Pacific Fruit Processors, a Division of the SunOpt

TORONTO, Oct. 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SunOpta Inc. ("SunOpta" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: STKL ) (TSX: SOY ) today announced Pacific Fruit Processors, a division of the SunOpta Ingredients Group, was awarded the 2013 "Vendor Partner of the Year" by IHOP ^® Restaurants at the IHOP Franchise Convention held in Orlando, Florida on September 24, 2013.

The "Vendor Partner of the Year" Award is given to the vendor or supplier who has demonstrated a dedication to excellence and service in helping IHOP and its franchisees.

The Award was presented to the company by Julia Stewart, Interim President of IHOP and Chairman and CEO of DineEquity Inc., and Mike Leikam, the President and CEO of Centralized Supply Chain Services (CSCS), the organization that oversees purchasing for franchisees of DineEquity's two restaurant brands, IHOP and Applebee's.

"We are proud to have our fruit ingredients operations, Pacific Fruit Processors, recognized for their partnership with IHOP Restaurants," said, Steve Bromley, Chief Executive Officer of SunOpta Inc. "We believe this award underscores our company-wide commitment to meet the high standards our customers expect from us as we help provide them with globally sourced ingredients and innovative processing and product development capabilities."

Each year CSCS and IHOP select a Vendor Partner of the Year to recognize excellence in service to the system. 2013 nominees for this award were selected from across the food, non-food and distributor categories.

About SunOpta Inc.

SunOpta Inc. is a leading global company focused on natural, organic and specialty foods products. The Company specializes in sourcing, processing and packaging of natural and organic food products, integrated from seed through packaged products; with a focus on strategically vertically integrated business models. The Company's core natural and organic food operations focus on value-added grains, fiber and fruit based product offerings, supported by a global infrastructure. The Company has two non-core holdings, a 66.1% ownership position in Opta Minerals Inc., listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, a producer, distributor, and recycler of environmentally friendly industrial materials; and a minority ownership position in Mascoma Corporation, an innovative biofuels company.

The SunOpta Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3958

About International House Of Pancakes , LLC

For over 55 years, International House of Pancakes, LLC has been a leader and expert in all things breakfast and a leader in family dining. The chain is highly competitive in its menu offering, serving 65 different signature, made- to-order breakfast options as well as a range of meals under 600 calories. Beyond offering "everything you love about breakfast, ^SM " IHOP® restaurants have a wide selection of popular lunch and dinner items, as well. IHOP restaurants offer guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. As of June 30, 2013, there were 1,593 IHOP restaurants in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under the licensed name IHOP at HOME ^® consumers can also enjoy a line of premium breakfast products available at leading retailers. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN ). For more information or to find an IHOP restaurant near you, please visit www.IHOP.com . Follow IHOP on Facebook and Twitter .

For further information, please contact: SunOpta Inc. Susan Wiekenkamp, Information Officer Tel: 905-455-2528, ext. 103 Website: www.sunopta.com