SunOpta Adds Processing Capabilities for Value-Added Consumer Products

15 Aug 2013 --- SunOpta Inc. today provided an update on the expansion of value-added processing capabilities in three of its consumer products facilities.

The Company has completed the installation of two additional flexible re-sealable pouch filling lines at its Allentown, Pennsylvania facility, bringing its total pouch filling capacity to approximately 140 million units, with strategic production on both the east and west coasts of the US. With the expanded capacity in place, the Company will continue to broaden its pouch applications beyond fruit based foods to include the adult nutritional category, value-added beverages and functional and fortified foods. In serving the flexible pouch market the Company is well positioned to leverage its integrated capabilities from sourcing raw materials through to packaging consumer ready products, ensuring control of quality and organic certification, and providing traceability from the farm to the retail shelf.

The Company also completed several expansion projects within its aseptic beverage operations with the installation of a new multi-serve filler (liter/quart) at each of its Modesto, CA and Alexandria, MN facilities. In addition, the Company also completed the installation of a single serve (200/250ml) filler at the Modesto operation. These three fillers will enable the Company to bring a new innovative packaging format to its customers, as well as increase the breadth of categories served beyond non-dairy beverages to include organic dairy and nutritional beverages. With these new fillers now operational, the Company has total annual aseptic beverage production capacity of approximately 400 million quarts.

"Continued expansion of our value-added flexible re-sealable pouch and aseptic beverage capabilities remains a key strategic objective designed to leverage our integrated field to table capabilities," commented Steve Bromley, SunOpta's Chief Executive Officer. "Consumer demand for healthy foods and portable nutrition continues to grow and we feel we are well positioned to capitalize on these trends. Both our Allentown and Modesto facilities can accommodate further expansion and our intention is to continue to grow these businesses and maintain a leading position in the flexible re-sealable pouch and aseptic beverage markets."