SunOpta completes upgrade and expansion of aseptic packaging operations

SunOpta says 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.

According to the company, the 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 500ml and 1.5L packages in addition to existing 1L and 2L 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, SunOpta 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.