Refresco to acquire SunOpta in $1.1bn dealRefresco has agreed to acquire SunOpta in a deal valued at $1.1 billion, strengthening its position in plant-based beverages and expanding its North American footprint.
The transaction values SunOpta at $6.50 per share in cash. The total deal includes approximately $265.8 million in debt and implies an equity value of around $829 million. Both companies expect the acquisition to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.
SunOpta operates eight locations and employs around 1,200 people. The company supplies customized beverage and snack solutions to retailers, foodservice operators and branded customers. Its portfolio includes plant-based beverages, broths and better-for-you products.
Refresco, headquartered in Rotterdam, is one of the world’s largest independent beverage solutions providers. The company operates across North America, Europe and Australia and employs more than 14,000 people. Its production covers carbonated soft drinks, juices, ready-to-drink teas, energy drinks, sports drinks and plant-based beverages across carton, PET, can and glass packaging formats.
The acquisition significantly strengthens Refresco’s exposure to the fast-growing plant-based beverage category. It also deepens its capabilities in supplying both retailer private label ranges and branded customers.
Upon completion of the transaction, SunOpta will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Refresco. SunOpta shares will no longer be publicly traded. The company has also suspended quarterly earnings guidance pending the close of the transaction.
The deal reflects continued consolidation in the global beverage manufacturing sector as suppliers scale operations to support retailer demand, private label growth and shifting consumer preferences toward plant-based and functional drinks.
Why It Matters
For supermarkets, this acquisition reinforces supply capacity in plant-based beverages — a category that continues to expand shelf space across North America and Europe.
For private label buyers, the transaction signals increased scale in beverage co-packing, potentially improving sourcing efficiency while concentrating production among fewer large players.
For the broader FMCG supply chain, the deal highlights ongoing consolidation among contract manufacturers as retailers push for cost efficiency, sustainability alignment and multi-format packaging capabilities.
