Written and Published by BMT Foods, October 8, 2025
The International Citrus & Beverage Conference (ICBC 2025) once again brought the global citrus community together – this time with renewed energy, sharper insights, and one of the best-organized events yet. BMT Foods attended this year’s conference and engaged in an open discussion about products, industry challenges, and outlooks.
Hosted by the University of Florida IFAS Extension at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida, this year’s conference combined cutting-edge research with practical business dialogue. The Sheraton proved to be an ideal host as it was well-organized, spacious, and efficient. With more dedicated areas for suppliers and customers to meet, BMT Foods and other attendees were able to conduct meaningful discussions, hold private meetings and network without interruption.
The atmosphere reflected something the citrus industry needs most right now: clarity, collaboration and optimism.
Florida Citrus: Resilient in the Face of Change
Florida’s citrus industry continues to evolve amid challenges. With only about 208,000 acres remaining under cultivation, growers are adapting to the realities of citrus greening (HLB), unpredictable weather, and rising costs. Yet, new research and technologies discussed at ICBC offered hope.
Sessions highlighted HLB-tolerant rootstocks, biological soil management, and precision farming tools designed to improve grove health and fruit yield. The message was clear: innovation is the key to survival and Florida is learning to grow smarter, not just bigger.
Citrus Outlook: Lemons, Oranges, and Limes
Oranges: Florida’s orange output is low at around 11.6 million boxes, but innovation and disease-resistant practices are helping growers maintain quality. Meanwhile, Brazil remains the worlds largest orange producer, supplying juice globally, while Mexico continues to expand both fresh and processed orange markets. Insights from this year’s ICBC event stressed the importance of monitoring international production trends to balance supply and pricing.
Lemons: Interest in lemons is rising in Florida as a diversification strategy. Globally, Mexico leads lemon exports, particularly to the U.S. At the same time, Argentina contributes significantly. ICBC discussions highlighted how domestic Florida lemon production can complement imports, particularly for the beverage and flavor industries, and reduce reliance on volatile global markets.
Limes: Florida limes are slowly returning after disease setbacks. Mexico dominates lime production and export, with Brazil playing smaller but growing roles. Conference speakers emphasized that Florida growers could focus on niche markets and premium segments, leverages the local “fresh” advantage while observing global pricing trends.
Pineapple Juice Concentrate: A Hot Topic at ICBC 2025
While citrus dominated the agenda, one of the most discussed issues at ICBC 2025 was Pineapple Juice Concentrate. Global shortages and rising production costs have sent prices soaring, affecting manufacturers worldwide. Reduced yields in producing countries, weather disruptions, and transportation challenges have made sourcing difficult and expensive.
This topic highlighted the importance of diversifying suppliers and forming strategic partnerships to stabilize the juice supply chain, a conversation that sparked significant engagement among attendees.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
ICBC 2025 reminded everyone that the future of citrus and juice relies on innovation, collaboration, and a global perspective. Florida growers are exploring lemons, limes and smarter orange cultivation, while keeping an eye on international trends from Brazil, Mexico and Argentina.
Meanwhile, challenges such as high pineapple juice concentrate prices underscore the need for diversification and strategic planning. While science, partnership, and better event organization lead the way, the industry is poised to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
BMT foods offers a wide variety of citrus, including orange, lemon and lime juice concentrates, NFC (organic and conventional). Our country of origin includes Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. Additionally, we offer pineapple juice concentrates/NFC, conventional and organic. Reach out to BMT Foods today.