Leading Plant-Based Food and Beverage Company Increases Manufacturing Capabilities at Omak, Washington Facility to Fulfill Customer Demand
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN (October 4, 2023) — SunOpta (Nasdaq: STKL) (TSX: SOY), a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based and fruit-based food and beverages, is proud to announce the expansion of its Omak, Washington facility, which is marked by a new fruit snack production line. The new line represents a substantial capacity increase for SunOpta, further allowing the company to produce more of its existing better-for-you fruit snack products, including fruit bars and strips. With this expansion, the output of the Omak facility is set to nearly double, demonstrating SunOpta’s commitment to meeting the growing demands of its customers and enhancing its production capabilities.
“The opening of our new production line in Omak is crucial to continuing to support the rapid growth we have seen in this business” said Joe Ennen, Chief Executive Officer of SunOpta. “This expansion not only helps meet the current customer demands and rising trends for better-for-you snack products but also positions SunOpta for further growth as fruit snacks continue to develop as a rapidly growing sector for our business. As we continue to prioritize innovation and respond to market trends, we remain focused on delivering organic and sustainable plant-based food solutions that align with our mission.”
The expansion includes the new production line, which is producing products for purchase, and state-of-the-art packing equipment. This investment underscores SunOpta’s commitment to innovation and quality, ensuring its fruit snacks continue to meet the highest standards of taste and nutrition. The Omak facility spans approximately 85,000 square feet and employs 177 local team members, with the average employee having worked at the facility for nearly nine years. The expansion is met with the promotion of longtime 20-year employee, Terry Llewellyn, as the new plant manager in Omak to guide the next chapter for the facility.
SunOpta also works tirelessly to reduce food waste in its value chains. For example, in its fruit segment, SunOpta commercializes and sells almost all parts of the fruit to ensure little to no fruit is wasted. The company actively works to prevent food waste by leveraging facility capabilities to connect growers with alternative buyers for fruit that would otherwise go unused. SunOpta’s multifaceted approach underscores its commitment to minimizing waste and fostering a sustainable food system.
For more information about SunOpta and its fruit-based snacks business, visit www.sunopta.com.
About SunOpta, Inc.
SunOpta (Nasdaq: STKL) (TSX: SOY) is a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based and fruit-based food and beverages. Founded nearly 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures natural, organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN®, Dream®, West Life™ and Sunrise Growers®. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com and LinkedIn.
