SunOpta has sold its frozen açaí and smoothie bowls business to Sambazon, a California-based company. This move follows a previous deal where SunOpta divested its frozen fruit assets. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Sambazon announced the acquisition as part of its strategy to expand its manufacturing facilities in the US. The new assets will allow the company to double its output and enhance its capability to produce bowl-based products. Currently, Sambazon’s products are manufactured in Brazil, and acquiring the SunOpta assets will help support its commitments to eco-friendly packaging and certified organic products while improving its market speed in the US.
Founded in 2000, Sambazon offers products like smoothie packs, ready-to-eat açaí bowls, and juices. Ricardo Perdigao, Sambazon’s COO and CFO, emphasized the significance of the acquisition in broadening the company’s distribution of nutritious superfoods sustainably sourced. This strategic move aims to strengthen Sambazon’s bowl business and deliver value in the health food sector.
In a separate deal, SunOpta previously sold frozen-fruit assets to Nature’s Touch, a Canada-based company. Joe Ennen, then CEO of SunOpta, viewed the transaction with Nature’s Touch as a major step in the company’s transformation towards becoming a leading manufacturer in plant-based and healthy snack categories.
Following these developments, SunOpta announced a leadership change, with Brian Kocher taking over as CEO. The company has set ambitious revenue targets, aiming to double its revenue from $935m to $2bn within the next five to seven years. This growth strategy will focus on expanding in plant-based drinks, better-for-you snacks, and nutrition beverages.
Overall, SunOpta’s recent divestments and strategic acquisitions reflect its commitment to evolving within the food and beverage industry trends, catering to changing food and drink consumer preferences, and positioning itself as a key player in the sector.