JBT Marel, a global leader in food processing technology and the company behind equipment responsible for processing more than 75% of the world’s citrus juice, is entering a new phase of growth with its official debut at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show 2026, taking place from May 16–19. The company’s appearance at one of the foodservice industry’s largest and most influential trade events marks a strategic move to bring its industrial-scale expertise directly into restaurants, cafés, hotels, and other commercial beverage operations worldwide.
At the center of JBT Marel’s debut is the Fresh’n Squeeze® 1800 Citrus Juicer, an advanced countertop juicing system that recently earned recognition through the prestigious 2026 Kitchen Innovation Awards. The award highlights the machine’s ability to combine high-volume extraction efficiency with a compact design tailored for modern foodservice operators seeking premium fresh juice solutions.
The launch comes at a time when demand for fresh, functional beverages continues to rise across global markets. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing health-conscious drink options, with fresh-squeezed juice becoming especially attractive due to its perceived nutritional value, natural ingredients, and clean-label appeal. Industry data shows that approximately 21% of consumers worldwide have increased their juice consumption, particularly products associated with wellness and functional health benefits.
Recognizing this growing trend, JBT Marel is expanding beyond its long-established industrial customer base to directly address the rapidly evolving foodservice sector. The company sees substantial opportunity in the global juice category, now estimated to exceed $100 billion in value, as restaurants and beverage operators seek equipment capable of delivering both premium quality and operational efficiency.
“For decades, our technology has set the gold standard for the global juice industry,” said Megan Dyer, Director of Key Accounts and Beverage at JBT Marel. “The Fresh’n Squeeze® 1800 puts the same power of our industrial-sized extractors onto the restaurant countertop. Debuting this award-winning innovation at our first NRA Show marks an exciting new chapter as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in foodservice.”
The Fresh’n Squeeze® 1800 has been designed to differentiate itself from traditional tabletop citrus juicers through the use of JBT Marel’s proprietary Whole Fruit Extraction Principle. Unlike conventional systems that rely on cutting and pressing fruit halves, the Fresh’n Squeeze technology extracts juice while immediately separating bitter peel oils, seeds, and other unwanted components. This process helps create a smoother and cleaner flavor profile while minimizing bitterness commonly associated with conventional juicing methods.
The technology also offers significant operational and financial advantages for foodservice businesses. According to the company, the system can produce up to 50% more juice per fruit compared to competing equipment. In practical terms, operators may achieve yields of up to 10 quarts of juice from the same quantity of citrus fruit that would typically produce only eight quarts using standard extraction systems.
Higher extraction efficiency is particularly important in today’s restaurant environment, where operators continue to face pressure from rising ingredient costs, labor challenges, and the need to maximize profitability. By increasing juice yield while reducing waste, the Fresh’n Squeeze® 1800 aims to help businesses improve margins without sacrificing beverage quality.
For cafés, juice bars, quick-service restaurants, hotels, and institutional foodservice providers, fresh juice programs can serve as high-margin menu offerings that also reinforce a premium brand image. However, many operators struggle with consistency, waste management, and labor-intensive preparation methods. JBT Marel believes its technology addresses these concerns by simplifying production while delivering a superior end product.
The machine’s compact footprint and countertop-friendly design make it suitable for front-of-house beverage stations, self-service environments, and high-traffic commercial kitchens. The company also emphasizes reliability and ease of maintenance, both critical considerations for foodservice operators managing busy day-to-day operations.
Real-world customer experiences have already highlighted the machine’s performance benefits. Paul Raybuck, manager of Xtreme Juice in Tampa and a current Fresh’n Squeeze extraction customer, praised the equipment’s efficiency and operational reliability.
“What really stands out is the yield Fresh’n Squeeze offers,” Raybuck explained. “If I can get 50% more juice out of a box of oranges, I’m multiplying my profits. It’s just been reliable for our operation, and any time we’ve needed support, the Fresh’n Squeeze team has been quick to step in.”
Customer support and service remain important competitive differentiators in the commercial equipment sector, especially as operators seek dependable technology partners capable of minimizing downtime and maintaining consistent beverage quality. JBT Marel’s decades of experience serving industrial juice processors worldwide provide the company with deep technical expertise that it now aims to leverage within the foodservice market.
The company’s participation at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show represents more than simply showcasing a new machine. It signals a broader strategic initiative to strengthen JBT Marel’s presence in commercial foodservice and beverage operations. As consumer demand for fresh, premium, and minimally processed beverages continues to accelerate, equipment manufacturers are increasingly focused on solutions that combine automation, efficiency, and product quality.
At the show, attendees will have multiple opportunities to experience the Fresh’n Squeeze® 1800 firsthand. JBT Marel will host live demonstrations at Booth #1293 in the main exhibition hall, where visitors can observe the extraction process and sample freshly squeezed juice produced by the machine. The company will also host Happy Hour events on Saturday, May 16, and Monday, May 18, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. CT, featuring cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juice.
In addition, the Fresh’n Squeeze® 1800 will be featured at Booth #3798 in the Kitchen Innovation Showroom, where attendees can explore the award-winning technology in greater detail. The KI Showroom will remain open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering operators, distributors, consultants, and members of the media the opportunity to learn more about the system’s functionality, efficiency advantages, and potential applications across various foodservice settings.
As restaurants and beverage operators continue adapting to changing consumer expectations, JBT Marel’s entry into the foodservice space reflects a broader industry movement toward premium beverage experiences supported by advanced automation and extraction technologies. With its combination of industrial expertise, innovative engineering, and focus on operational profitability, the company is positioning the Fresh’n Squeeze® 1800 as a next-generation solution for businesses seeking to capitalize on the growing fresh juice market.
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