SunOpta Announces CEO Retirement and Appoints Brian W. Kocher as Successor - Seite 2

"It has been an honor to serve as CEO of SunOpta during this period of transformative growth and I especially want to thank the SunOpta team for their passion, hard work and dedication,” said Ennen. “I believe the Company is well positioned for its next phase of growth with a current portfolio that has demonstrated steady long-term increases in volume, revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. We are reaffirming our Q4 outlook and 2024 forecast to further reflect our confidence in the future. Brian's deep food industry expertise, coupled with his shared values and commitment to furthering our purpose, make him the right leader to continue to drive growth and optimize our network. I look forward to working closely with Brian during this transition and I have the utmost confidence that his leadership will inspire the continued growth and mission of SunOpta.”

Mr. Kocher commented, “I am thrilled to serve as SunOpta's next CEO and would like to thank Joe and the Board for entrusting me to lead the Company as we enter this new chapter. Joe has set a strong foundation for SunOpta's growth and success, and I'm excited to continue this momentum by working toward our collective mission of fueling the future of food.”

Brian W. Kocher Biography

Brian W. Kocher served as President, Chief Executive Officer of Calavo Growers Inc., a global avocado-industry leader and provider of convenient, ready-to-eat fresh food with 3,200 employees in the United States and Mexico, from January 2022 to February 2023. Before joining Calavo, Mr. Kocher was President and Chief Executive Officer of Castellini Group of Companies, a nationwide produce distribution and supply chain services organization, from May 2015 to January 2022. Prior to Castellini, Mr. Kocher spent ten years at Chiquita Brands International, Inc., including as Interim Chief Executive Officer, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, SVP and Chief Financial Officer, President of Europe, President of North America, and Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Kocher graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) degree.

About SunOpta Inc.

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based food and beverages. Founded more than 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures natural, organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN , Dream, and West Life. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com and LinkedIn.