Florida's Natural Growers Inc. is facing a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising of its orange juice products. The case, filed by plaintiff Patricia Donadio in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, claims the company misleads consumers by suggesting its products are made exclusively from Florida-grown oranges when they reportedly contain juice sourced from Mexico and Brazil.
According to the complaint, Florida's Natural features a U.S. flag on the front label of its orange juice products alongside the phrase "Owned By Florida Farmers." The filing states, "The Florida Representations collectively represent that the Products are made exclusively of premium Florida orange juice."
Donadio argues that consumers are led to believe the juice is sourced entirely from Florida because of the branding and that this perception influences purchasing decisions. The complaint claims, "Every package of the Products misleads consumers into believing the Products are made exclusively of Florida orange juice."
The lawsuit alleges that Florida's Natural began blending its orange juice with juice from Mexico and Brazil in May 2022 to maintain market share and meet demand during a period of declining orange production in Florida. The complaint further states that this change occurred without updating labeling or marketing to reflect the inclusion of imported juice.
Donadio accuses the company of fraud and violations of New York General Business Law, seeking a jury trial along with declaratory and injunctive relief and an award of compensatory and statutory damages on behalf of herself and other class members.
The case is part of a broader trend of consumer lawsuits challenging product origin claims. Earlier this year, similar actions were filed against Goya Foods, PepsiCo, and the Pepsi Lipton Tea Partnership, accusing them of using misleading "Made in USA" labels. These lawsuits coincide with ongoing trade measures by President Donald Trump's administration aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing and sourcing.
Florida's Natural, a cooperative owned by Florida citrus growers, has not yet issued a public response. The company, historically known for marketing its products as 100% Florida orange juice, has faced production pressures amid declining orange yields linked to citrus greening and extreme weather.
The plaintiff is represented by Stacey Ann Van Malden of Goldberger & Dubin P.C., and by Yeremey O. Krivoshey, Brittany S. Scott, and Joel D. Smith of Smith Krivoshey P.C. The case is titled Donadio v. Florida Natural Growers Inc., Case No. 6:25-cv-06473, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.
Source: Top Class Actions
