SunOpta Inc., Mississauga, ON, which focuses on organic, non-genetically modified and specialty foods, has sold its specialty and organic soy and corn business to Pipeline Foods LLC, Minneapolis, MN, for $66.5 million. The transaction closed last Friday.
“Our specialty and organic soy and corn business has a long history of supplying high quality specialty, non-GMO and organic ingredients to the food industry,” says John Ruelle, senior vice president of Raw Material Sourcing and Supply at SunOpta. “I want to thank all of our employees who are transitioning to Pipeline Foods for their hard work and dedication. We believe Pipeline Foods is well positioned in this space, which should serve the industry well and be positive for our transitioning employees.”
Eric Jackson, chief executive of Pipeline Foods, says they're excited by the opportunity to grow the business and expand the accessibility of organic and specialty grains in the U.S.
“With this move, we are merging the newest team in the sustainable agriculture supply chain business with the most tenured and respected team in the business, and creating something even better," he says. "With a focused passion, we seek to merge the best parts of each organization’s culture, practices, experience, and relationships to build a world-class business that can deliver value to our farmer-partners as well as our customers.”
SunOpta's specialty and organic soy and corn business formed part of its North American-based raw material sourcing and supply segment and includes five facilities located in Hope, MN, Blooming Prairie, MN, Ellendale, MN, Moorhead, MNand Cresco, IA.
As part of the deal, SunOpta and Pipeline Foods have entered into a multi-year supply agreement for certain ingredients used in SunOpta’s consumer products business. SunOpta will continue to operate its other North American-based sourcing and supply operations, consisting of sunflower and roasting operations, as well as its European-based international sourcing and supply platform, known as Tradin Organic, which were not part of the sale.
