SunOpta Inc. announced that the Company has completed the upgrade of its Alexandria, Minnesota aseptic processing and packaging facility and has commenced first production of natural broth and soup products for a major international packaged goods company. The packaging facility has the capacity to produce approximately 170 million litres annually of natural and organic alternative beverages, broth and soup products. The upgrade expanded packaging size capabilities for these products to include 500 mL and 1.5 L packages in addition to existing 1 and 2 L package formats.
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SunOpta Completes Upgrade and Expansion of Aseptic Packaging Operations and Commences Production of Aseptic Broth Products
TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SunOpta Inc. ("SunOpta" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) today announced that the SunOpta Grains and Foods Group has completed an upgrade and retrofit at its Alexandria, Minnesota aseptic processing and packaging facility and has commenced its first production of natural broth and soup products for a major international packaged goods company.
The Alexandria, Minnesota aseptic packaging facility has the capacity to produce the equivalent of approximately 170 million liters annually of natural and organic alternative beverages such as soy, rice, almond and others as well as broth and soup products. The recently completed upgrade and retrofit expands packaging size capabilities for these products to include 500 ml and 1.5 liter packages in addition to existing 1 liter and 2 liter package formats. The additional configuration also enables packaging the full array of aseptic pint, quart, 11/2 quart and 1/2 gallon sizes.
In hand with the completion of the upgrade and retrofit, the Company has commenced production of aseptically processed and packaged natural broth products for a global consumer products company under the terms of a three year packaging agreement. The products will be produced in both 16 oz and 48 oz formats for retail and food service distribution. This business positions the Company for continued expansion in natural and organic broths and soups and is consistent with the Company's long-term objective of building an integrated natural and organic aseptic broth and soup business to profitable annualized revenues in excess of $25 million.
Allan Routh, President of the SunOpta Grains and Foods Group commented, "Expansion of our value added processing and packaging capabilities into natural and organic broths and soups has been a strategic objective designed to leverage our integrated sourcing, processing and packaging capabilities. We are extremely pleased to have completed this upgrade and retrofit and commenced production of natural broth products for our new customer and look forward to continuing to leverage our capabilities into complementary natural and organic products categories."
SOURCE: SunOpta Press Release
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