Partnering with Cutrale Citrus Juices and Peace River Citrus Products, Coca-Cola’s investment will enable the growers to plant 25,000 acres of orange trees.
Through this collaboration Coca-Cola will procure all of the fruit produced by these trees over the next 20 years. According to a 25-year study conducted by the Florida Department of Citrus, this initiative will add more than 4,100 direct and indirect jobs to the state economy.
“Citrus is synonymous with Florida, but the industry has faced many challenges in recent years, particularly the growing threat of citrus greening,” said Florida commissioner of agriculture Adam Putnam. “With Coca-Cola’s generous investment towards 25,000 acres of new orange groves in Central Florida, the citrus industry and our state’s entire economy will benefit.”
“The Coca-Cola Company is proud to be part of this investment in Florida and its citrus industry,” said Steve Cahillane, president, Coca-Cola Americas. “A thriving Florida citrus industry is critical to helping us build our Simply and Minute Maid juice brands. Through viable partnerships and meaningful investment with Cutrale and Peace River, we together will foster sustainable, responsible growth in Florida. This is good news for the state’s citrus industry, our business and the communities we serve.”
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