A semi‑truck loaded with over 12,000 cartons of orange juice rolled into Milwaukee on Thursday, fulfilling a light‑hearted wager between Florida’s Natural and sausage maker Johnsonville. The bet was struck after the two companies agreed that the winner of Game 5 of the World Series would receive a bulk shipment of the other’s product.
Bet details and delivery
The wager, arranged last Friday, pitted 413,554 Johnsonville bratwursts—an amount equal to Tampa’s population—against a shipment of Florida citrus. When the Brewers clinched the championship with a Game 5 victory on Wednesday evening, Florida’s Natural responded by sending more than 20 pallets of orange juice, a volume the company likened to roughly 200 kegs.
Community giveaway and charity
Organizers plan to distribute the cartons to the public during Milwaukee’s championship parade on Friday. A display will be set up outside the Italian Community Center along the parade route, and representatives from both companies will hand out additional cases to local businesses and fans throughout the Historic Third Ward. Several pallets will also be donated to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, the state’s largest hunger‑relief charity.
“Florida’s Natural came through in a big way, and its mission of spreading goodness is fitting,” said Jamie Schmelzer, vice president of marketing at Johnsonville. “We’ve never received thousands of cartons of orange juice at once before, and we’re excited to get the juice directly into the hands of fans. No doubt a lot of that OJ is destined for mimosas and beermosas, but we’re thrilled that this payout is also giving back to families across the region.”
Company statements
Kelly Wade, director of marketing at Florida’s Natural, added, “We were looking forward to those brats, but since we have to pay up, we might as well make it juicy. We’re happy to be here to add a little Florida goodness to the festivities, and a dose of Vitamin C as well! It’s great to see this friendly rivalry play out with Wisconsin fans and families during a time they will remember for years to come. Congratulations!”
The shipment was arranged shortly after Wednesday’s final out to ensure the product arrived in time for the weekend celebrations. Both companies emphasized the partnership’s focus on community spirit and charitable giving, underscoring how a simple sports wager can translate into tangible benefits for local families.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
