Minute Maid ends frozen juice production as health trends shift demand

Minute Maid is stopping production of its frozen juice and juice blends from concentrate in Canada and the U.S. by the end of March. The decision follows changing consumer tastes, with more people opting for fresh, natural drinks over sugary concentrates.

The frozen juice products, including Minute Maid orange juice, lemonade, limeade, Five Alive juice blend, and Fruitopia fruit cocktail, were first developed during World War II for the U.S. Army. Later, they became widely available commercially, promoted in ads featuring Bing Crosby.

Coca-Cola, the parent company, announced the move away from frozen products in July 2025. Retail analyst Bruce Winder noted that shoppers now link juice from concentrate with high sugar content, favouring fresher alternatives instead.

The closure will affect the Peterborough, Ont. plant, where around 80 workers are represented by Unifor Local 417. The union worked to secure better terms for its members, with six receiving enhanced severance packages and 32 others offered full-time roles at another facility. Union president Kelly Tosato confirmed that fair treatment and support were prioritised during the layoff process.

The Peterborough factory will keep producing other Minute Maid items after the frozen juice lines shut down.

The discontinuation reflects a broader shift toward healthier drink choices. Coca-Cola's decision will result in job changes for some workers, though many have been reassigned. The company's focus now moves to products that align with current consumer demand.