The Florida Citrus Commission has announced a new partnership between Florida Orange Juice and the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2025-26 hockey season. The collaboration, which also includes Benchmark International Arena, will promote Florida Orange Juice through various activities targeting National Hockey League fans and event attendees.
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.”
Johnson emphasized that Benchmark International Arena hosts not only hockey games but also concerts and branded events such as Monster Truck Jam. He noted that this partnership provides an opportunity to reach millions of consumers across the country.
Describing the health benefits of their product, Johnson stated: “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 marketing efforts by the Florida Department of Citrus aim to maintain visibility among modern juice 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.”
Looking ahead to industry prospects despite some uncertainty around upcoming forecasts for citrus production numbers in October, Johnson shared his outlook: “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.”
“As I see it today, we are, indeed, a bright future for The Sunshine State,” he concluded.
Johnson serves as Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission—the body overseeing activities related to citrus marketing—and operates Johnson Harvesting Inc., based in Wauchula.
