SunOpta boosts US aseptic capabilities

SunOpta is boosting its aseptic packaging capabilities at two US sites with production slated to start during Q3 this year.

The company will be adding aseptic packaging capacities at the Modesto and Alexandria, Minnesota sites with the installation of an additional multi-serve filler (liter/quart) at each operation, and a single serve (200/250ml) filler at the Modesto operation.

Recently the firm completed an expansion at the Modesto, California operation with the installation and commissioning of a second processor, increasing processing capacity at the facility by 50% to meet increased customer demand.

The addition of processing and packaging capabilities is in response to continued growth in the non-dairy and alternative beverage categories, said SunOpta.

Steve Bromley, chief executive officer, SunOpta, said: “This is consistent with our strategy to aggressively grow our value-added ingredients and packaged foods portfolio, and leveraging our integrated platform to become a pure play natural and organic foods company."