SunOpta has announced the opening of a newly expanded production line for ‘better-for-you’ fruit snacks at its facility in Omak, Washington, US.

The expansion represents an investment of over $25 million and is expected to increase fruit snack production capacity by 25%.

Consumers are increasingly seeking natural snack options made with real fruit and no artificial colours, with significant regulatory developments in the US targeting synthetic food ingredients in recent years.

SunOpta aims to meet that demand with its fruit snacks, which use an apple base and juice concentrates from other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, lemon and pomegranate to achieve the desired flavour and colour without artificial additives.

Its snacks are produced in a range of formats including ‘bits, twists, sandwiches and strips,’ with the company focusing on continued innovation across flavours, textures and shapes.

The company’s R&D team crafts products with as few as five real fruit ingredients, no high-fructose corn syrup and none of the ‘top nine’ common allergens. Options range from classic berry flavours to tropical and seasonal varieties.

SunOpta operates seven manufacturing plants in six markets, with fruit snacks production on both North American coasts. The company employs more than 260 people at its facility in Omak, which produces the fruit snacks for sale across the retail club, foodservice and e-commerce channels.

Brian Kocher, CEO of SunOpta, said: “Demand for better for you fruit snacks continues to accelerate, and this expansion positions us to meet that momentum head on”.

“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. Our fruit snacks platform reflects what SunOpta does best: combining innovation, quality and operational excellence at scale.”

SunOpta, which also offers beverages and broths within its portfolio, was recently acquired by Refresco in a deal worth around $1 billion.

Top image: © SunOpta