Tropicana Orange Juice is owned by PepsiCo, which acquired the brand in 1998 as part of its purchase of the Tropicana Products company.
Tropicana orange juice is one of America’s most iconic breakfast beverages, but many consumers don’t know its fascinating corporate history. The brand has changed hands multiple times while maintaining its reputation for quality.
Current Ownership: PAI Partners and PepsiCo
As of 2025, Tropicana is primarily owned by French private equity firm PAI Partners, who acquired a 61% stake in 2025. PepsiCo retained 39% ownership after the $3.3 billion deal that included other juice brands like Naked Juice and KeVita.
This joint ownership structure through Tropicana Brands Group allows for:
- Greater focus on juice innovation
- Faster product development cycles
- Expansion into new consumption occasions
Why PepsiCo Sold Majority Stake
PepsiCo divested because:
- Juice margins were below company averages
- The category required more focused attention
- Resources were spread thin across Pepsi’s massive portfolio
Tropicana’s Founding and Early History
Italian immigrant Anthony Rossi founded Tropicana in 1947 in Florida with just $25. His innovations revolutionized the juice industry:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Started with citrus gift boxes |
| 1954 | Introduced flash pasteurization |
| 1957 | Officially renamed Tropicana Products |
The S.S. Tropicana Era
From 1957-1980s, the company operated a juice tanker ship that transported 1.5 million gallons weekly from Florida to New York. This iconic vessel symbolized Tropicana’s national expansion.
PepsiCo Ownership Period (1998-2025)
PepsiCo acquired Tropicana for $3.3 billion in 1998, marking:
- Pepsi’s major entry into the juice category
- Expansion of Tropicana’s distribution network
- Development of new product lines like Trop50
During this period, Tropicana became available in more than 60 countries worldwide while maintaining its Florida production roots.
Recent Innovations and Future Outlook
Under new ownership, Tropicana has launched:
- Sparkling juice beverages
- Reduced-sugar options
- Single-serve aluminum cans
- Lemonade product line
The company is also exploring functional beverage innovations and potential acquisitions to expand its portfolio beyond traditional juices.
