SunOpta, Leading Plant-Based Food and Beverage Company, Celebrates 50 Years of Sustainability

SunOpta (Nasdaq: STKL) (TSX: SOY), a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages, is celebrating its 50th anniversary by reflecting on major milestones and achievements reached over the last five decades of business. Since its inception 50 years ago, sustainability has remained at the forefront of SunOpta’s mission and business operations.

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The Company’s Evolution

SunOpta, initially founded under the name StakeTech in 1973, has strategically evolved over the years. The company’s first business endeavor was focused on converting biomass to animal feed using steam technology. It later entered into the industrial mineral business, then into the natural and organic foods business, and eventually made a bold move to become a pioneer in the plant-based food and beverage space.

The company adopted its current name “SunOpta” in 2003 due to the company’s effort to optimize what the sun grows and has since built on its legacy by helping transform the food and beverages people consume. From manufacturing organic and specialty products for leading natural and private label brands, to proudly producing its own brands, SOWN, Dream and West Life, SunOpta has maintained its position as a high-growth company.

As a major manufacturer and producer in the plant-based sector, SunOpta entered the soymilk business more than 20 years ago and was also one of the first plant-based food and beverage companies to enter the oatmilk category in the U.S., which has become the second most popular plant-based beverage on the market. SunOpta currently manufactures nearly 450 product SKUs in the categories of plant-based milk, broth, and tea in addition to better-for-you fruit snacks.

“Reflecting on 50 years of SunOpta, the company has made a lasting impact on the plant-based food and beverage industry, and with every milestone reached we are closer to meeting our company goals of doubling our plant-based business by 2025 off our 2020 base and pushing towards $1 billion and beyond,” said Joe Ennen, CEO of SunOpta. “I am proud of the ESG commitments we have made over the years. We maintain a passionate focus on sustainability, innovation and community, all of which will lead us into the next 50 years of business and beyond.”