Oct 13, 2005 9:15 AM, from staff and wire reports

SunOpta Inc announced that the formation of the SunOpta Fruit Group, based in Los Angeles CA, has been completed. The SunOpta Fruit Group will supply frozen fruit-based products to the private label, foodservice, and industrial markets in North America. The newly formed Fruit Group consists of the combination of Organic Ingredients Inc, Cleugh’s Frozen Foods Inc, and Pacific Fruit Processors Inc, all based in California. It is expected to generate total annual revenues of approximately $100 million.

Pacific Fruit Processors recently completed the expansion of its frozen storage capabilities. Its new 10,000-square-foot freezer is expected to generate considerable savings in freight and third-party warehousing.