It was one of numerous questions she answered regarding the Florida citrus industry.
Source: Louis Dreyfus Company