Minute Maid is a globally recognized fruit juice and beverage brand owned by The Coca-Cola Company. Established in 1945, the brand is best known for pioneering frozen concentrated orange juice, a product that transformed how orange juice was produced, distributed, and consumed. Today, Minute Maid offers a broad portfolio of juices, juice drinks, lemonades, fruit punches, smoothies, and reduced- or zero-sugar beverages in more than 100 varieties across numerous international markets. [1]

• Brand Name: Minute Maid

• Founded: 1945

• Original Company Name: Florida Foods, Inc.

• Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States

• Industry: Non-alcoholic beverages

• Parent Company: The Coca-Cola Company (since 1960)

• Products: Fruit juices, juice drinks, lemonades, fruit punches, smoothies, and flavored beverages

• Markets: Sold across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. [1]

Origins (1945–1946)

Minute Maid traces its roots to Florida Foods Corporation, founded in 1945. During World War II, the U.S. Army sought a practical way to provide vitamin C to soldiers through powdered orange juice. Although the military contract was canceled when the war ended, the company adapted its technology to produce frozen concentrated orange juice for consumers.

Instead of dehydrated juice powder, the company developed a process that removed approximately 80% of the water from fresh orange juice. This innovation made transportation, storage, and year-round availability much easier while preserving flavor. [1]

The Name “Minute Maid”

The name “Minute Maid” was created by a Boston advertising agency in 1946. It was intended to communicate that orange juice could be prepared quickly—simply by adding water—making it ready “in a minute.” The first commercial shipment of Minute Maid frozen orange juice concentrate was made in April 1946. [1]

Early Growth

Minute Maid experienced rapid success after introducing frozen orange juice concentrate. A major national advertising campaign featuring singer Bing Crosby began in 1948 and helped establish the brand as a household name throughout the United States.

In 1949, the company officially adopted the name The Minute Maid Corporation, reflecting the popularity of its flagship product. [1]

Acquisition by Coca-Cola

In 1960, The Coca-Cola Company acquired Minute Maid, marking Coca-Cola’s first major expansion beyond carbonated soft drinks. This acquisition enabled Minute Maid to leverage Coca-Cola’s extensive global production and distribution network, accelerating its international growth. [1]

Although originally focused on frozen orange juice concentrate, Minute Maid has significantly diversified its offerings over the decades.

Its product categories now include:

• 100% fruit juices

• Orange juice

• Apple juice

• Mixed fruit juices

• Lemonades

• Fruit punches

• Juice blends

• Smoothies

• Juice beverages with vitamins and minerals

• Zero Sugar beverages

• Regional fruit drinks tailored to local tastes

Many countries offer unique Minute Maid products featuring locally popular fruits and flavors. [1]

Minute Maid has become one of the world’s most recognized juice brands and is sold in numerous countries across:

• North America

• South America

• Europe

• Asia

• Africa

• Middle East

Product formulations and flavor selections vary according to local consumer preferences and regulations. In many markets, Minute Maid emphasizes local fruit varieties and regional taste profiles. [2]

Minute Maid positions itself as a brand focused on:

• Fruit-based refreshment

• Family nutrition

• Convenience

• Quality ingredients

• Everyday wellness

Its marketing often emphasizes fruit content, natural flavors, and beverages suitable for breakfast or daily refreshment. [1]

Minute Maid products are available in a wide variety of packaging formats, including:

• Cartons

• Plastic bottles

• Glass bottles (selected markets)

• Juice boxes

• Single-serve bottles

• Multi-serve family packs

• Concentrates (historically)

The brand has continually adapted its packaging and product portfolio to meet changing consumer preferences for convenience and healthier beverage options. [1]

In 2026, Coca-Cola announced the discontinuation of Minute Maid’s iconic frozen canned juice concentrates in the U.S. and Canada after nearly 80 years. The company cited declining demand and changing consumer preferences, while continuing to focus on ready-to-drink juices and other modern beverage formats. [3]

Minute Maid is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern fruit juice industry. Its introduction of frozen orange juice concentrate revolutionized juice distribution by making orange juice affordable and available year-round. Since joining The Coca-Cola Company, the brand has expanded from a single orange juice product into a global beverage portfolio that serves millions of consumers with a diverse range of fruit-based drinks. [1]

1. Minute Maid® – About Us | Coca-Cola US

2. Minute Maid Juices, Lemonades and Drinks

3. After 80 years, Minute Maid’s frozen canned juices are getting put on ice