SunOpta, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer known for delivering customized supply chain solutions and innovative food and beverage products, has announced the opening of a newly expanded production line dedicated to its better-for-you fruit snacks at its facility in Omak, Washington. The investment, valued at more than $25 million, is designed to help the company meet growing customer demand for healthier snack options and is expected to increase overall fruit snack production capacity by approximately 25%.
The expansion marks a significant milestone for SunOpta as it continues to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing better-for-you snack category. The company, which recently became part of Refresco through a strategic acquisition, supplies a broad range of products to leading brands, retailers, and foodservice operators across North America. Its portfolio includes beverages, plant-based products, broths, and nutritious snack offerings, with fruit snacks representing one of its fastest-growing business segments.
According to SunOpta leadership, consumer demand for snacks made with recognizable ingredients and natural fruit-based formulations continues to rise. As shoppers increasingly seek alternatives to traditional sugary snacks, manufacturers are responding with products that emphasize clean-label ingredients, real fruit content, and the absence of artificial additives.
“Demand for better-for-you fruit snacks continues to accelerate, and this expansion positions us to meet that momentum head-on,” said Brian Kocher, Chief Executive Officer of SunOpta. “By investing in our existing footprint and capabilities, we’re strengthening our ability to support customers with the scale, flexibility, and reliability they need today and well into the future.”
The Omak facility expansion is intended to address that growing demand while providing customers with enhanced manufacturing capacity and supply chain support. By increasing production output, SunOpta will be able to serve a larger customer base across retail, club store, foodservice, and e-commerce channels while maintaining the quality and consistency for which its products are known.
Responding to Consumer Demand for Healthier Snacks
The better-for-you snack category has experienced significant growth in recent years as consumers become increasingly conscious of ingredient quality and nutritional value. Parents, health-focused consumers, and shoppers seeking convenient snack options are increasingly choosing products made with real fruit and fewer artificial ingredients.
SunOpta’s fruit snacks have been specifically developed to align with these consumer preferences. Rather than relying on artificial colors and flavors, the products are formulated using an apple-based foundation combined with juice concentrates derived from a variety of fruits and vegetables. Ingredients such as strawberries, blueberries, lemon, pomegranate, and other natural sources provide both flavor and color, helping the company create vibrant and appealing snacks without synthetic additives.
The company offers its fruit snacks in a range of popular formats designed to appeal to consumers of all ages. These include bite-sized pieces, twists, fruit “sandwiches,” and strips, providing variety and convenience for lunchboxes, on-the-go snacking, and everyday consumption.
SunOpta’s approach reflects a broader trend across the food industry toward ingredient transparency and simplified product formulations. Consumers are increasingly reading labels and seeking products that align with their wellness goals while still delivering enjoyable taste and texture experiences.
Strong Manufacturing Network Supports Growth
Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, SunOpta operates seven manufacturing facilities across six markets. Its fruit snack production network spans both the East and West Coasts of North America, allowing the company to efficiently serve customers throughout the continent while optimizing transportation and logistics.
The Omak facility plays an especially important role within this manufacturing network. Located in north-central Washington, the site specializes in the production of natural and organic fruit snacks and employs more than 260 workers. The facility has become a key contributor to the local economy while supporting SunOpta’s broader growth strategy.
The newly expanded production line not only increases manufacturing capacity but also reinforces the company’s commitment to investing in its workforce and existing facilities. Rather than building an entirely new plant, SunOpta chose to expand operations within its current footprint, enabling the company to scale production while leveraging established expertise, infrastructure, and operational efficiencies.
Plant Director Terry Llewellyn highlighted the readiness of the Omak team to support continued business growth.
“Here in Omak, our team is ready to meet customer demand for better-for-you fruit snacks made with real fruit and no artificial colors,” Llewellyn said. “We are proud to have the capacity, manufacturing expertise, and team to make it happen.”
Innovation Remains Central to Product Development
A key factor behind SunOpta’s success in the fruit snack category has been its focus on research and development. The company’s award-winning R&D team continuously works to create products that balance taste, nutrition, and consumer expectations.
Many of SunOpta’s fruit snack products are made with as few as five real fruit ingredients. They are formulated without high-fructose corn syrup and are free from the nine major allergens recognized in the United States, making them suitable for a broader range of consumers and dietary preferences.
The company’s flavor portfolio extends beyond traditional fruit offerings. In addition to classic berry varieties, SunOpta develops tropical, seasonal, and limited-edition flavors designed to capture emerging market trends and evolving consumer tastes. Product innovation also includes experimentation with different textures, shapes, and snack formats to maintain consumer interest and support customer differentiation in the marketplace.
Kocher emphasized that innovation remains a core element of the company’s strategy.
“Our fruit snacks platform reflects what SunOpta does best: combining innovation, quality, and operational excellence at scale,” he said. “This expansion reinforces our leadership in the category and our commitment to helping customers grow with confidence.”
Positioning for Future Growth Under Refresco Ownership
The Omak expansion comes at an important time for SunOpta as it begins a new chapter following its acquisition by Refresco, one of the world’s largest independent beverage solutions providers. The combination brings together complementary capabilities across manufacturing, product development, and supply chain management.
By joining the Refresco family, SunOpta gains access to additional resources and strategic opportunities that can help accelerate growth across its portfolio of beverages, plant-based products, and better-for-you snacks. The expanded fruit snack production line represents one of the first major investments supporting this next phase of growth.
As consumer interest in healthier snacking continues to expand, SunOpta’s latest investment demonstrates confidence in the long-term potential of the category. With increased manufacturing capacity, a growing portfolio of fruit-based products, and support from its new parent company, SunOpta is positioning itself to meet rising demand while strengthening its role as a trusted partner for brands, retailers, and foodservice customers across North America.
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