There are several factors that contribute to the cost of orange juice:
1. Production Costs: Growing oranges can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it takes several years for an orange tree to produce its first harvest. The cost of maintaining the orchards, including pesticides, fertilizers, and labor, also plays a significant role.
2. Weather Conditions: The yield of the harvest can greatly depend on the weather conditions. Unfavorable weather such as frost, hurricanes, or lengthy droughts can harm the fruit and make it less available, driving up the prices.
3. Diseases and Pests: Diseases such as citrus greening and pests can also affect the health of the trees and the yield of the crop, thereby impacting the price of orange juice.
4. Packaging and Transport: Oranges are usually harvested manually, which involves labor cost. Afterward, the product needs to be transported and then processed. Bottling, packaging, refrigeration, and delivery to various stores across the country add to the overall cost.
5. Import/Export Charges: In some regions, where oranges can’t be grown locally, they import orange juice, which further adds to the price due to tariffs and transportation costs.
6. Market Demand: The law of supply and demand also comes into play. When consumption and demand are high, prices can certainly hike up.
That’s why freshly squeezed or 100% pure orange juice can often be more expensive than other fruit juices or drinks.
