Non-GMO food specialist SunOpta upgrades roasted snacks capabilities

08-Dec-2017 - Last updated on 08-Dec-2017 at 11:05 GMT

SunOpta is upgrading its roasted nut facility in Crookston, North Dakota. Pic: ©iStock/Andris Tkachenko

Minnesota-headquartered SunOpta has announced it will be making an undisclosed but ‘significant investment’ in its roasted snacks operation in Crookston.

The organic and non-GMO food producer – which produces the Pure Nature and Nature’s Finest brands – expects the investment to boost operational efficiencies.

The announcement comes as the Canada-based company closes its Wahpeton, North Dakota, site, leading it to incur expenses of between $2m and $2.5m.

The company also announced it is closing its Wahpeton, North Dakota, site, and consolidating operations at the Crookston site, costing it another $2m and $2.5m in charges and severance packages. The North Dakota plant is expected to cease during the second quarter of 2018.

Capitalizing on trends

“The investment in the Crookston facility will expand our capabilities and allow us to capitalize on the strong underlying consumer trends in healthy snacking and further advance our quality and food safety initiatives,” said Dave Colo, who took up the reigns as SunOpta’s president and CEO earlier this year.

According to Colo, the company is in an enviable position in rapidly growing markets, focusing on organic and non-GMO products, without artificial flavors, colors or preservatives aligned with broader industry trends.

The company – which posted $1.32bn revenues in 2016 – produces grain, seed, fruit and vegetable-based products for the food industry.