A new marketing partnership has been launched between Florida Orange Juice and the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to Steve Johnson, Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission. The collaboration coincides with the start of the NHL pre-season and will take place at Benchmark International Arena.
During the 2025-26 season, fans attending Tampa Bay Lightning games and other events at the arena 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 during select home games. The campaign will also feature appearances by the Lightning’s mascot Thunderbug and provide behind-the-scenes access during morning skate sessions.
Benchmark International Arena hosts a range of events beyond hockey, such as music concerts and entertainment like Monster Truck Jam. The partnership is expected to increase exposure for Florida Orange Juice among millions of consumers nationwide.
Steve Johnson highlighted the health 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 also emphasized ongoing efforts by the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) marketing team to keep Florida Orange Juice prominent 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.”
Johnson acknowledged uncertainty regarding the timing of their October forecast but expressed optimism about 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 for Florida citrus: “As I see it today, we are, indeed, a bright future for The Sunshine State.”
Steve Johnson serves as Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission overseeing the Florida Department of Citrus.
