SunOpta Announces Second Quarter Results; Second Quarter Revenue Exceeds $150 Million for the First Time

The Company achieved record revenues for the three months endedJune 30, 2006, realizing its 35th consecutive quarter of increasedrevenue growth versus the same quarter in the previous year. Revenuesin the quarter increased by 51.4% to $155,745,000 as compared to$102,858,000 in the second quarter of the prior year, led by a 48.3%increase in revenues within the Company's vertically integratednatural, organic and specialty foods operations. The Company's revenuegrowth in the quarter reflects an internal growth rate of 19.3%, andgrowth via acquisitions of 32.1%.

Operating earnings(1) for the quarter increased by 54.1% to$8,772,000 or 5.6% of revenues as compared to $5,693,000 or 5.5% ofrevenues in the previous year, driven by a 61.6% increase in operatingearnings within the SunOpta Food Group. Net earnings in the quarterwere $4,343,000 or $0.08 per diluted common share as compared to$3,307,000 or $0.06 per diluted common share in the prior year.Operating earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2006 increased65% to $14,803,000 as compared to $8,973,000 in the prior year. Netearnings in the six months ended June 30, 2006 increased to $7,355,000or $0.13 per diluted common share, a 35.8% increase compared to$5,400,000 or $0.10 per diluted common share after excluding a netunusual gain of $4,512,000 realized in the first quarter of 2005mainly related to the initial public offering of Opta Minerals Inc..

In the second quarter, and on a year to date basis, the SunOptaFood Group reported increased revenues and operating earnings, whencompared to 2005. In the second quarter revenues increased 48.3% whileoperating earnings increased 61.6%. On a year to date basis revenuesincreased 50.2% and operating earnings increased 78.6%. The improvedoperating earnings for the second quarter and first half were drivenby strong aseptic packaged product revenues, the rebound in sales ofoat fiber and addition of soy fiber, growth in organic private labelfruit and tomato based products and revenue and cost improvements inthe Canadian distribution operations. The SunOpta Grains and FoodsGroup experienced lower operating earnings for the quarter and on ayear to date basis due to a significant decline in earnings within theGroup's sunflower business where product margins were affected by cropquality issues from the 2005 crop and excess supply in internationalmarkets. The sunflower business is expected to rebound in the fourthquarter with the delivery of new crop, changes in planted seedvarieties and an increase in irrigated lands.

Opta Minerals realized revenue growth in the second quarter andfor the first half of 85.6% and 78% respectively due primarily to theFebruary acquisition of Magnesium Technologies Corporation. Internalgrowth was driven by abrasive operations that were commissioned during2005. Opta Minerals continues to pursue strategic transactions tocomplement its existing product portfolio.

The interest in the SunOpta BioProcess Group's technology andequipment for the pre-treatment of biomass for the production ofcellulosic ethanol continues to grow. Results for the second quarterreflect low revenues and margins due to contract timing, project andmarketing costs. The Group has announced two new relationships in thelast several months including a Joint Development Agreement with RoyalNedalco out of the Netherlands and an equipment supply contract withChina Resources Alcohol Corporation (CRAC). The Group is expected tocomplete its current contract with Abener Energia S.A. of SevilleSpain and the contract with CRAC in 2006.

SunOpta has reconfirmed its profit guidance for the year 2006 andhas raised its revenue guidance from $540 - $550 million to $585 -$600 million for the 2006 year.

The Company remains well positioned for future growth with networking capital of $82,789,000 and total assets of $334,890,000. Yearto date capital spending is $4,824,000 compared to $7,906,000 for thesame period in the prior year. The long term debt to equity ratio atJune 30, 2006 was 0.38:1:00, providing the Company further financialresources to invest in internal growth and execute on its acquisitionprogram. Equity per outstanding common share has grown to $3.00 versus$2.73 at June 30, 2005.

Jeremy Kendall, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SunOptacommented, "I am extremely pleased with our internal revenue growthfrom the SunOpta Food Group of 21.5% in the quarter and 19.8% for theyear. It is a testament to the continuing maturation of organic foods,healthy food products and growth of private label food products withinthese categories and supports our vision to continue to expand withinthese markets both through internal growth and selective acquisition.The Company is on track to achieve its goal of an exit rate of $1billion in sales by the end of 2007."

About SunOpta Inc.

SunOpta Inc. is an operator of high-growth ethical businesses,focusing on integrated business models in the natural and organic foodmarkets. The Company has three business units: the SunOpta Food Group,which specializes in sourcing, processing and distribution of naturaland organic food products integrated from seed through packagedproducts; the Opta Minerals Group, a producer, distributor, andrecycler of environmentally friendly industrial materials; and theSunOpta BioProcess Group which engineers and markets proprietary steamexplosion technology systems for the pulp, bio-fuel and foodprocessing industries. Each of these business units has proprietaryproducts and services that give it a solid competitive advantage inits sector.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release may constitute"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United StatesPrivate Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Theseforward-looking statements include, but are not limited to referencesto business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, capitalexpenditure plans, business and operational growth plans andreferences to the future growth of the business. These forward lookingstatements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by theCompany in light of its experience and its interpretation of currentconditions, historical trends and expected future developments as wellas other factors that the Company believes are appropriate in thecircumstance. However, whether actual results and developments willagree with expectations and predications of the Company is subject tomany risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to; generaleconomic, business or market risk conditions; competitive actions byother companies; changes in laws or regulations or policies of localgovernments, provinces and states as well as the governments of UnitedStates and Canada, many of which are beyond the control of theCompany. Consequently all forward-looking statements made herein arequalified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurancethat the actual results or developments anticipated by the Companywill be realized.
For further information, please contact:

SunOpta Inc. Investment Community Inquiries:
Jeremy N. Kendall, Chairman & CEO Lytham Partners, LLC
Steve Bromley, President & COO Joe Diaz
John Dietrich, Vice President & CFO Robert Blum
Susan Wiekenkamp, Information Officer Joe Dorame
Tel: 905-455-2528, ext 103 Tel: 602-889-9700
susan.wiekenkamp@sunopta.com diaz@lythampartners.com
Website: www.sunopta.com

(1)Operating earnings is defined as net earnings before otherincome (expense), interest expense (net), income taxes and minorityinterest
SunOpta Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
For the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005
Unaudited
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

June 30, June 30,
2006 2005 %
$ $ Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenues 155,745 102,858 51.4%

Cost of goods sold 128,399 84,352 52.2%
-------------------------

Gross profit 27,346 18,506 47.8%

Warehousing and distribution expenses 3,834 3,361 14.1%
Selling, general and administrative expenses 15,337 9,497 61.5%
-------------------------

Earnings before the following 8,175 5,648 44.7%

Interest expense, net (1,748) (594) 194.3%
Other expense (194) (203) (4.4%)
Foreign exchange 597 45
-------------------------

(1,345) (752) 78.9%
-------------------------

Earnings before income taxes 6,830 4,896 39.5%

Provision for income taxes 2,087 1,354 54.1%
-------------------------

Net earnings before minority interest 4,743 3,542 33.9%
-------------------------

Minority interest 400 235 70.2%
-------------------------

Net earnings for the period 4,343 3,307 31.3%
-------------------------

Change in foreign currency translation
adjustment 1,860 (635) 392.9%
-------------------------

Comprehensive income 6,203 2,672 132.1%
-------------------------

Net earnings per share for the period

- Basic 0.08 0.06
=========================

- Diluted 0.08 0.06
=========================


SunOpta Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
For the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005
Unaudited
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
---------------------------------------------------------------------

June 30, June 30,
2006 2005 %
$ $ Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenues 289,057 189,081 52.9%

Cost of goods sold 238,083 154,939 53.7%
-------------------------

Gross profit 50,974 34,142 49.3%

Warehousing and distribution expenses 7,492 6,599 13.5%
Selling, general and administrative expenses 29,068 18,650 55.9%
-------------------------

Earnings before the following 14,414 8,893 62.1%

Interest expense, net (3,147) (896) 251.2%
Other income (expense) (279) 3,832 (107.3%)
Foreign exchange 389 80 386.3%
-------------------------

(3,037) 3,016 (200.7%)
-------------------------

Earnings before income taxes 11,377 11,909 (4.5%)

Provision for income taxes 3,490 1,589 119.6%
-------------------------

Net earnings before minority interest 7,887 10,320 (23.6%)
-------------------------

Minority interest 532 408 30.4%
-------------------------

Net earnings for the period 7,355 9,912 (25.8%)
-------------------------

Change in foreign currency translation
adjustment 1,747 (800) 318.3%
-------------------------

Comprehensive income 9,102 9,112
-------------------------

Net earnings per share for the period

- Basic 0.13 0.18
=========================

- Diluted 0.13 0.17
=========================


SunOpta Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005
Unaudited
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

June 30, December 31,
2006 2005
$ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents 4,676 5,455
Accounts receivable 68,209 57,608
Inventories 97,772 88,340
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,907 4,194
Current income taxes recoverable - 1,847
Deferred income taxes 691 691
---------------------

176,255 158,135

Property, plant and equipment 82,690 77,257
Goodwill and intangibles 77,565 58,262
Deferred income taxes 5,519 4,473
Other assets 2,861 3,355
---------------------

344,890 301,482
=====================
Liabilities

Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness 26,946 20,799
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 59,127 50,688
Customer and other deposits 450 544
Current portion of long-term debt 6,377 3,518
Current portion of long-term payables 566 723
---------------------

93,466 76,272

Long-term debt 59,831 55,538
Long-term payables - 472
Deferred income taxes 9,539 -
---------------------

162,836 132,282
---------------------

Minority interest 9,725 9,116
---------------------

Shareholders' Equity

Capital stock 109,655 106,678
Contributed surplus 3,401 3,235
Retained earnings 47,734 40,379
Cumulative other comprehensive income 11,539 9,792
---------------------

172,329 160,084
---------------------

344,890 301,482
=====================


SunOpta Inc.
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005
Unaudited
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Three months ended
June 30, 2006
----------------------------------------------------
SunOpta
SunOpta Opta Minerals BioProcess and
Food Group Inc. Corporate Consolidated
$ $ $ $
----------------------------------------------------

Total
revenues to
external
customers 137,287 18,260 198 155,745
----------------------------------------------------

Segment
earnings
before other
income
(expense),
interest
expense
(net),
income taxes
and minority
interest 8,168 2,396 (1,792) 8,772
----------------------------------------------------


The SunOpta Food Group has the following segmented reporting:

Three months ended
June 30, 2006
----------------------------------------------------
SunOpta
SunOpta Canadian
Grains & SunOpta SunOpta Food SunOpta
Foods Ingredients Fruit Distribution Food Group
$ $ $ $ $
----------------------------------------------------

Total
revenues
from
external
customers 49,862 17,138 39,491 30,796 137,287
----------------------------------------------------

Segment
earnings
before
other
income
(expense),
interest
expense
(net),
income
taxes and
minority
interest 2,273 1,774 2,870 1,251 8,168
----------------------------------------------------


Six months ended
June 30, 2006
-----------------------------------------------------
SunOpta
SunOpta Opta Minerals BioProcess and
Food Group Inc. Corporate Consolidated
$ $ $ $
-----------------------------------------------------

Total
revenues to
external
customers 256,558 31,305 1,194 289,057
-----------------------------------------------------

Segment
earnings
before
other
income
(expense),
interest
expense
(net),
income
taxes and
minority
interest 14,997 3,394 (3,588) 14,803
-----------------------------------------------------


The SunOpta Food Group has the following segmented reporting:

Six months ended
June 30, 2006
----------------------------------------------------
SunOpta
SunOpta Canadian
Grains & SunOpta SunOpta Food SunOpta
Foods Ingredients Fruit Distribution Food Group
$ $ $ $ $
----------------------------------------------------

Total
revenues
from
external
customers 89,016 35,251 70,587 61,704 256,558
----------------------------------------------------

Segment
earnings
before
other
income
(expense),
interest
expense
(net),
income
taxes and
minority
interest 4,066 3,480 4,370 3,081 14,997
----------------------------------------------------


SunOpta Inc.
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005
Unaudited
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Three months ended
June 30, 2005
-----------------------------------------------------
SunOpta
SunOpta Opta Minerals BioProcess and
Food Group Inc. Corporate Consolidated
$ $ $ $
-----------------------------------------------------

Total
revenues to
external
customers 92,555 9,839 464 102,858
-----------------------------------------------------

Segment
earnings
before
other
income
(expense),
interest
expense
(net),
income
taxes and
minority
interest 5,054 1,621 (982) 5,693
-----------------------------------------------------


The SunOpta Food Group has the following segmented reporting:

Three months ended
June 30, 2005
-----------------------------------------------------
SunOpta
SunOpta Canadian
Grains & SunOpta SunOpta Food SunOpta
Foods Ingredients Fruit Distribution Food Group
$ $ $ $ $
-----------------------------------------------------

Total
revenues
from
external
customers 38,956 16,647 10,230 26,722 92,555
-----------------------------------------------------

Segment
earnings
before
other
income
(expense),
interest
expense
(net),
income
taxes and
minority
interest 2,880 1,062 500 612 5,054
-----------------------------------------------------


Six months ended
June 30, 2005
-----------------------------------------------------
SunOpta
SunOpta Opta Minerals BioProcess and
Food Group Inc. Corporate Consolidated
$ $ $ $
-----------------------------------------------------

Total
revenues to
external
customers 170,760 17,577 744 189,081
-----------------------------------------------------

Segment
earnings
before
other
income
(expense),
interest
expense
(net),
income
taxes and
minority
interest 8,396 2,458 (1,881) 8,973
-----------------------------------------------------


The SunOpta Food Group has the following segmented reporting:

Six months ended
June 30, 2005
----------------------------------------------------

SunOpta
SunOpta Canadian SunOpta
Grains & SunOpta SunOpta Food Food
Foods Ingredients Fruit Distribution Group
$ $ $ $ $
----------------------------------------------------

Total
revenues
from
external
customers 70,136 31,800 16,620 52,204 170,760
----------------------------------------------------

Segment
earnings
before
other
income
(expense),
interest
expense
(net),
income
taxes and
minority
interest 4,492 1,737 865 1,302 8,396
----------------------------------------------------