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In US, orange juice prices has surged to record highs due to orange production. As shared by CNBC, the United States Department of Agriculture reported that citrus growers are losing millions of dollars annually due to extreme weather events, economic pressures, and the spread of an incurable disease.

Combined, these factors have reduced the supply of oranges, pushing prices up as demand remains steady.

Orange Production in US

Florida, a key player in U.S. orange production, has seen a dramatic reduction in its orange acreage. In 1998, the state had over 658,000 acres dedicated to orange cultivation.

By 2023, that number had dropped to just over 303,000 acres, a decline of more than 50% in 25 years. One of the primary culprits behind this decline is citrus greening disease, a severe plant disease that has no cure.

As the disease spreads through groves, it decreases the productivity of trees, ultimately leading to their death and removal.

Amy O'Shea, CEO of Invaio Sciences, explained that citrus greening disease impacts tree productivity. In response, companies like Invaio are exploring potential solutions, including the development of citrus greening-resistant fruit varieties, antimicrobial treatments, and other pest control measures.

Invaio's innovative Trecise technology, which delivers a precise amount of antimicrobial directly into a tree's vascular system, has recently received emergency approval from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Community Services.

Despite these efforts, the challenges facing citrus production are not easily overcome. The ongoing effects of climate change, coupled with the persistent threat of citrus greening, have made it difficult to stabilize production. According to VCPost, this is a similar case to Brazil where orange juice makers are considering alternatives due to high prices.

Looking ahead, experts believe that the high prices for orange juice are likely to persist in the near term, as supply struggles to meet consumer demand.