SunOpta Inc., Toronto, said a newly formed business unit completed several deals, primarily in Central America, to bolster organic fruit and vegetable supply capabilities. Likewise, SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients (SGOI), a division of SunOpta Fruit Group, has strengthened its supply of private label branded frozen food products, officials said.
SGOI President Joseph Stern said his business acquired several supplier and customer relationships and rights to the Pure Nature Organics frozen fruit and vegetable registered trademark. Other agreements provide SGOI with supply sources for organic fruit as well as organic broccoli, green beans, edamame, asparagus and other vegetables.
Said Stern, "These agreements allow SGOI to act upon a key strategic initiative by not only diversifying its supply source for organic IQF vegetables and fruits, but also allowing the group to get much closer to the farm gate in a rapidly developing and reputable region for the procurement of commodities, which are in global short supply."