The Florida Citrus Commission has announced a new marketing partnership between Florida Orange Juice and the Tampa Bay Lightning, coinciding with the start of the 2025-26 NHL pre-season. The collaboration aims to promote Florida Orange Juice at Benchmark International Arena during hockey games and other entertainment events.
Throughout the season, fans attending Tampa Bay Lightning home games will have opportunities to sample Florida Orange Juice through various promotions. These include in-arena mocktails, pregame giveaways, and interactive product sampling stations located at Ford Thunder Alley and Publix Plaza. The campaign also features appearances by the Lightning’s mascot, Thunderbug, and behind-the-scenes experiences during morning skate sessions.
Benchmark International Arena hosts not only sports but also concerts and branded entertainment events such as Monster Truck Jam. This partnership is expected to provide significant exposure for Florida Orange Juice to audiences nationwide.
Steve Johnson, Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, emphasized the nutritional benefits of their product: “Florida Orange Juice is The Original Wellness Drink. An 8-ounce glass of what we grow — the world’s best 100% orange juice — is an excellent source of vitamin C, has electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, and other nutrients to support hydration, workout recovery and overall immune system wellness. We provide a functional beverage that’s perfect for athletes, fans and families looking for valuable health benefits that’s easy to serve and tastes delicious.”
Johnson highlighted ongoing efforts by the marketing team at the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) to maintain visibility among consumers: “Our marketing team at the FDOC is constantly working to keep Florida Orange Juice front-and-center for the modern juice consumer, and this is one of the many ways in action.”
He also addressed industry optimism despite uncertainty regarding upcoming production forecasts: “As of this writing, the date of our October forecast is unsure. As we work our groves and trade production stories in coffee shops, what I see is optimism. What the number is and when it is released almost seems secondary to what we see ahead. Congratulations to CRAFT for an overwhelming application round and thank you to all of you who are ready to do the work of getting trees in the ground.”
Johnson concluded with a positive outlook for Florida citrus growers: “As I see it today, we are, indeed, a bright future for The Sunshine State.” Johnson serves as Chairman of the commission overseeing FDOC as well as owner and general manager of Johnson Harvesting Inc., based in Wauchula.
