Lassonde Industries is moving packaging and some production of its SunRype drinks brands away from its plant in Kelowna, British Columbia to elsewhere in the country.
In a statement yesterday (16 April), the company said its decision to move “certain” operations at the Kelowna factory, "specifically beverage packaging", came after a review of its manufacturing footprint.
The operations will be moved to other sites, including Calgary, Toronto and Rougemont, with the transition to occur in phases through December.
The decision will affect around 80 employees.
Lassonde told Just Drinks separately that production of all SunRype beverages and private-label drinks was being moved to other locations.
The Kelowna facility currently produces SunRype and private-label juices, purees, and snacks. It features an on-site warehouse and ten production lines dedicated to various formats, including Tetra Paks, gable-top cartons, aluminium cans, fruit bars, and pouches.
The factory will remain operational, with apple processing and snack production continuing, the group said in its statement.
The site will also keep producing "not-for-concentrate juice and fruit purée from apple processing", Lassonde told Just Drinks.
Around 135 workers will continue working at the plant for production, warehousing and business support.
Lassonde has assured “commitment” for these employees, including financial compensation and assistance for career transition.
For unionised employees, a joint committee will be established to make recommendations based on roles and seniority, the company told Just Drinks.
It said the move was "not made lightly" and aims to "optimise our production capacity, remain competitive and better meet the demand".
Lassonde operates 19 facilities across North America and employs around 3,000 people.
The company sells into retail, wholesalers and independent stores and also supplies on-trade locations, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals and schools.
Its portfolio includes sauces, soups, snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
It also owns the drinks brand Old Orchard.
In October 2024, Lassonde announced plans to invest around $200m to construct a new beverage manufacturing facility in the US. Earlier that same year, the company made a $53m investment to expand its single-serve capabilities in North Carolina.
Lassonde’s fourth-quarter sales were $768.1m, up 4.1% year-on-year, while adjusted EBITDA stood at $101.8m. Profit attributable to shareholders was $54m in the quarter, marking a 99.2% increase over Q4 2024.
The company’s full-year sales in 2025 reached $2.93bn, up 12.8% from the prior year, while attributable profit rose to $149.7m.
