New York (CNN Business) American consumers have been stocking up on staples as the coronavirus pandemic spreads, giving one struggling beverage a much-needed boost: orange juice.

US retail sales of orange juice jumped about 38% in the four weeks ending on March 28 compared to the same period last year, according to Nielsen.

The Florida Department of Citrus reported a spike in demand for 100% orange juice in particular. Shannon Shepp, executive director of the department, called the jump "unforeseen and significant," in an emailed statement to CNN Business. "Current projections suggest there will be a considerable increase in the short-run demand for orange juice," she added.

Natalie's Orchid Island Juice reported a spike in demand for orange juice in retail.

Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company saw a 25% increase in demand in retail in mid-March, said Natalie Sexton, vice president of marketing for the company. That increase was driven primarily by citrus juices including orange and grapefruit juice.

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