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Refresco scales up plant-based presence with acquisition of SunOpta Assets
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Thursday, 12 February, 2026, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Refresco, the world’s largest independent provider of bottling solutions, has significantly accelerated its push into the high-growth plant-based category through the acquisition of key manufacturing assets from SunOpta Inc. The deal, valued at approximately $250 million, underscores Refresco’s strategic intent to diversify its portfolio beyond traditional soft drinks and juices.
The acquisition includes two major production facilities located in Alexandria, Minnesota, and Modesto, California. These sites are specialized in the production of a wide range of plant-based beverages, including almond, oat, and soy milks. By integrating these assets, Refresco gains immediate scale and advanced technical capabilities in the North American dairy-alternative market, a segment that continues to outpace traditional beverage categories in terms of year-over-year growth.
Hans Roelofs, CEO of Refresco, noted that the acquisition is a perfect fit for the company’s "Buy & Build" strategy. He emphasized that adding SunOpta’s capabilities allows Refresco to provide a more comprehensive product range to its existing blue-chip retail and branded customers. The move also provides Refresco with a stronger geographical foothold in the U.S. West Coast and Midwest, optimizing its supply chain and reducing logistical costs for its partners.
For SunOpta, the divestment allows the company to focus its resources on its core value-added ingredient business and higher-margin specialty products. For Refresco, however, the transaction is a clear signal of its ambition to lead the global shift toward functional and plant-based nutrition.
As the beverage industry continues to move toward "better-for-you" options, Refresco’s latest investment positions it as a critical infrastructure partner for brands looking to scale their plant-based offerings. The deal is expected to close within the coming months, pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
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