We are pleased to welcome you to SunOpta Inc. Since our initial entry into the natural, organic and specialty foods business in 1999, SunOpta has evolved to become one of the largest players in this category in North America, and in fact, in the world. With the combination of fast growing markets, vertically integrated business models supported by solid financial and operating assets and a team of dedicated personnel, SunOpta is positioned for an exciting future.
Numerous consumer trends are driving rapid expansion in a number of the healthy living categories in which we participate. These trends include:
- Growth of organic foods; resulting from consumers desire to consume foods grown without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones and genetic modification.
- Fiber fortification; important for gastrointestinal health and the fight to address the alarming increases in obesity rates.
- Whole grains; focused on improving the nutritional content of foods and ingredients.
- Soyfoods which continue to increase in consumption as approved health claims confirm the true health value of this wonderful seed.
- Fruits and vegetables; critical to the maintenance of a sound and nutritious diet.
It is around these key healthy living categories that our food business focused.
By focusing on categories with growth rates far above those of basic commodity foods, SunOpta has grown from revenues of US $194,000 in 1994 to 2008’s revenue of US $1.1 billion and has become one of the largest suppliers in the natural, organic and specialty foods category with many opportunities for continued expansion.
We manage our business with strongly held values and aim to position ourselves as a major participant in each of the natural and organic foods sectors where we operate. We maintain high quality and certification standards by being involved from sale of seed, sourcing of raw materials, processing, packaging and finally to distribution.
As shareholders you have the dedication and support of our valued customers, suppliers, business associates and over 2,200 throughout the world.
We also own majority positions in two non food businesses. Opta Minerals Inc. (66.2% ownership) is a producer and recycler of industrial minerals for the steel, foundry and consumer products industries and had revenues of approximately $94 million in 2008.
SunOpta BioProcess Inc. is a leading technology company with patented equipment and processes to produce cellulosic ethanol and other biomass based products.
Welcome to the world of SunOpta.
Sincerely,
Jeremy N. Kendall
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