Commissioner Nikki Fried Applauds Peace River Citrus, Coca-Cola Partnership Expansion

Commissioner Nikki Fried Applauds Peace River Citrus, Coca-Cola Partnership Expansion

BARTOW – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried recently visited Bartow to commend Peace River Citrus Products and The Coca-Cola Company on their expanded partnership. The collaboration, which began in 2017, focuses on producing not-from-concentrate orange juice and has seen significant growth, benefiting both local agriculture and the broader Florida economy.

Commissioner Fried toured the Peace River Citrus facility, located just outside Bartow in the heart of Polk County's citrus country, where she highlighted the importance of such partnerships for Florida’s citrus industry. “This expanded partnership between Peace River Citrus and Coca-Cola is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Florida’s citrus growers,” Fried stated during her visit. “It ensures that our high-quality Florida oranges continue to reach consumers, supporting our farmers and creating jobs right here in communities like Bartow.”

Peace River Citrus Products, a long-standing fixture in the Bartow agricultural landscape and a pillar of the area's citrus heritage, processes a substantial portion of Florida’s citrus crop. The company’s relationship with Coca-Cola, particularly for its Simply Orange brand, has been instrumental in providing a stable market for local growers amidst ongoing challenges facing the industry, such as citrus greening.

The expansion signifies a continued commitment to sourcing Florida-grown fruit, which is a welcome development for many local families whose livelihoods depend on the citrus industry. The partnership not only secures a future for many citrus groves but also reinforces Bartow’s role as a vital hub for agricultural processing in the state.

Local leaders and citrus growers expressed optimism about the partnership’s long-term impact. The increased demand for Florida oranges through this collaboration helps to stabilize prices and encourages continued investment in citrus production technology and sustainable farming practices. This kind of economic activity directly translates into jobs and prosperity for Bartow and surrounding Polk County.

The Commissioner’s visit underscores the state’s recognition of successful agricultural ventures and their positive ripple effects throughout local economies. As the citrus industry continues to adapt, partnerships like the one between Peace River Citrus and Coca-Cola are seen as crucial for its sustained health and vitality.