The Florida Citrus Commission has announced a new marketing partnership between Florida Orange Juice and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The collaboration will run throughout the 2025-26 NHL season, with fans at Benchmark International Arena able to participate in various promotions featuring Florida Orange Juice.
According to Steve Johnson, Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, “Throughout the 2025-26 season, NHL fans, viewers and visitors to the arena for other scheduled entertainment and events will enjoy the bright taste of Florida Orange Juice in fresh and exciting promotions, including in-arena mocktails, pregame giveaways and interactive product sampling stations at Ford Thunder Alley and Publix Plaza at select home games of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Fans will also see and experience Florida Orange Juice through strategic community moments featuring the Lightning’s mascot Thunderbug, as well as during behind-the-scenes access at morning skate sessions.”
Benchmark International Arena is known for hosting a variety of events beyond hockey games, such as music concerts and branded entertainment like Monster Truck Jam. The marketing campaign aims to reach millions of consumers nationwide through this partnership.
Johnson 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.”
He added that the marketing team at the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) continues efforts to keep Florida Orange Juice prominent among modern 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.”
Johnson also noted uncertainty regarding the date of their October forecast but expressed optimism about ongoing industry recovery efforts: “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.”
He concluded with a positive outlook on Florida’s citrus industry: “As I see it today, we are, indeed, a bright future for The Sunshine State.” Johnson serves as chairman overseeing FDOC activities while managing his own business based in Wauchula.
