Spectrum News: Inflation hits frozen orange juice
UC economics professor says disease is among the factors contributing to rising costs
A number of factors have caused the price of frozen orange juice to spike recently, a University of Cincinnati economics professor told Spectrum News.
Erwin Erhardt
In the past year, the cost of a 12-ounce can of frozen orange juice concentrate has increased 40%.
Among the reasons for the increase are a sugar shortage and rising costs for labor, transportation and packaging.
“The third factor is a disease,” said Erwin Erhardt, PhD, an associate professor - educator in the economics department of UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. “It’s striking the trees down in Florida, at least it’s called Yellow Dragon disease, and it’s carried by a Soliday, a small insect that feeds off the sap of the oranges and it turns some green and bitter and the trees eventually die once they’re hit by this. So they’re working on trying to control that.”
It's not all bad news for orange juice lovers, though. The supply of Valencia oranges, which are used to make orange juice, is expected to increase by approximately 25% this year, Erhardt said. The increased supply could cause prices to level off or even drop.
Featured image at top: An orange tree. Photo/Tyler Shaw via Unsplash
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
UC reinstalls Bearcat sculpture in time for commencement
April 27, 2026
The University of Cincinnati reinstalled the Fighting Bearcat statue after it was removed three years ago to make way for the new Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility and reconstruction of Champions Way.
Meet the startup ventures elevating Cincinnati’s scene
April 27, 2026
Cincinnati startup founders pitched concepts ranging from car accident prevention tools to robotics for manufacturing facilities during Venture Lab Demo Day at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub.
Lindner faculty, staff recognized for excellence at awards ceremony
April 27, 2026
The Carl H. Lindner College of Business honored exemplary faculty and staff who received college- and university-level accolades on April 20 at Lindner Hall. Retirees were also recognized.