Coca Cola is set to discontinue Minute Maid’s frozen juice concentrates, bringing down the curtain on a category that has been part of American kitchens for nearly 80 years. The company confirmed that it will exit the frozen can segment in the coming months, with products remaining on store shelves only until existing stocks are exhausted.
The move comes as consumption patterns continue to change, with shoppers favouring ready to drink and fresh juice options over concentrates that require home preparation. Company executives said the decision reflects a sharper focus on formats that align with how consumers buy and consume beverages today.
Minute Maid’s frozen range includes orange, lemonade, pink lemonade, raspberry lemonade and limeade. Once a staple in family freezers, the concentrates lost relevance as refrigeration, cold chain logistics and pasteurisation improved, making chilled and shelf stable juices widely available across retail outlets.
The frozen juice concept dates back to 1946 when Vacuum Foods Corporation introduced concentrates as a way to offer fruit juice year round. The Minute Maid name followed three years later and quickly became associated with convenience at a time when fresh juice was not easily accessible. Coca Cola acquired the brand in 1960 and expanded it into one of its largest juice platforms globally.
While the frozen segment has struggled, the broader juice portfolio remains important for Coca Cola. In its most recent quarterly earnings, the company reported market share gains in juices, supported by demand for zero sugar variants and value added formats.
Industry data underlines the decline of frozen concentrates. Sales in the category dropped close to 8 percent in the 52 weeks ended January 24, according to retail tracking firm NIQ. In contrast, fresh and chilled juice continues to see steadier demand, supported by convenience led buying and a shift toward lower sugar options.
Minute Maid will continue to sell its fresh juices and flavoured drink lines, including alcoholic variants in select markets. For long time consumers, the exit of frozen concentrates marks the end of a familiar ritual. For Coca Cola, it signals a recalibration of its portfolio toward categories showing stronger growth and relevance in modern retail.
