True Citrus + JSM Case Study
Client Overview
Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, True Citrus creates simple, clean-label beverage products designed to help people live healthier lives. Best known for their crystallized citrus packets and powder drink mixes, True Citrus products are made with real fruit and contain no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
Today, True Citrus products are sold nationwide through major retailers including Kroger, Walmart, Amazon, and more—requiring packaging that performs consistently at scale.
The Challenge
Scaling Efficiently Across Major Retailers
As True Citrus expanded its powder stick drink mix business, packaging efficiency became critical. With millions of cartons produced each year, even small inefficiencies could have a significant cost impact.
True Citrus needed a packaging partner that could deliver:
- High-volume folding carton production
- Competitive, scalable pricing
- Substrate expertise and guidance
- Flexible warehousing and logistics support
- Reliable, responsive communication
They were looking for more than a printer—they needed a partner who understood scale.
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The Solution
Expertise, Flexibility & Proactive Support
True Citrus began working with JSM after connecting with packaging expert Tina Lajoie, whose persistence and deep product knowledge quickly earned the team’s confidence.
The relationship started with smaller production runs and scaled rapidly. As volumes increased, JSM worked closely with True Citrus to evaluate substrate options, ultimately recommending 16pt Tambrite—a solution that delivered the right balance of durability, performance, and cost savings.
The result: approximately 10–12% savings compared to CRB and SBS substrates—an impactful reduction when producing millions of cartons annually.
Beyond production, JSM supported True Citrus with flexible warehousing and logistics solutions, accommodating overflow inventory and helping the brand avoid additional storage fees during peak demand.
The Results
Measurable Savings & Long-Term Trust
By partnering with JSM, True Citrus achieved:
- ~12% reduction in packaging material costs
- Millions of cartons produced annually with consistent quality
- Flexible warehousing support beyond standard agreements
- Seamless onboarding of new flavors and pack sizes
- A trusted, responsive partner that feels like an extension of their team
Looking Ahead
The partnership between True Citrus and JSM continues to grow. Together, they are exploring new flavors, retail configurations, and additional packaging opportunities—including expanded product lines and value-focused retail partners.
What began as a packaging solution has evolved into a long-term partnership built to support growth, efficiency, and innovation.
What the Customer Says
“I’ve had not a single issue. Price is good. Response time is great. And I always feel like I’m your most important customer—even though I know I’m not the only one.”
-- James Daniel, Purchasing & Project Manager
True Citrus partnered with J.S. McCarthy Packaging + Print to support high-volume folding carton production with greater efficiency, cost savings, and flexibility. Through expert substrate guidance, responsive service, and scalable solutions, JSM helps True Citrus deliver consistent packaging performance across major retail channels.
Contact Us
Ready to bring your brand’s packaging vision to life? At J.S. McCarthy Packaging + Print, we combine precision, speed, and partnership to help businesses scale beautifully-just like True Citrus. From concept to completion, our team is here to deliver folding cartons that perform as well as they look. Let’s create something exceptional together-contact us today.
