PepsiCo is to discontinue its PJ Smoothies and Tropicana Spirit brands. According to a statement released by the company, the reasons for the move are due to the current economic climate and "unprecedented pressures" being experienced by the firm.

A strategic review of its businesses reinforced "the impor- tance of focusing on best-selling lines". "We have acted to simplify our manufacturing operations, which includes ceasing production on one of the lines at Boxford. So we will be rationalising our beverage portfolio," said the statement. "This decision means we will be retiring the PJ Smoothies and Tropicana Spirit brands."

PepsiCo said it will concentrate on its best-selling lines, including Tropicana Pure Premium Juice, Tropicana Smoothies and Copella. The company is in the process of notifying its customers.