Core Viewpoint - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating the sale of SunOpta Inc. to Refresco for $6.50 per share in cash, focusing on potential violations of federal securities laws and fiduciary duties by SunOpta's board [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation concerns whether SunOpta and its board failed to obtain the best possible price for shareholders [2]. - It also examines if the sales process was conducted fairly and free of conflicts of interest [2]. - Additionally, the investigation looks into whether all material information was disclosed to shareholders for evaluating the transaction [2]. Group 2: Legal Representation - Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration, additional disclosures, or other relief for shareholders [3]. - The firm operates on a contingent fee basis, meaning shareholders would not incur out-of-pocket legal fees or expenses [3]. Group 3: Firm Background - Halper Sadeh LLC represents global investors affected by securities fraud and corporate misconduct, having recovered millions for defrauded investors [4].

                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REFRESCO TO ACQUIRE SUNOPTA FOR $6.50 PER SHARE IN CASH Strategic combination expands Refresco’s North American capabilities SunOpta common stockholders to receive $6.50 per share in cash Expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Minneapolis, Minnesota – February 6, 2026 – Refresco, the leading independent beverage solutions provider for preeminent global and local beverage brands in North ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has raised its full year 2025 revenue midpoint guidance by $3 million and adjusted EBITDA by $3.5 million, largely due to progress on initiatives related to volume absorption [18][19][22] - The company is experiencing high single-digit growth in the plant-based category, driven by consumer habits and demographic changes [1][2][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The better-for-you fruit snacks segment has shown 21 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, with the category itself growing at over 20% [11][12] - The company plans to add a production line in an existing facility, which is expected to generate an additional $40 million in annual revenue [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The foodservice channel, particularly driven by coffee chains, is expected to grow significantly, with top coffee chains in North America planning to add 20% more units by 2030 [3][4] - The club channel is also growing, providing value to consumers, especially during economic pressures [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on solving customer problems through R&D and a nationwide supply network, which enhances customer retention and service metrics [7][10] - The company does not foresee the need for a new plant in the next several years, as existing facilities can accommodate growth through additional lines [46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about the growth outlook, emphasizing the importance of margin expansion opportunities and investments in wastewater systems and growth capital expenditures [49][50] - The company acknowledges the challenges faced in absorbing new volume quickly but is making progress faster than anticipated [17][21] Other Important Information - The company has a capital allocation strategy prioritizing leverage, growth CapEx projects, and returning value to shareholders through a share buyback plan [47][48] - The company has improved its service metrics over the past year while maintaining growth, indicating operational success [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: What makes the company a preferred partner for brands and retailers? - The company grows share by solving customer problems, leveraging a strong R&D team and a nationwide supply network [7][8] Question: How significant is the fruit snacks business? - The fruit snacks segment has shown consistent double-digit growth and is expected to continue growing due to its value proposition [11][12] Question: How is the company managing pricing in the current environment? - The company passes on raw material and tariff costs to customers, maintaining a fair manufacturing margin [38][42] Question: What are the plans for capacity needs and funding? - The company plans to manage growth through existing facilities and does not foresee the need for a new plant in the near future [46] Question: How is the company addressing operational challenges? - Management acknowledges the need for better planning in onboarding new customer volume and is implementing strategies to improve efficiency [30][34]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has raised its full year 2025 revenue midpoint guidance by $3 million and Adjusted EBITDA by $3.5 million, largely due to progress on initiatives [18][19][22] - The company is experiencing high single-digit growth in the plant-based category, driven by consumer habits and demographic changes [1][2] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The "Better for You" fruit snacks segment has shown 21 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, with the category itself growing at over 20% [11][12] - The food service channel, particularly driven by coffee chains, is growing significantly, with top coffee chains in North America expecting to add 20% more units by 2030 [3][4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The club channel is growing as consumers seek value, especially during economic pressures, leading to increased engagement with the company's products [6] - The company has a strong presence in various channels, including retail, mass merchandise, and food service, with a focus on solving customer problems to gain market share [7][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on service, innovation, and assured supply as key differentiators in the market [10] - There are plans for capital expenditures to expand production capacity, including a new production line for fruit snacks expected to generate an additional $40 million in annual revenue [13][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about the growth potential in the plant-based category and the fruit snacks segment, citing strong long-term trends [12][50] - The company is addressing operational challenges related to increased volume and supply chain congestion, with a detailed action plan in place [19][20][21] Other Important Information - The company does not foresee the need for a new plant in the near future, as existing facilities can accommodate growth through additional production lines [46] - The company maintains a capital allocation strategy prioritizing leverage, growth CapEx projects, and returning capital to shareholders [47][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: What makes the company a preferred partner for brands and retailers? - The company focuses on solving customer problems and has a nationwide network that ensures supply reliability [7][8] Question: How significant is the fruit snacks business? - The fruit snacks segment has shown consistent double-digit growth and is expected to continue expanding [11][12] Question: What is the action plan for addressing operational challenges? - The company has a detailed plan to improve efficiencies and yield from raw products, aiming for margin expansion by the second half of next year [21][22] Question: How does the company approach pricing? - The company passes on raw material and tariff costs to customers, maintaining a fair manufacturing margin [38][42] Question: What are the capital allocation priorities? - The company prioritizes maintaining leverage under three times, funding growth CapEx projects, and returning capital to shareholders [47][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company has experienced a 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and nearly doubled its EBITDA since 2020 [3] - Full year 2025 revenue midpoint guidance raised by $3 million and Adjusted EBITDA raised by $3.5 million due to progress on initiatives [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The plant-based beverage category has seen growth in the high single digits, driven by consumer habits and demographic changes [6][7] - The better-for-you fruit snacks segment has achieved 21 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, with the category itself growing at over 20% [12][13] - A small capital expenditure project announced to expand a facility by one production line, expected to generate an additional $40 million in annual revenue [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The food service channel, particularly driven by coffee chains, is expected to grow significantly, with top coffee chains in North America planning to add 20% more units by 2030 [8] - The club channel is also growing, as consumers seek value during economic pressures [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company focuses on solving customer problems through R&D and a nationwide supply network, enhancing service metrics and innovation [10][11] - Plans to manage growth through existing facilities without the need for new plants, with growth CapEx expected to support targets through 2028 [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about the growth potential and margin expansion opportunities, particularly with investments in wastewater systems and growth CapEx [39] - The company acknowledges challenges in digesting new volume but is making progress faster than anticipated [20] Other Important Information - Pricing strategy involves passing on raw material and tariff costs to customers, maintaining a fair manufacturing margin [30][31] - The company does not foresee the need for a new plant in the near future, indicating confidence in current capacity management [36] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: How would you describe where SunOpta sits today in the evolution? - Management described the company as having transitioned from a commodity-based business to a provider of private label and co-manufacturing solutions, with significant growth in plant-based beverages and fruit snacks [3] Question: What is driving the growth in the plant-based milk category? - Growth attributed to consumer habits, demographic changes, and strong performance in food service and club channels [6][7] Question: How does the company approach pricing? - The company passes on raw material and tariff costs to customers, maintaining a transparent pricing model [30][31] Question: What are the plans for capacity needs over time? - Management plans to manage growth through existing facilities and does not foresee the need for a new plant in the near future [36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - SunOpta has experienced a 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and has nearly doubled its EBITDA since 2020 [3][5] - The company raised its full year 2025 revenue midpoint guidance by $3 million and adjusted EBITDA by $3.5 million, indicating positive operational progress [18][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The plant-based beverage category has seen growth in the high single digits, driven by changing consumer habits and demographic shifts [6][7] - The better-for-you fruit snacks segment has achieved 21 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, with the category itself growing at over 20% [12][13] - A new production line for fruit snacks is expected to generate an additional $40 million in annual revenue [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The food service channel, particularly driven by coffee chains, is growing significantly, with top coffee chains in North America expecting to add 20% more units by 2030 [8] - The club channel is also expanding, providing a great value proposition for consumers, especially during economic pressures [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - SunOpta is focused on operational efficiencies to achieve volume growth and margin expansion in the short term [5] - The company aims to maintain a leverage ratio under three times while pursuing growth capital projects and returning value to shareholders through a share buyback plan [37][38] - The company does not foresee the need for a new plant in the next several years, indicating confidence in existing capacity to meet growth targets through 2028 [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's growth trajectory and margin expansion opportunities, particularly with investments in wastewater management and growth capital [39] - The company is committed to improving service metrics and maintaining quality standards while navigating operational challenges [27][28] Other Important Information - The company has invested heavily in R&D, employing 21 food scientists to innovate and solve customer problems [10][11] - Management acknowledged the need for better planning in onboarding new customer volume to avoid operational congestion [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does SunOpta approach pricing in the current environment? - SunOpta passes on raw material and tariff costs to customers, maintaining a fair manufacturing margin, but acknowledges that tariff costs can impact pricing opportunities [30][31][33] Question: What are the company's plans for capacity needs over time? - SunOpta plans to add production lines rather than new plants, indicating confidence in managing growth through existing facilities [36] Question: What lessons has the company learned from recent operational challenges? - Management recognized the need for better phasing of new customer volume to improve efficiency and planning [25][26]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has raised its full year 2025 revenue midpoint guidance by $3 million and Adjusted EBITDA by $3.5 million, largely due to progress on initiatives related to volume growth [12][14] - The company is experiencing high single-digit growth in the plant-based category, driven by consumer habits and demographic changes [1][3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The "Better for You" fruit snacks segment has shown strong performance with 21 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, and the category itself is growing at over 20% [7][8] - The food service channel, particularly driven by coffee chains, is growing significantly, with top coffee chains in North America expecting to add 20% more units by 2030 [2][3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The club channel is growing as consumers seek value, especially during economic pressures, leading to a migration from branded to unbranded or private label products [3] - The company has a strong presence in the food service and retail markets, which are key growth areas [2] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on solving customer problems through innovation and a strong R&D team, which includes 21 food scientists [4][5] - The company plans to expand production capacity with a new production line for fruit snacks, expected to generate an additional $40 million in annual revenue [8][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about the growth opportunities in the plant-based category and believes that the current consumer trends will continue to support this growth [1][8] - The company is confident in its ability to improve service metrics and fulfill orders, which are critical for retaining existing customers [5][21] Other Important Information - The company has identified several operational challenges due to increased volume but is making progress in addressing these issues faster than anticipated [10][14] - The company does not foresee the need for a new plant in the near future, as existing facilities can accommodate growth through additional production lines [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the role of the fruit snacks business over time? - The fruit snacks business has shown consistent double-digit growth and is expected to continue growing significantly, with plans for expansion [7][8] Question: How does the company approach pricing in the current environment? - The company passes on raw material and tariff costs to customers, maintaining a fair manufacturing margin, and is generally the highest-priced provider in the market [22][26] Question: What are the company's plans for capital allocation? - The company prioritizes maintaining leverage under three times, funding growth CapEx projects, and returning capital to shareholders through a share buyback plan [30][31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - SunOpta has experienced a 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and has nearly doubled its EBITDA since 2020 [3] - The company raised its full-year 2025 revenue midpoint guidance by $3 million and adjusted EBITDA by $3.5 million, reflecting progress on initiatives [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The plant-based beverage category has seen growth in the high single digits, driven by consumer habits and demographic changes [6][9] - The better-for-you fruit snacks segment has achieved 21 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, with the category itself growing at over 20% [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The food service channel, particularly driven by coffee chains, is expected to grow significantly, with top coffee chains in North America planning to add 20% more units by 2030 [8] - The club channel has also been a growing area for SunOpta, providing value to consumers during economic pressures [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - SunOpta is focused on operational efficiencies to achieve volume growth and margin expansion [5] - The company plans to expand its production capacity with a new line for fruit snacks, expected to generate an additional $40 million in annual revenue [13] - The company does not foresee the need for a new plant in the next several years, as existing facilities can accommodate growth through additional lines [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's growth trajectory and margin expansion opportunities, particularly with investments in wastewater systems and growth capital expenditures [38] - The company is committed to maintaining service metrics and quality standards while navigating operational challenges [26] Other Important Information - SunOpta's pricing strategy involves passing on raw material and tariff costs to customers, maintaining a fair manufacturing margin [28][31] - The company has a share buyback plan authorized with $24 million available, prioritizing leverage and growth capital projects [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does SunOpta approach pricing in the current environment? - SunOpta passes on raw material and tariff costs to customers, maintaining a fair manufacturing margin, but acknowledges that tariff costs can impact pricing opportunities [27][28] Question: What is the action plan for managing increased volume and operational efficiencies? - The company has a detailed plan to improve efficiencies and yield from raw products, aiming for margin expansion by the second half of the following year [19][20] Question: What lessons has the company learned from recent operational challenges? - Management acknowledged the need for better planning and phasing of new customer volume to avoid congestion and inefficiencies in operations [24][25]

Financial Outlook - SunOpta Inc. updated its outlook for expected revenue and Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025[5] - The press release regarding the financial update was issued on January 12, 2026[5] Company Information - The company is listed on both The Nasdaq Stock Market (STKL) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (SOY)[3] - The financial information provided is not deemed "filed" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934[6] - The report includes a press release as Exhibit 99.1, detailing the financial updates[7]

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's background as a freelance business writer with a focus on restaurants, retailers, and food manufacturers, highlighting a long-term investment strategy [1] Group 1 - The author has previously written for the Motley Fool Blogging Network and the main Motley Fool site, winning several editor's choice awards [1] - The focus areas include growth opportunities and valuation metrics within the restaurant and retail sectors [1] - The author typically seeks long-term investment opportunities, planning to hold stocks for several years [1]