SunOpta (STKL) 10-Q 12 Nov 15 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Nov. 06, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Oct. 3, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	SunOpta Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	351,834
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-02
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Trading Symbol	STKL
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		85,339,007

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues	$ 306,007	$ 307,887	$ 916,681	$ 957,841
Cost of goods sold	275,375	271,774	819,447	842,688
Gross profit	30,632	36,113	97,234	115,153
Selling, general and administrative expenses	23,756	23,461	69,882	71,337
Intangible asset amortization	1,284	1,023	3,610	3,234
Other income, net	4,033	11	6,165	(993)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	(613)	(600)	(1,614)	(377)
Earnings from continuing operations before the following	2,172	12,218	19,191	41,952
Interest expense, net	1,919	1,970	6,835	6,128
Impairment loss on investment	0	8,441	0	8,441
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	253	1,807	12,356	27,383
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(411)	2,267	5,969	12,290
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	664	(460)	6,387	15,093
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(128)	233	(262)	297
Earnings (loss)	536	(227)	6,125	15,390
Earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	222	157	(1,472)	426
Earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc.	$ 314	$ (384)	$ 7,597	$ 14,964
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
from continuing operations	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ 0.12	$ 0.22
from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) Per Share Total	0	(0.01)	0.11	0.22
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
from continuing operations	0.01	(0.01)	0.11	0.21
from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) Per Share Diluted Total	$ 0	$ (0.01)	$ 0.11	$ 0.21

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 664	$ (460)	$ 6,387	$ 15,093
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(128)	233	(262)	297
Earnings (loss)	536	(227)	6,125	15,390
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of income taxes	0	46	(129)	10
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in earnings	0	0	339	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap, net	0	46	210	10
Currency translation adjustment	823	(3,656)	(3,009)	(4,126)
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of income taxes	823	(3,610)	(2,799)	(4,116)
Comprehensive earnings (loss)	1,359	(3,837)	3,326	11,274
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	51	20	(1,787)	368
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc	$ 1,308	$ (3,857)	$ 5,113	$ 10,906

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 98,989	$ 9,938
Accounts receivable	127,572	125,896
Inventories	282,127	264,256
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,450	18,935
Current income taxes recoverable	5,555	2,233
Deferred income taxes	6,080	8,107
Assets, Current, Total	537,773	429,365
Property, Plant and Equipment	146,531	134,920
Goodwill	47,344	29,082
Intangible Assets	51,814	40,640
Deferred income taxes	3,308	2,061
Other assets	6,838	4,882
Assets, Total	793,608	640,950
Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness	117,000	91,410
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	134,712	128,437
Customer and other deposits	5,102	4,127
Income taxes payable	195	3,090
Other current liabilities	1,825	3,087
Current portion of long-term debt	28,622	5,927
Current portion of long-term liabilities	5,261	250
Liabilities, Current, Total	292,717	236,328
Long-term debt	2,830	33,928
Long-term liabilities	19,527	1,962
Deferred income taxes	14,572	15,404
Liabilities, Total	329,646	287,622
Sunopta Inc Shareholders Equity [Abstract]
Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized, 85,333,892 shares issued and outstanding (January 3, 2015 - 67,073,944)	298,329	190,668
Additional paid in capital	21,852	22,490
Retained earnings	136,906	129,309
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(3,977)	(1,778)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total	453,110	340,689
Non-controlling interest	10,852	12,639
Total Equity	463,962	353,328
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 793,608	$ 640,950
Commitments and contingencies

Consolidated Balance Sheet (par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (parentheticals) - $ / shares	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Common Stock Shares Issued	85,333,892	67,073,944
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	85,333,892	67,073,944
Common Stock, No Par Value

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	$ 342,612	$ 186,376	$ 19,323	$ 116,208	$ 3,397	$ 17,308
Balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2013		66,528,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Value	470	$ 470	0	0	0	0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Shares		44,000
Exercise of options	2,526	$ 3,472	(946)	0	0	0
Exercise of options, shares		468,000
Stock based compensation	2,884	$ 0	2,884	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	15,093	0	0	14,667	0	426
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	297	0	0	297	0	0
Currency translation adjustment	(4,126)	0	0	0	(4,065)	(61)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of income taxes	10	0	0	0	7	3
Balance at Oct. 04, 2014	359,766	$ 190,318	21,261	131,172	(661)	17,676
Balance, shares at Oct. 04, 2014		67,040,000
Balance at Jan. 03, 2015	353,328	$ 190,668	22,490	129,309	(1,778)	12,639
Balance, shares at Jan. 03, 2015		67,074,000
Stock Issued During Period Value New Issues	96,544	$ 96,544	0	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues		16,670,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Value	451	$ 451	0	0	0	0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Shares		36,000
Exercise of options	3,027	$ 4,624	(1,597)	0	0	0
Exercise of options, shares		704,000
Exercise of Warrants, Value	3,879	$ 6,042	(2,163)	0	0	0
Exercise of Warrants, Shares		850,000
Stock based compensation	4,140	$ 0	4,140	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	6,387	0	0	7,859	0	(1,472)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(262)	0	0	(262)	0	0
Currency translation adjustment	(3,009)	0	0	0	(2,338)	(671)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of income taxes	210	0	0	0	139	71
Minority Interest Decrease From Redemptions	(733)	0	(1,018)	0	0	285
Balance at Oct. 03, 2015	$ 463,962	$ 298,329	$ 21,852	$ 136,906	$ (3,977)	$ 10,852
Balance, shares at Oct. 03, 2015		85,334,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Operating Activities
Earnings (loss)	$ 536	$ (227)	$ 6,125	$ 15,390
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(128)	233	(262)	297
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	664	(460)	6,387	15,093
Items not affecting cash
Depreciation and amortization	5,741	5,489	16,703	16,347
Deferred income taxes	303	(947)	1,148	890
Stock-based compensation	1,901	1,079	4,140	2,884
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Instrument	(1,088)	1,802	(534)	2,021
Impairment loss on investment	0	8,441	0	8,441
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	126	(1,018)	19	(1,018)
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration	156	0	238	(1,373)
Impairment of long-lived assets (note 14)	0	505	0	505
Other	304	191	2,020	7
Changes in non-cash working capital, net of business acquired	14,565	3,245	(24,079)	(4,622)
Net cash flows from operations - continuing operations	22,672	18,327	6,042	39,175
Net cash flows from operations - discontinued operations	(128)	(327)	(262)	(589)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total	22,544	18,000	5,780	38,586
Investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(6,475)	0	(19,775)	0
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(7,373)	(5,109)	(22,812)	(12,565)
Acquisition of non-controlling interest	0	0	(733)	0
Increase in long-term investment	0	(871)	0	(871)
Payment of contingent consideration	0	0	(253)	(800)
Proceeds from sale of assets	239	5,688	1,292	5,688
Other	(22)	(435)	(45)	(484)
Net cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations	(13,631)	(727)	(42,326)	(9,032)
Net cash flows from investing activities - discontinued operations	0	327	0	589
Net cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations	(13,631)	(400)	(42,326)	(8,443)
Financing activities
Increase (decrease) under line of credit facilities	(6,309)	(15,973)	29,757	(29,538)
Borrowings under long term debt	0	0	0	210
Repayment of long-term debt	(1,407)	(1,502)	(4,200)	(4,658)
Financing costs	(2,157)	0	(2,188)	0
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	95,344	0	95,344	0
Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised	439	749	3,478	2,996
Proceeds From Warrant Exercises	0	0	3,879	0
Other	(179)	(75)	(459)	(154)
Net cash flows from financing activities - continuing operations	85,731	(16,801)	125,611	(31,144)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash held in a foreign currency	(41)	(97)	(14)	(107)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period	94,603	702	89,051	(1,108)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the period	4,386	6,727	9,938	8,537
Cash and cash equivalents - end of the period	98,989	7,429	98,989	7,429
Noncash Investing And Financing Items [Abstract]
Acquisition of business, working capital adjustment	237	0	502	0
Acquisition of business, settlement of pre-existing relationship	0	0	(749)	0
Acquistion of business, contingent consideration at fair value	$ (2,330)	$ 0	$ (22,330)	$ 0

Description of Business and Sig

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Basis Of Presentation Fiscal Year End And New Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure [Abstract]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	1 . Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies SunOpta Inc. (the “ Company ” or “ SunOpta ” ) was incorporated under the laws of Canada on November 13, 1973. The Company operates businesses focused on a healthy products portfolio that promotes sustainable well-being. The Company operates in two industry segments, the largest being SunOpta Foods , which consists of two reportable segments, Global Ingredients and Consumer Products, that operate in the natural, organic and specialty food sectors and utilize an integrated business model to bring cost-effective and quality products to market. On Octo ber 9, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Sunrise Holdings (Delaware), Inc. (“Sunrise”), pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “PSA”) dated July 30, 2015 (the “Sunrise Acquisition”). For further information regarding the Sunrise Acqui sition, including related financing see notes 8 and 16 . In addition to SunOpta Foods, the Company owned approximately 66 % of Opta Minerals Inc. (“ Opta Minerals”) as at October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015 , on a non-dilutive basis. O pta Minerals produces, distributes and recycles industrial minerals, silica-free abrasives and specialty sands. Over the last several years, Opta Mi nerals has periodically breached certain financial covenants under its credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders, i ncluding as at June 30 , 2015 and September 30, 2015. As described in note 7 , Opta Minerals obtained waiver s from the lenders on August 11, 2015 in respect of the June 30, 2015 default and October 30 , 2015, in respect of the September 30, 2015 default . In connection with th ese waiver s , certain additional covenants were added from the date of the waivers through November 30 , 2015. In addition, the lenders agreed to extend the maturity of Opta Minerals’ revolving term credit facility to No vember 30, 2015 . Opta Minerals will require the continued support of its current financial lenders and, effective November 30 , 2015, Opta Minerals will require another extension of its revolving credit facility and an additional waiver on future covenants , if breached, or an alternative source of financing. T here can be no assurance that a further extension and additional waiver will be provided or that alternative sources of financing on terms favorable to Opta Minerals can be obtained to finance its ope rations and meet its obligations. Opta Minerals’ credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest on substantially all of the assets of Opta Minerals, and are without recourse to SunOpta Inc. The factors noted above may cast significant doubt as to Opta Minerals’ ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not reflect the adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of expenses and conso lidated balance sheet classifications that might be necessary if Opta Minerals is unable to realize its assets and settle its liabilities as a going concern in the normal course of operations. Such adjustments could be material to the Company . Opta Min erals ability to continue to operate as a going concern could also have a significant impact on the Company’s ability to recover the carrying value of its investment in Opta Minerals, which amounted to approximately $ 25,000 as at October 3 , 2015. Basis of P resentation The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in accor dance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, these condensed interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financi al statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation have been included and all such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Operating results for the quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 are not necessar ily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending January 2, 2016 or for any other period. The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared on a basis consistent with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2015 . For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fisca l year ended January 3, 2015 . Recent Accounting Pronouncements In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-16, “Business Combinations – Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”, which eliminates the current guidance that requires an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively as if the accounting for the bu sine ss combination had been completed at the acquisition date . Instead, under the new guidance, an acquirer recognizes measurement-period adjustments in the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment, including th e effect on earnings of any amounts that would have been recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 does not change the criteria for determin in g whether an adjustment qualifies as a measurement-p eriod adjustment or change the length of the measurement period, which cannot exceed one year from the date of the acquisition. The g uidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 201 5 , and the g uidance is applied prospec tively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the adoption date. As permitted , the Company has elected to early adopt this guidance in the third quarter of 201 5 . The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact of the Company’s resul ts of operations or financial condition. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 , “Inventory – Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”, which requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and net realizable value (“NRV”)”, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The new guidance eliminates the need to determine replacement cost and evaluate whether it is above the ceiling (NRV) or below the floor (NRV less a normal profit margin). The guidance defines NRV as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation”. The guidance is effective for annual and inte rim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interes t – Imputation of Interest – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance C osts”, which requires that debt issuance costs be presented as a deduction from th e corresponding debt liability, and, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Interest – Imputation of Interest – Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Cost Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements”, which permits the presentation of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements as assets. The guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. As permitted, t he Company will early- adopt this guidance commencing with its annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 2, 2016. As the adoption of this guidance will impact balance sheet classification only, there will be no impact on the Company’s results of operations. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Cust omers”, which will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. Under the new standard, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which th e company expects to be entitled in exchang e for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers by one year the effective date of the new revenue rec ognition guidance. The guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 201 7 , and is to be applied on either a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis . Early adoption is permitted only as of annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 . The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Business Acquisition

Business Acquisition	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	2 . Business Acquisitions Citrusource , LLC On March 2, 2015, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding units of Citrusource , LLC (“ Citrusource ”), a producer of premium not-from-concentrate private label organic and conventional orange juice and citrus products in the U.S. The acquisition of Citrusource has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of Citrusource have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported in the Consumer Products operating segment. The acquisition of Citrusource aligns with the Company’s strategy of gr owing its value-added consumer products portfolio and leveraging its integrated operating platform. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the consideration transferred as at the acquisition date: $ Cash (1) 13,300 Preliminary working capital adjustment (2) (265) Settlement of pre-existing relationship (3) 749 Contingent consideration (4) 20,000 Total consideration transferred 33,784 (1) Represents upfront cash consideration paid as at the acquisition date. (2) The preliminary working capital adjustment is subject to change to the extent that the final determination of net working capital as at the acquisition date exceeds or is below a pre-determined target level. (3) Prior to the date of acquisition, the Company had a pre-existing relationship to supply Citrusource with organic citrus raw materials. As at the acquis ition date, the Company had accounts receivable owing from Citrusource of $749 related to product delivered prior to the acquisition date. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company on the effective settlement of this accounts receivable as at the acqu isition date. (4) The contingent consideration arrangement with the former unitholders of Citrusource comprises two components: ( i ) deferred consideration calculated based on a seven-times multiple of the incremental growth in Citrusource’s earnings befor e interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) in fiscal year 2015 versus EBITDA for fiscal year 2014; and (ii) an earn-out calculated based on 25% of the incremental growth in the sum of Citrusource’s EBITDA and the EBITDA of the Company’s Sa n Bernardino, California, juice production facility (the “Combined EBITDA”) in each of fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018 versus the Combined EBITDA for fiscal year 2015. The Company estimates that the gross contingent consideration may be in the range of $ 17,000 to $23,000 in the aggregate, with no upper limit to the amount of each of the components. The fair value measurement of the contingent consideration arrangement was determined to be approximately $20,000 as at the acquisition date, based on a proba bility-weighted present value analysis, of which approximately $17,000 is related to the deferred consideration and approximately $3,000 is related to the earn-out. Of the total contingent consideration obligation, $4,500 is included in current portion of long-term liabilities and $15,500 is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is based on significant level 3 unobservable inputs, including the following factors: ( i ) estimated range of EBITDA values in each of the earn-out periods; and (ii) the probability-weighting applied to each of the EBITDA values within the estimated range for each earn-out period. The resultant probability-weighted EBITDA values for each earn- out period were discounted at a credit risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 3.5%. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is provisional and subject to change pending the final validation of the inputs and assumptions used in th e valuation analysis. The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date . The following amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are p rovisional and subject to change: ( i ) amounts for current assets and current liabilities pending finalization of the working capital adjustment; (ii) amount and useful life of the identified intangible asset pending final evaluation of the fair value of re cently awarded business prior to the acquisition date; and (iii) amount of goodwill pending the completion of the valuations of the contingent consideration arrangement and intangible asset. The Company expects to finalize these amounts no later than one year from the acquisition date . $ Accounts receivable 2,405 Inventories 1,745 Machinery and equipment 164 Customer relationships intangible asset (1) 14,000 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (1,666) Net identifiable assets acquired 16,648 Goodwill (2) 17,136 Net assets acquired 33,784 (1) The customer relationships intangible asset was recognized based on contracts in existence at the acquisition date between Citrusource and major U.S. retail customers. This intangible asset will be amortized over an estimated useful life of approximately 12 years. The estimated fair value of the intangible asset was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis (income approach), which applied a risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 15.0%. (2) Goodwill is calculated as the differ ence between the acquisition-date fair values of the consideration transferred and net assets acquired. The total amount of goodwill has been assigned to the Consumer Products operating segment and is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recognized is attributable to: ( i ) operating synergies expected to result from combining the operations of Citrusource with the Company’s vertically-integrated juice production and supply chain capabilities; and (ii) opportunities to leverage the business experience of Citrusource’s management team to grow the Company’s existing citrus beverage program. Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc. On August 11, 2015, the Company acquired the net operating assets of Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc. (“Niagara Natural”). Niagara Natural is a manufacturer of all-natural fruit snacks located in the Niagara Region of Ontario. The acquisition of the net operating assets of Niagara Natural has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of Niagara Natural have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported in the Consumer Products operating segment. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the consideration transferred as at the acquisition date: $ Cash 6,475 Preliminary working capital adjustment 237 Contingent consideration (1) 2,330 Total consideration transferred 9,042 (1) The Company may pay the owners of Niagara Natural an additional amount of up to approximately $2,800 over a period of two years subject to adjustment based on certain performance targets. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined to be $2,330 as of the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date, which are subject to change pending finalization of the w orking capital adjustment and valuation of tangible and intangible assets. The Company expects to finalize these amounts no later than one year from the acquisition date. $ Current assets 2,220 Machinery and equipment 3,414 Intangible assets (1) 2,459 Current liabilities (687) Net identifiable assets acquired 7,406 Goodwill (2) 1,636 Net assets acquired 9,042 (1) Intangible assets comprise customer relationships and non-competition arrangements, which will be amortized over an estimated weighted-average useful life of approximately 19 years. (2) The total amount of goodwill has been assigned to the Consumer Products operating segment. Revenue and Earnings Revenues of Citrusource and Niagara Natural for the periods from the respective acquisition dates to October 3, 2015 were approximately $2 0 ,000, in the aggregate, and earnings, net of income taxes, were approximately $700, in the aggregate, which included the effects of the acquisition accounting adjustments. Pro Forma Consolidated Results of Operations The following table presents pro forma consolidated results of operations for the quarters and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 and October 4, 2014 , as if the acquisitions of Citrusource and Niagara Natural had occurred as of December 29, 2013. Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 $ $ $ $ Pro forma revenues 307,504 315,011 925,716 980,037 Pro forma earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc. 483 (404) 8,568 14,615 Pro forma earnings (loss) per share Basic 0.01 (0.01) 0.13 0.22 Diluted 0.01 (0.01) 0.13 0.21 The pro forma consolidated results of operations were prepared using the acquisition method of accounting and are based on unaudited historical financial information of the Company, Citrusource and Niagara Natural. Except to the extent realized, the pro forma information does not reflect any operating synergies or other benefits that the Company may achieve as a result of these acquisitions, or the costs that may be necessary to achieve these operating synergies and other benefits. The pro forma informat ion reflects primarily the following adjustments: incremental amortization expense related to the fair value of the identified intangible asset acquired; additional depreciation expense related to fair value adjustments to machinery and equipment acquire d; additional interest costs associated with an increase in borrowings under the Company’s syndicated credit facilities to fund the upfront cash consideration paid as at the acquisition dates ; exclusion of acquisition-related costs from earnings for the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , and the inclusion of those costs in earnings for the comparative periods; and consequential tax effects of the preceding adjustments. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what the Company’s con solidated results of operations actually would have been had the acquisitions of Citrusource and Niagara Natural been completed on December 29, 2013. In addition, the pro forma information does not purport to project the future results of operations of th e Company.

Investment in Joint Venture

Investment in Joint Venture	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Investment in Joint Venture [Text Block]	3 . Investment in Joint Venture On May 2, 2015, the Company paid $733 in cash to increase its ownership position in Selet Hulling PLC (“ Selet ”) from 35% to 76%. Selet is a joint venture located in Ethiopia focused on the sourcing and supply of organic se same . As a result of its increased ownership in Selet , the Comp an y also obtained full management control of the operation. The increase in the Company’s ownership position was accounted for as an equity transaction, with the difference between the cash consideration paid and the amount by which the non-controlling interest related to Selet was adjusted being recognized in additional paid-in capital.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block]	4 . Discontinued Operations Fiber and Starch Business On December 22, 2014, the Company completed the sale of the Fiber Business for $37,500, subject to certain closing adjustments. The Fiber Business included five facilities located in Louisville, Kentucky, Cedar Rapids, Iowa , Cambridge, Minnesota, Fosston, Minnesota, and Galesburg, Illinois. The Fiber Business was formerly part of the former Value Added Ingredients operating segment. The Company continues to operate both its integrated grain- and fruit-based ingredient busi nesses, which were not part of the sale, and which previously formed the remainder of the former Value Added Ingredients operating segment. The Company recognized a gain on sale of the Fiber Business in discontinued operations, net of income taxes, of $1, 898 in the fourth quarter of 2014. Operating Results Reported in Discontinued Operations The following table presents the operating results of Fiber Business reported in earnings from discontinued operations: Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 $ $ $ $ Revenues - 10,658 - 32,519 Earnings (loss) before income taxes (210) 382 (429) 487 Recovery of (provision for) income taxes 82 (149) 167 (190) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (128) 233 (262) 297

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block]	5 . Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements The following table presents for each of the fair value hierarchies, the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015 : October 3, 2015 Fair value asset (liability) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ $ $ $ (a) Commodity futures and forward contracts (1) Unrealized short-term derivative asset 1,707 677 1,030 - Unrealized long-term derivative asset 10 - 10 - Unrealized short-term derivative liability (1,704) - (1,704) - Unrealized long-term derivative liability (20) - (20) - (b) Inventories carried at market (2) 5,942 - 5,942 - (c) Interest rate swaps (3) (390) - (390) - (d) Forward foreign currency contracts (4) (48) - (48) - (e) Contingent consideration (5) (22,686) - - (22,686) (f) Embedded derivative (6) 3,409 - - 3,409 January 3, 2015 Fair value asset (liability) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ $ $ $ (a) Commodity futures and forward contracts (1) Unrealized short-term derivative asset 2,450 44 2,406 - Unrealized long-term derivative asset 50 - 50 - Unrealized short-term derivative liability (2,951) - (2,951) - Unrealized long-term derivative liability (90) - (90) - (b) Inventories carried at market (2) 7,713 - 7,713 - (c) Interest rate swaps (3) (285) - (285) - (d) Forward foreign currency contracts (4) 1,026 - 1,026 - (e) Contingent consideration (5) (396) - - (396) (f) Embedded derivative (6) 3,409 - - 3,409 (1) Unrealized short-term derivative asset is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, unrealized long-term derivative asset is included in other assets, unrealized short-term derivative liability is included in other current liabilities and unrealized long-term derivative liability is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. (2) Inventories carried at market are included in inventories on the consolidated balance sheets. (3) The interest r ate swap s are included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. (4) The forward foreign currency contracts are included in accounts receivable or accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. (5) Contingen t consideration obligations are included in long-term liabilities (including the current portion thereof) on the consolidated balance sheets. (6) The embedded derivative is included in other assets (long-term) on the consolidated balance sheets. (a) Commodity futures and forward contracts The Company’s derivative contracts that are measured at fair value include exchange-traded commodity futures and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. Exchange-traded futures are valued based on unadjusted quotes for identical assets priced in active markets and are classified as level 1. Fair value for forward commodity purchase and sale contracts is estimated based on exchange-quoted prices adjusted for differences in local markets. Local mark et adjustments use observable inputs or market transactions for similar assets or liabilities, and, as a result, are classified as level 2. Based on historical experience with the Company’s suppliers and customers, the Company’s own credit risk, and the C ompany’s knowledge of current market conditions, the Company does not view non-performance risk to be a significant input to fair value for the majority of its forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. These exchange-traded commodity futures and fo rward commodity purchase and sale contracts are used as part of the Company’s risk management strategy, and represent economic hedges to limit risk related to fluctuations in the price of certain commodity grains, as well as the prices of cocoa and coffee. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Gains and losses on changes in fair value of these derivative instruments are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statement of operations. For the quarter ended October 3, 2015 , the Company recognized a gain of $1,088 ( October 4, 2014 – loss of $1,802 ) and for the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , the Company recognized a gain of $53 4 ( October 4, 2014 – loss of $2,021 ) related to changes in the fair value of these derivati ves. As at October 3, 2015 , the notional amounts of open commodity futures and forward purchase and sale contracts were as follows (in thousands of bushels): Number of bushels purchased (sold) Corn Soybeans Forward commodity purchase contracts 1,133 757 Forward commodity sale contracts (456) (974) Commodity futures contracts (905) (310) In addition, as at October 3, 2015 , the Company had net open forward contracts to sell 287 lots of cocoa and to purchase 4 lots of coffee. (b) Inventories carried at market Grains inventory carried at fair value is determined using quoted market prices from the Chicago Board of Trade (“ CBoT ”). Estimated fair market values for grains inventory quantities at period end are valued using the quoted price on the CBoT adjusted for differences in local markets, and broker or dealer quotes. These assets are placed in le vel 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as there are observable quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. Gains and losses on commodity grains inventory are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations. As at October 3, 2015 , the Company had 206,971 bushels of commodity corn and 402,194 bushels of commodity soybeans in inventories carried at market. (c) Interest rate swaps As at October 3, 2015 , Opta Minerals held interest rate swaps with a notional value of Cdn $ 33,350 to pay fixed rates of 1.85% to 2.02%, plus a margin of 2.0% to 3.5% based on certain financial ratios of Opta Minerals, and receive a variable rate based on various reference rates including prime, bankers’ acceptances or LIBOR, plus the same margin, until May 2017. The net notional value decreases in accordance with the quarterly principal repayments on Opta Minerals’ non-revolving term credit facility. At each period end, the Company calculates the marked-to-market fair value of the interest rate swaps using a valuation technique using quoted observable prices for similar instruments as the primary input. Based on this valuation, the previously recorded fair value is adjusted to the current marked-to-market position. The marked-to-market gain or loss i s placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Prior to July 4, 2015, the interest rate swaps were designated as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes with gains and losses on changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments included on the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings. As at July 4, 2015, it was determined that the cash flow hedge was no longer highly effective due to the breach by Opta Minerals of certain of its financial covenants (see note 7 ). As a result, the accumulated amount of the loss recorded in other comprehensive earnings/loss related to the interest rate swaps of $458 , net of income tax benefit of $119, was reclassified to interest expense in the second quarter of 2015. Subsequent to July 4, 2015, gai ns and losses on changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations. For the quarter ended October 3, 2015 , the Company recognized a gain of $68 ( October 4, 2014 – gain of $62) and for the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , a loss of $105 ( October 4, 2014 – gain of $15) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives. (d) Foreign forward currency contracts As part of its risk management strategy, the Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in fo reign currency exchange rates. For any open forward foreign exchange contracts at period end, the contract rate is compared to the forward rate, and a gain or loss is recorded. These contracts are placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as the inputs used in making the fair value determination are derived from and ar e corroborated by observable market data. While these forward foreign exchange contracts typically represent economic hedges that are not designated as hedging instruments, certain of these contract s may be designated as hedges. As at October 3, 2015 the C ompany had open forward foreign exchange contracts with a notional value of € 23,712 ($ 26,731 ). Gains and losses on changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are included in foreign exchange loss or gain on t he consolidated statement of operations. For the quarter ended October 3, 2015 , the Company recognized a loss of $489 ( October 4, 2014 – gain of $1,038 ) and for the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , the Company recognized a loss of $ 1,074 ( October 4, 2014 – gain of $1,597 ) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives. (e) Contingent consideration The fair value measurement of contingent consideration arising from business acquisitions is determined using unobservable (level 3) inputs. These inputs include : ( i ) the estimated amount and timing of the projected cash flows on which the contingency is based; and (ii) the risk-adjusted discount rate used to p resent value those cash flows. The following table presents a reconciliation of contingent consideration obligations for the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 : January 3, 2015 Fair value Foreign October 3, 2015 Issuances (1) Payments (2) adjustments (3) exchange (4) $ $ $ $ $ $ Contingent consideration (396) (22,330) 253 (238) 25 (22,686) (1) Reflects the fair value of the Citrusource and Niagara Natural contingent consideration arrangement s as measured at the respective acquisition date s (see note 2 ). (2) Reflects payment made by Opta Minerals related to its acquisition of Babco Industrial Corp. (“ Babco ”) in February 2010. (3) Reflects accretion for the time value of money related to the Citrusource and Niagara Natural obligations of $317 , partially offset by a reduction in the projected cash flows related to the remaining Babco ob ligation of $79 . Fair value adjustments are included in other income/expense (see note 10 ). (4) Foreign exchange adjustments are included in other comprehensive e arnings/loss. (f) Embedded derivative The Company’s investment in subordinated convertible notes of Enchi includes the value of an accelerated payment option embedded in the notes, which may result in a maximum payout to the Company of $5,100. As at October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015, the Company determined that the fair value of this embedded derivative was $3,409. Due to a lack of level 1 or level 2 observable market quotes for the notes, the Company used a discounted cash flow analysis (in come approach) to estim ate the original fair value of the embedded derivative based on unobservable level 3 inputs. The Company assesses changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative based on the performance of actual cash flows derived from certain royalty rights owned by Enchi , which are expected to be the primary source of funds available to settle the embedded derivative, relative to the financial forecasts used in the valuation analysis. As at October 3, 2015 , there was no significant change to the expectations relat ed to the royalty rights that would impact the fair value of the embedded derivative.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	6 . Inventories October 3, 2015 January 3, 2015 $ $ Raw materials and work-in-process 211,066 189,192 Finished goods 61,294 66,142 Company-owned grain 15,530 15,066 Inventory reserves (5,763) (6,144) 282,127 264,256

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Bank Indebtedness And Long Term Debt [Text Block]	7 . Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt October 3, 2015 January 3, 2015 $ $ Bank indebtedness: North American credit facilities (1) 21,390 6,263 European credit facilities (2) 85,257 72,191 Opta Minerals revolving term credit facility (3) 10,353 12,956 117,000 91,410 Long-term debt: Opta Minerals non-revolving term credit facility (3) 27,514 34,633 Lease obligations 3,824 4,965 Other 114 257 31,452 39,855 Less: current portion 28,622 5,927 2,830 33,928 (1) North American credit facilities The syndicated North American credit facilities support the core North American food operations of the Company. On September 22, 2015, the Company entered into a f irst a mending a greement to its a mended and r estated c redit a greement dated July 27, 2012 , which extend ed the m aturity d ate of the North American credit facilities from July 27, 2016 to January 27, 2017. The North American credit facilities comprise secured revolving credit facilities of Cdn $ 10,000 (or the equivalent U.S. dollar amount) and $ 165,000 , as well as an additional $ 50,000 in availability upon the exercise of an uncommitted accordion feature. Outst anding principal amounts under these facilities are repayable in full on the maturity date. Interest on borrowings under th e facilit ies accrue s based on various reference rates including London Interbank Offered Rate (“ LIBOR ”) , plus an applicable m argin of 1.75 % to 2.50 % , which is set quarterly based on average borrowing availability. As at October 3, 2015 , the weighted-average interest rate on the facilities was 2.08 %. The facilit ies are collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Comp any and its subsidiaries, excluding Opta Minerals and T he Organic Corporation (“T OC ”) . (2) European credit facilities The European credit facilities support the international sourcing and supply operations of the Global Ingredients reportable segment. On October 14, 2014, TOC and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) entered into a multipurpose facilities agreement with a syndicate of lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”), which provides for a total of €92,500 in financing via four main facilities: ( i ) an €80,000 revolving credit facility covering work ing capital needs; (ii) a €5,000 facility covering commodity hedging requirements; (iii) a €5,000 facility designated for letters of credit; and (iv) a €2,500 pre-settlement facility covering currency hedging requirements (collectively, the “Club Facility” ) . The €80,000 revolving credit facility is secured by the working capital of the Borrowers. The Club Facility is due on demand with no set maturity date. Interest costs under the Club Facility accrue based on the aggregate of: ( i ) a fixed loan margin o f 1.75%; and (ii) a variable rate based on LIBOR or Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“ EURIBOR ”) plus an applicable spread as set by the Lenders on a periodic basis. As at October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015 , € 76,094 ($ 85,257 ) and € 58,205 ($69,869 ), respectivel y, of this facility had been utilized. On April 27, 2015, a subsidiary of TOC amended its revolving credit facility agreement dated May 22, 2013, to provide up to €4,500 to cover the working capital needs of TOC’s Bulgarian operations. The facility is s ecured by the accounts receivable and inventories of the Bulgarian operations and is fully guaranteed by TOC. Interest accrues under the facility based on EURIBOR plus a margin of 2.75%, and borrowings under the facility are repayable in full on April 30, 2016. As of October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015 , nil and € 1,934 ($ 2,322 ), respectively, was borrowed under this facility . As at October 3, 2015 , the weighted-average interest rate on the European credit facilities was 2.44 % . (3) Opta Minerals credit facilities These credit facilities are specific to the operations of Opta Minerals , and are without recourse to SunOpta Inc . On May 8, 2014 , Opta Minerals amended and extended its credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders dated May 18, 2012, which provides for a Cdn $ 20,000 revolving term credit facility and a Cdn $ 52,500 non-revolving term credit facility. The revolving term credit facility was d ue to mature on August 14, 2015; however, the lenders extended the maturity date of the revolving credit facility from August 14, 2015 to October 2, 2015 and then from October 2, 2015 to November 30, 2015 . The non-revolving term credit facility is due to mature on May 18, 2017, unless earlier payment is required due to an event of default. The principal amount of the non-revolving term credit facility is repayable in equal quarterly installments of approximately Cdn $1,312. As described in note 1 , as at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015, Opta Minerals was not in compliance with all of its financial covenants under its credit agreement. Failure to meet a financial covenant constitutes an event of default, unless the lenders agree to a waiver or amendment. On August 11, 2015, in respect of the June 30, 2015 default and October 30 , 2015, in respect of t he September 30, 2015 default, Opta Minerals obtained waiver s in respect of the aforementioned covenant requirements from its lenders, provided tha t Opta Minerals meets certain additional financial covenants. As there is no assurance that Opta Minerals will be in compliance with all its financial covenants at all measurement dates within the next 12 months, the non-revolving term credit facility has been classified as current on the consolidated balance sheet as at October 3, 2015 . Opta Minerals’ credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest on substantially all of the assets of Opta Minerals. Interest on the borrowings under the credit facility accrues at the borrower’s option based on various reference rates including LIBOR, plus an applicable margin of 2.00% to 5.50% based on certain financial ratios of Opta Minerals. Opta Minerals utilizes interest rate swaps to hedg e the interest payments on a portion of the borrowings under the non-revolving term credit facility (see note 5 ). As at September 30, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate on the credit facilities was 6.23%, after taking into account the related interest rate hedging activities.

Common Shares

Common Shares	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Common Shares
Shareholders Equity And Share Based Payments [Text Block]	8 . Common Shares On September 30, 2015 , the Company completed a registered offering of 16,670,000 of its common shares, no par value, at a price of $6.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $100,020 (the “Equity Offering”) . Underwriting and other issuance costs of $4,676 incurred in connection with the issuance of these new common shares have been reflected as a reduction to the gross proceeds from the Equity Offering, net of income taxes of $1,200. The proceeds from the Equity Offering were used by the Company to fund a portion of the purchase price of the Sunrise Acquisition (see note 16 ).

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	9 . Stock-Based Compensation Under the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company may grant a variety of stock-based awards including stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”) to selected employees and directors of the Company. Stock Options For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , the Company granted 462,780 options to employees that vest ratably on each of the first through fifth anniversaries of the grant date and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. The wei ghted-average grant-date fair value of these options was $5.48 , which is recognized on a straight-line basis over the five-year vesting period based on the number of stock options expected to vest. The following table summarizes the weighted- average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of the stock options granted: Exercise price $ 10.15 Dividend yield 0% Expected volatility 54.1% Risk-free interest rate 1.9% Expected life of options (in years) 6.5 Restricted Stock Units and Performance Share Units For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , the Company granted 64,487 RSUs and 115,071 PSU s to certain employees and directors of the Company. Time-based RSUs vest ratably on each of the first through third anniversar ies of the grant date. The fair value of each RSU granted was estimated to be $10.07 based on the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. T he grant-date fair value is recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period based on the nu mber of RSUs expected to vest. Performance-based PSUs vest three years following the grant date. The number of PSUs that ultimately vest (up to a specified maximum) will be determined based on performance relative to predetermined performance m easures of the Company . If the Company’s performance is below a specified performance level, no PSUs will vest. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the PSU s granted was estimated to be $10.16 based on the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the grant dates . Each reporting period, the number of PSUs that are expected to vest is re-determined and the grant-date fair value of these PS Us is amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period less amounts previously recognized. Each vested RSU and PSU will be settled through the issuance of common shares of the Company and are therefore treated as equity awards . Warrants On January 29, 2015, the Company received proceeds of $812 on the exercise of warrants issued by the Company on February 5, 2010 to purchase 250,000 common shares at an exercise price of $3.25 per share, and, on June 4, 2015, the Company received proceeds of $3,067 on the exercise of warrants issued by the Company on June 11, 2010 to purchase 600,000 common shares at an exercise price of $5.11 per share .

Other Expense (Income), Net

Other Expense (Income), Net	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income And Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	10 . Other Expense (Income), Net The components of other expense (income) a re as follows: Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 $ $ $ $ Severance costs (1) 2,359 243 3,413 429 Business development costs (2) 1,135 - 1,658 - Plant closure costs (3) 107 - 392 - Fair value of contingent consideration (4) 156 - 238 (1,373) Loss (gain) on sale of assets (5) 126 (1,018) 19 (1,018) Impairment of long-lived assets (6) - 505 - 505 Other 150 281 445 464 4,033 11 6,165 (993) (1) Severance costs For the quarter ended October 3, 2015 , employee severance costs included contractual severance benefits of $1,227 and previously unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $854 recognized in connection with the departure of Steven Bromley as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) effective October 1, 2015. For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , employee severance costs also included those costs related to the departure of the former President and CEO of Opta Minerals effective May 26, 2015. For the quarter and three quarters ended October 4, 2014 , employee severance costs included costs incurred by the Company in connection with the closure and sale of certain of its sunflower facilities. (2) Business development costs Business development costs represent exter nal professional and consulting fees , and other costs incurred in connection with the review of strategic opportunities to acquire or divest of businesses or assets. For the quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , these costs were primarily incurred in connection wi th the agreement to acquire Sunrise (see note 16 ), as well as the acquisitions of the Citrusource and Niagara Natural (see note 2 ). (3) Plant closure costs For the quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , Opta Minerals incurred direct costs in connection with the closure or relocation of certain of its abrasives plants. (4) Fair value of contingent consideration For the three quarters ended October 4, 2014 , the Company recorded a gain of $1,373 in connection with the settlement of the remaining earn-out related to the acquisition of Edner of Nevada, Inc. (“ Edner ”) on December 14, 2010 . In addition, the Company made a payment of $800 to the former owners of E dner in connection with this settlement. (5) Gain on sale of assets For the three quarters ended October 4, 2014 , the Company recognized a gain of $1,018 on the sale of certain of its sunflower facilities for cash consideration of $5,688.

Impairment Loss on Investment

Impairment Loss on Investment	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cost And Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block]	11 . Impairment Loss on Investment For the quarter and three quarters ended October 4, 2014, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $8,441 on the consolidated statements of operations to write down the carrying value of its investment in equity and deb t securities of Enchi .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Earnings Per Share Abstract
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	12 . Earnings Per Share Earnings (loss) per share a re calculated as follows : Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SunOpta Inc. $ 442 $ (617) $ 7,859 $ 14,667 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (128) 233 (262) 297 Earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc. $ 314 $ (384) $ 7,597 $ 14,964 Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding 69,180,603 66,918,863 68,198,611 66,763,931 Dilutive potential of the following: Employee/director stock options and RSUs - 1,213,279 207,190 985,768 Warrants - 554,245 - 523,871 Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding 69,180,603 68,686,387 68,405,801 68,273,570 Earnings (loss) per share - basic: - from continuing operations $ 0.01 $ (0.01) $ 0.12 $ 0.22 - from discontinued operations - - - - $ - $ (0.01) $ 0.11 $ 0.22 Earnings (loss) per share - diluted: - from continuing operations $ 0.01 $ (0.01) $ 0.11 $ 0.21 - from discontinued operations - - - - $ - $ (0.01) $ 0.11 $ 0.21 For the quarter ended October 3, 2015 , stock options to purchase 870,192 ( October 4, 2014  50,500 ) common shares were excluded from the calculation of potential dilutive common shares due to their anti-dilutive effect . For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , stock options to purchase 405,996 ( October 4, 2014  50,500 ) common shares were excluded fro m the calculation of potential dilutive common shares due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	13 . Supplemental Cash Flow Information Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 $ $ $ $ Changes in non-cash working capital, net of businesses acquired: Accounts receivable 6,662 (8,254) (645) (26,999) Inventories 4,762 9,933 (22,307) 27,575 Income tax recoverable (2,934) (387) (6,217) 1,010 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,777 256 (364) (2,076) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,180 1,332 4,435 (4,738) Customer and other deposits 1,118 365 1,019 606 14,565 3,245 (24,079) (4,622) As at October 3, 2015 , cash and cash equivalents included $ 1,626 ( January 3, 2015 - $ 2,170 ) that was specific to Opta Minerals and cannot be utilized by the Company for general corporate purposes.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	14 . Commitments and Contingencies Plum Dispute Plum, PBC , a Delaware public benefit corporation (“Plum”), and SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“ SGOI ”), are parties to a manufacturing and packaging agreement dated September 21, 2011 (the “Plum Manufacturing Agreement”). Pursuant to the Plum Manufacturing Agreement, SGOI agreed to manufacture and package certain food items for Plum at SGOI’s Allentown, Pennsylvania facility in accordance with Plum’s specifications regarding, among other things, product ingredients and packaging, manufacturing processes, and quality control standards. On November 8, 2013, Plum initiated a voluntary recall of certain pro ducts manufactured by SGOI at its Allentown facility. On February 3, 2015, Plum filed a complaint against SGOI in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, Pennsylvania. On April 13, 2015, Plum filed an amended complaint adding packaging manu facturer and supplier Cheer Pack North America as a Defendant. SGOI has asserted counterclaims against Plum and cross-claims against Cheer Pack. Plum alleges it initiated the recall in response to consumer complaints of bloated packaging and premature sp oilage of certain products, which could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort if consumed. Plum alleges that the spoilage of its products resulted from a post-processing issue at SGOI’s Allentown facility. Plum is seeking unspecified damages e qual to the direct costs of the recall and handling of undistributed product, incidental and consequential damages, lost profits and attorneys’ fees. The Company disputes the allegations made by Plum against SGOI and intends to vigorously defend itself ag ainst these claims; however, the Company cannot reasonably predict the outcome of this claim, nor can it estimate the amount of loss, or range of loss, if any, that may result from this claim. Other Claims In addition, various claims and potential claim s arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. It is the opinion of management that these claims or potential claims are without merit and the amount of potential liability, if any, to the Company is not determinable. Managemen t believes the final determination of these claims or potential claims will not materially affect the financial position or results of the Company.

Segmented Information

Segmented Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	15 . Segmented Information In the fourth quarter of 2014, following the sale of the Fiber Business (see note 3), the Company implemented changes to its organizational structure to align and focus the operations of SunOpta Foods on two key “go-to-market” categories: ingredient sourcing and supply; and consumer-packaged products. Consequently, the Company realigned the operating segments of SunOpta Foods to reflect the resulting changes in management reporting and accounta bility to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The segment information presented below for the quarter and three quarters ended October 4, 2014 has been restated to reflect the realigned operating segments of SunOpta Foods. T he Opta Minerals operating segment remained unc hanged. Effective with the realignment, the Company operates in the following three reportable segments: Global Ingredients aggregates the Company’s North American-based Raw Material Sourcing and Supply and European-based International Sourcing and Suppl y operating segments focused on the procurement and sale of specialty and organic grains and seeds, raw material ingredients, value-added grain- and cocoa-based ingredients, and organic commodities. Consumer Products consists of three main platforms: Healt hy Beverages, Healthy Fruit and Healthy Snacks. Healthy Beverages include aseptic packaged products including non-dairy and dairy beverages , broths and teas ; refrigerated p remium juices; and shelf - stable juices and functional waters. Healthy Fruit includes i ndividually quick froz en (“IQF”) fruits and vegetables for retail ; IQF and bulk frozen fruit for foodservice; and fruit ingredients. Healthy Snacks including fruit snacks; nutritional and protein bars; and re-sealable pouch products . Opta Minerals processes, distributes and re cycles industrial minerals, silica-free abrasives, and specialty sands for use in the steel, foundry, loose abrasive cleaning, and municipal water filtration industries. In addition, Corporate Services provides a variety of management, financial, informati on technology, treasury and administration services to each of the SunOpta Foods operating segments from the Company’s offices in Brampton, Ontario and Edina, Minnesota. When reviewing the operating results of the Company’s operating segments, management uses segment revenues from external customers and segment operating income to assess performance and allocate resources. Segment operating income excludes other income or expense items and goodwill impairment losses. In addition, interest expense and inc ome amounts, and provisions for income taxes are not allocated to operating segments. Quarter ended October 3, 2015 Global Consumer SunOpta Opta Consol- Ingredients Products Foods Minerals idated $ $ $ $ $ Segment revenues from external customers 150,500 126,713 277,213 28,794 306,007 Segment operating income 4,642 1,863 6,505 2,105 8,610 Corporate Services (2,405) Other expense, net (4,033) Interest expense, net (1,919) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 253 Quarter ended October 4, 2014 Global Consumer SunOpta Opta Consol- Ingredients Products Foods Minerals idated $ $ $ $ $ Segment revenues from external customers 156,438 115,570 272,008 35,879 307,887 Segment operating income 6,933 7,988 14,921 898 15,819 Corporate Services (3,590) Other expense, net (11) Interest expense, net (1,970) Impairment loss on investment (8,441) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 1,807 Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 Global Consumer SunOpta Opta Consol- Ingredients Products Foods Minerals idated $ $ $ $ $ Segment revenues from external customers 467,405 361,351 828,756 87,925 916,681 Segment operating income 23,934 5,115 29,049 2,313 31,362 Corporate Services (6,006) Other expense, net (6,165) Interest expense, net (6,835) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 12,356 Three quarters ended October 4, 2014 Global Consumer SunOpta Opta Consol- Ingredients Products Foods Minerals idated $ $ $ $ $ Segment revenues from external customers 477,240 374,934 852,174 105,667 957,841 Segment operating income 19,254 27,412 46,666 3,494 50,160 Corporate Services (9,201) Other income, net 993 Interest expense, net (6,128) Impairment loss on investment (8,441) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 27,383

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	16 . Subsequent Events Sunrise Acquisition On October 9, 2015 (the “acquisition date”), the Company completed the Sunrise Acquisition for total consideration of approximately $ 452,000 in cash. In addition, the Company paid approximately $21,000 at closing to settle acquisition-related transaction costs incurred by Sunrise in connection with the Sunrise Acquisition. Sunrise is a processor of conventional and organic IQF fruit in the U.S. The Company financed the Sunrise Acquisition , including the settlement of the re lated acquisition costs incurred by Sunrise , through a combination of: ( i ) net proceeds of approximately $95,500 from the Equity Offering (see note 8 ); (ii) net borrowings of approximately $318,000 under the Loan Agreement (defined below); and (iii) bo rrow ings of approximately $59 ,500 under its existing North American credit facilities. The Sunrise Acquisition will be accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company will record the assets acquired and liab ilities assumed at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Due to the limited time since the closing of the Sunrise Acquisition, the valuation activities and related acquisition accounting are incomplete at the time of the filing of these consolidated f inancial statements. As a result, the Company is unable to provide amounts recognized as of the acquisition date for major classes of assets and liabilities acquired, including goodwill. In addition, because the acquisition accounting is incomplete, the Company is unable to provide the supplemental pro forma revenue and earnings for the combined entity, as the pro forma adjustments are expected to primarily consist of estimates for the amortization of identifiable intangible assets acquired and related in come tax effects, which will result from the purchase price allocation and determination of the fair values for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Loan Agreement On October 9, 2015 (the “funding date”), SunOpta Foods Inc. (the “Borrower”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors (together with the Company, the “Guarantors”), entered into a Second Lien Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with a group of lenders, pursuant to which the Company borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $330,000 of term loans. The proceeds of the Loan Agreement, net of related financing costs, were used to partially fund the Sunrise Acquisition as described above. The Loan Agreement is guaranteed by the Company and all of its subsidiaries that guarantee its North American credit facilities, and is secured on a second-priority basis by security interests on all of the Borrower’s and Guarantors’ assets that secure t he Company’s North American credit facilities. The term loans made under the Loan Agreement on the funding date (the “Initial Loans”) mature on the first anniversary of the funding date. If any Initial Loans remain outstanding on the first anniversary o f the funding date (the “Interim Loan Conversion Date”) and no bankruptcy event of default then exists, all Initial Loans then outstanding automatically convert into term loans (such converted loans, the “Term Loans”), which would mature on the seventh ann iversary of the funding date (the “Maturity Date”). At the Company’s election, interest on the Initial Loans is initially determined by reference to either: ( i ) LIBOR (subject to a 1.0% per annum floor) plus an applicable margin of 6.0% per annum; or (ii) an alternate base rate specified in the Loan Agreement plus an applicable margin of 5.0%. The applicable margin increases by 0.50% at the end of each three-month period after the funding date until the Interim Loan Conversion Date. In each case, the Ini tial Loans carry a maximum interest rate of 9.5% per annum, and any Term Loans will bear interest at 9.5% per annum. After the Interim Loan Conversion Date, the lenders also have the right to exchange their Term Loans for notes in a corresponding principa l amount which would mature on the Maturity Date. The Initial Loans may be voluntarily prepaid at par at any time prior to the Interim Loan Conversion Date and must be prepaid at par upon the incurrence of certain indebtedness, the issuance of certain ty pes of equity and the sale of certain assets. The Loan Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties, customary covenants that restrict the Company’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: incur, assume or permit to exist additional indebtedness (including guarantees thereof); pay dividends or certain other distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock or prepay certain indebtedness; incur liens on certain assets; make certain investments; permi t certain restrictions on the ability of the restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to the Borrower and Guarantors; engage in transactions with affiliates; and sell certain assets or merge or consolidate with or into other companie s.

Accounting Policies (Policy)

Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]	The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in accor dance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, these condensed interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financi al statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation have been included and all such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Operating results for the quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 are not necessar ily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending January 2, 2016 or for any other period. The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared on a basis consistent with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2015 . For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fisca l year ended January 3, 2015 .
New Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-16, “Business Combinations – Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”, which eliminates the current guidance that requires an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively as if the accounting for the bu sine ss combination had been completed at the acquisition date . Instead, under the new guidance, an acquirer recognizes measurement-period adjustments in the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment, including th e effect on earnings of any amounts that would have been recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 does not change the criteria for determin in g whether an adjustment qualifies as a measurement-p eriod adjustment or change the length of the measurement period, which cannot exceed one year from the date of the acquisition. The g uidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 201 5 , and the g uidance is applied prospec tively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the adoption date. As permitted , the Company has elected to early adopt this guidance in the third quarter of 201 5 . The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact of the Company’s resul ts of operations or financial condition. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 , “Inventory – Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”, which requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and net realizable value (“NRV”)”, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The new guidance eliminates the need to determine replacement cost and evaluate whether it is above the ceiling (NRV) or below the floor (NRV less a normal profit margin). The guidance defines NRV as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation”. The guidance is effective for annual and inte rim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interes t – Imputation of Interest – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance C osts”, which requires that debt issuance costs be presented as a deduction from th e corresponding debt liability, and, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Interest – Imputation of Interest – Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Cost Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements”, which permits the presentation of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements as assets. The guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. As permitted, t he Company will early- adopt this guidance commencing with its annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 2, 2016. As the adoption of this guidance will impact balance sheet classification only, there will be no impact on the Company’s results of operations. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Cust omers”, which will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. Under the new standard, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which th e company expects to be entitled in exchang e for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers by one year the effective date of the new revenue rec ognition guidance. The guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 201 7 , and is to be applied on either a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis . Early adoption is permitted only as of annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 . The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Business Acquisition (Tables)

Business Acquisition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the consideration transferred as at the acquisition date: $ Cash (1) 13,300 Preliminary working capital adjustment (2) (265) Settlement of pre-existing relationship (3) 749 Contingent consideration (4) 20,000 Total consideration transferred 33,784 The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date . $ Accounts receivable 2,405 Inventories 1,745 Machinery and equipment 164 Customer relationships intangible asset (1) 14,000 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (1,666) Net identifiable assets acquired 16,648 Goodwill (2) 17,136 Net assets acquired 33,784 On August 11, 2015, the Company acquired the net operating assets of Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc. (“Niagara Natural”). Niagara Natural is a manufacturer of all-natural fruit snacks located in the Niagara Region of Ontario. The acquisition of the net operating assets of Niagara Natural has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of Niagara Natural have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported in the Consumer Products operating segment. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the consideration transferred as at the acquisition date: $ Cash 6,475 Preliminary working capital adjustment 237 Contingent consideration (1) 2,330 Total consideration transferred 9,042 The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date, which are subject to change pending finalization of the w orking capital adjustment and valuation of tangible and intangible assets. The Company expects to finalize these amounts no later than one year from the acquisition date. $ Current assets 2,220 Machinery and equipment 3,414 Intangible assets (1) 2,459 Current liabilities (687) Net identifiable assets acquired 7,406 Goodwill (2) 1,636 Net assets acquired 9,042
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	Revenue and Earnings Revenues of Citrusource and Niagara Natural for the periods from the respective acquisition dates to October 3, 2015 were approximately $2 0 ,000, in the aggregate, and earnings, net of income taxes, were approximately $700, in the aggregate, which included the effects of the acquisition accounting adjustments. Pro Forma Consolidated Results of Operations The following table presents pro forma consolidated results of operations for the quarters and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 and October 4, 2014 , as if the acquisitions of Citrusource and Niagara Natural had occurred as of December 29, 2013. Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 $ $ $ $ Pro forma revenues 307,504 315,011 925,716 980,037 Pro forma earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc. 483 (404) 8,568 14,615 Pro forma earnings (loss) per share Basic 0.01 (0.01) 0.13 0.22 Diluted 0.01 (0.01) 0.13 0.21

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the operating results of Fiber Business reported in earnings from discontinued operations: Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 $ $ $ $ Revenues - 10,658 - 32,519 Earnings (loss) before income taxes (210) 382 (429) 487 Recovery of (provision for) income taxes 82 (149) 167 (190) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (128) 233 (262) 297

Derivative Financial Instrume27

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	October 3, 2015 Fair value asset (liability) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ $ $ $ (a) Commodity futures and forward contracts (1) Unrealized short-term derivative asset 1,707 677 1,030 - Unrealized long-term derivative asset 10 - 10 - Unrealized short-term derivative liability (1,704) - (1,704) - Unrealized long-term derivative liability (20) - (20) - (b) Inventories carried at market (2) 5,942 - 5,942 - (c) Interest rate swaps (3) (390) - (390) - (d) Forward foreign currency contracts (4) (48) - (48) - (e) Contingent consideration (5) (22,686) - - (22,686) (f) Embedded derivative (6) 3,409 - - 3,409 January 3, 2015 Fair value asset (liability) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ $ $ $ (a) Commodity futures and forward contracts (1) Unrealized short-term derivative asset 2,450 44 2,406 - Unrealized long-term derivative asset 50 - 50 - Unrealized short-term derivative liability (2,951) - (2,951) - Unrealized long-term derivative liability (90) - (90) - (b) Inventories carried at market (2) 7,713 - 7,713 - (c) Interest rate swaps (3) (285) - (285) - (d) Forward foreign currency contracts (4) 1,026 - 1,026 - (e) Contingent consideration (5) (396) - - (396) (f) Embedded derivative (6) 3,409 - - 3,409
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	Number of bushels purchased (sold) Corn Soybeans Forward commodity purchase contracts 1,133 757 Forward commodity sale contracts (456) (974) Commodity futures contracts (905) (310)
Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block]	January 3, 2015 Fair value Foreign October 3, 2015 Issuances (1) Payments (2) adjustments (3) exchange (4) $ $ $ $ $ $ Contingent consideration (396) (22,330) 253 (238) 25 (22,686)

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	October 3, 2015 January 3, 2015 $ $ Raw materials and work-in-process 211,066 189,192 Finished goods 61,294 66,142 Company-owned grain 15,530 15,066 Inventory reserves (5,763) (6,144) 282,127 264,256

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Te29

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of Line Of Credit Facilities And Long Term Debt [Table Text Block]	October 3, 2015 January 3, 2015 $ $ Bank indebtedness: North American credit facilities (1) 21,390 6,263 European credit facilities (2) 85,257 72,191 Opta Minerals revolving term credit facility (3) 10,353 12,956 117,000 91,410 Long-term debt: Opta Minerals non-revolving term credit facility (3) 27,514 34,633 Lease obligations 3,824 4,965 Other 114 257 31,452 39,855 Less: current portion 28,622 5,927 2,830 33,928

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Exercise price $ 10.15 Dividend yield 0% Expected volatility 54.1% Risk-free interest rate 1.9% Expected life of options (in years) 6.5

Other Expense (Income), Net (Ta

Other Expense (Income), Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Income And Other Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 $ $ $ $ Severance costs (1) 2,359 243 3,413 429 Business development costs (2) 1,135 - 1,658 - Plant closure costs (3) 107 - 392 - Fair value of contingent consideration (4) 156 - 238 (1,373) Loss (gain) on sale of assets (5) 126 (1,018) 19 (1,018) Impairment of long-lived assets (6) - 505 - 505 Other 150 281 445 464 4,033 11 6,165 (993)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Earnings Per Share Abstract
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SunOpta Inc. $ 442 $ (617) $ 7,859 $ 14,667 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (128) 233 (262) 297 Earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc. $ 314 $ (384) $ 7,597 $ 14,964 Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding 69,180,603 66,918,863 68,198,611 66,763,931 Dilutive potential of the following: Employee/director stock options and RSUs - 1,213,279 207,190 985,768 Warrants - 554,245 - 523,871 Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding 69,180,603 68,686,387 68,405,801 68,273,570 Earnings (loss) per share - basic: - from continuing operations $ 0.01 $ (0.01) $ 0.12 $ 0.22 - from discontinued operations - - - - $ - $ (0.01) $ 0.11 $ 0.22 Earnings (loss) per share - diluted: - from continuing operations $ 0.01 $ (0.01) $ 0.11 $ 0.21 - from discontinued operations - - - - $ - $ (0.01) $ 0.11 $ 0.21

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform33

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Quarter ended Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 October 3, 2015 October 4, 2014 $ $ $ $ Changes in non-cash working capital, net of businesses acquired: Accounts receivable 6,662 (8,254) (645) (26,999) Inventories 4,762 9,933 (22,307) 27,575 Income tax recoverable (2,934) (387) (6,217) 1,010 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,777 256 (364) (2,076) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,180 1,332 4,435 (4,738) Customer and other deposits 1,118 365 1,019 606 14,565 3,245 (24,079) (4,622)

Segmented Information (Tables)

Segmented Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Quarter ended October 3, 2015 Global Consumer SunOpta Opta Consol- Ingredients Products Foods Minerals idated $ $ $ $ $ Segment revenues from external customers 150,500 126,713 277,213 28,794 306,007 Segment operating income 4,642 1,863 6,505 2,105 8,610 Corporate Services (2,405) Other expense, net (4,033) Interest expense, net (1,919) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 253 Quarter ended October 4, 2014 Global Consumer SunOpta Opta Consol- Ingredients Products Foods Minerals idated $ $ $ $ $ Segment revenues from external customers 156,438 115,570 272,008 35,879 307,887 Segment operating income 6,933 7,988 14,921 898 15,819 Corporate Services (3,590) Other expense, net (11) Interest expense, net (1,970) Impairment loss on investment (8,441) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 1,807 Three quarters ended October 3, 2015 Global Consumer SunOpta Opta Consol- Ingredients Products Foods Minerals idated $ $ $ $ $ Segment revenues from external customers 467,405 361,351 828,756 87,925 916,681 Segment operating income 23,934 5,115 29,049 2,313 31,362 Corporate Services (6,006) Other expense, net (6,165) Interest expense, net (6,835) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 12,356 Three quarters ended October 4, 2014 Global Consumer SunOpta Opta Consol- Ingredients Products Foods Minerals idated $ $ $ $ $ Segment revenues from external customers 477,240 374,934 852,174 105,667 957,841 Segment operating income 19,254 27,412 46,666 3,494 50,160 Corporate Services (9,201) Other income, net 993 Interest expense, net (6,128) Impairment loss on investment (8,441) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 27,383

Description of Business and S35

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)
Basis Of Presentation Fiscal Year End And New Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Cycle		The fiscal year of the Company consists of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2015 is a 52-week period ending on January 2, 2016, with quarterly periods ending on April 4, July 4 and October 3, 2015, while fiscal year 2014 was a 53-week period ending on January 3, 2015, with quarterly periods ending on April 5, July 5 and October 4, 2014.
Year Founded		1,973
Opta Minerals Inc [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	66.00%	66.00%
Line Of Credit Facility Covenant Compliance	As described in note 1, as at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015, Opta Minerals was not in compliance with all of its financial covenants under its credit agreement. Failure to meet a financial covenant constitutes an event of default, unless the lenders agree to a waiver or amendment. On August 11, 2015, in respect of the June 30, 2015 default and October 30, 2015, in respect of the September 30, 2015 default, Opta Minerals obtained waivers in respect of the aforementioned covenant requirements from its lenders, provided that Opta Minerals meets certain additional financial covenants. As there is no assurance that Opta Minerals will be in compliance with all its financial covenants at all measurement dates within the next 12 months, the non-revolving term credit facility has been classified as current on the consolidated balance sheet as at October 3, 2015.	Over the last several years, Opta Minerals has periodically breached certain financial covenants under its credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders, including as at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015. As described in note 7, Opta Minerals obtained waivers from the lenders on August 11, 2015 in respect of the June 30, 2015 default and October 30, 2015, in respect of the September 30, 2015 default. In connection with these waivers, certain additional covenants were added from the date of the waivers through November 30, 2015. In addition, the lenders agreed to extend the maturity of Opta Minerals’ revolving term credit facility to November 30, 2015. Opta Minerals will require the continued support of its current financial lenders and, effective November 30, 2015, Opta Minerals will require another extension of its revolver and an additional waiver on future covenants, if breached, or an alternative source of financing. There can be no assurance that a further extension and additional waiver will be provided or that alternative sources of financing on terms favorable to Opta Minerals could be obtained to finance its operations and meet its obligations.
Carrying Value Of Investment In Subsidiary	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Carrying Value of Investment In Subsidiary - Additional Information		Opta Minerals ability to continue to operate as a going concern could also have a significant impact on the Company’s ability to recover the carrying value of its investment in Opta Minerals, which amounted to approximately $25,000 as at October 3, 2015.

Business Acquisition (Citrusour

Business Acquisition (Citrusource, LLC - Contingent Consideration Transferred) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		7 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
		Mar. 02, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Aug. 11, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net [Abstract]
Business Combination Preliminary Working Capital Adjustment			$ 237	$ 0		$ 502	$ 0
Business Combination Settlement of pre-existing relationship			$ 0	$ 0		$ (749)	$ 0
Citrusource, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition		Mar. 2, 2015
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired		100.00%
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity						Citrusource, LLC
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net [Abstract]
Cash	[1]	$ 13,300
Business Combination Preliminary Working Capital Adjustment	[2]	(265)
Business Combination Settlement of pre-existing relationship	[3]	749
Contingent Consideration	[4]	20,000
Total Consideration Transferred		$ 33,784
Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition					Aug. 11, 2015
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity						Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc.
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net [Abstract]
Cash					$ 6,475
Business Combination Preliminary Working Capital Adjustment					237
Contingent Consideration	[5]				2,330
Total Consideration Transferred					$ 9,042
[1]	Represents upfront cash consideration paid as at the acquisition date.
[2]	The preliminary working capital adjustment is subject to change to the extent that the final determination of net working capital as at the acquisition date exceeds or is below a pre-determined target level.
[3]	Prior to the date of acquisition, the Company had a pre-existing relationship to supply Citrusource with organic citrus raw materials. As at the acquis ition date, the Company had accounts receivable owing from Citrusource of $749 related to product delivered prior to the acquisition date. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company on the effective settlement of this accounts receivable as at the acqu isition date.
[4]	The contingent consideration arrangement with the former unitholders of Citrusource comprises two components: ( i ) deferred consideration calculated based on a seven-times multiple of the incremental growth in Citrusource’s earnings befor e interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) in fiscal year 2015 versus EBITDA for fiscal year 2014; and (ii) an earn-out calculated based on 25% of the incremental growth in the sum of Citrusource’s EBITDA and the EBITDA of the Company’s Sa n Bernardino, California, juice production facility (the “Combined EBITDA”) in each of fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018 versus the Combined EBITDA for fiscal year 2015. The Company estimates that the gross contingent consideration may be in the range of $ 17,000 to $23,000 in the aggregate, with no upper limit to the amount of each of the components. The fair value measurement of the contingent consideration arrangement was determined to be approximately $20,000 as at the acquisition date, based on a proba bility-weighted present value analysis, of which approximately $17,000 is related to the deferred consideration and approximately $3,000 is related to the earn-out. Of the total contingent consideration obligation, $4,500 is included in current portion of long-term liabilities and $15,500 is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is based on significant level 3 unobservable inputs, including the following factors: ( i ) estimated range of EBITDA values in each of the earn-out periods; and (ii) the probability-weighting applied to each of the EBITDA values within the estimated range for each earn-out period. The resultant probability-weighted EBITDA values for each earn- out period were discounted at a credit risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 3.5%. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is provisional and subject to change pending the final validation of the inputs and assumptions used in th e valuation analysis.
[5]	The Company may pay the owners of Niagara Natural an additional amount of up to approximately $2,800 over a period of two years subject to adjustment based on certain performance targets. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined to be $2,330 as of the acquisition date.

Business Acquisition (Citruso37

Business Acquisition (Citrusource, LLC - Preliminary Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Oct. 03, 2015	Aug. 11, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 47,344			$ 29,082
Citrusource, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivables				$ 2,405
Inventories				1,745
Property, plant and equipment				164
Customer Relationships Intangible Assets	[1]			14,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				(1,666)
Net Identifiable assets acquired				16,648
Goodwill	[2]			17,136
Net assets acquired				$ 33,784
Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current Assets			$ 2,220
Property, plant and equipment			3,414
Customer Relationships Intangible Assets	[3]		2,459
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(687)
Net Identifiable assets acquired			7,406
Goodwill	[4]		1,636
Net assets acquired			$ 9,042
[1]	The customer relationships intangible asset was recognized based on contracts in existence at the acquisition date between Citrusource and major U.S. retail customers. This intangible asset will be amortized over an estimated useful life of approximately 12 years. The estimated fair value of the intangible asset was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis (income approach), which applied a risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 15.0%.
[2]	Goodwill is calculated as the differ ence between the acquisition-date fair values of the consideration transferred and net assets acquired. The total amount of goodwill has been assigned to the Consumer Products operating segment and is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recognized is attributable to: ( i ) operating synergies expected to result from combining the operations of Citrusource with the Company’s vertically-integrated juice production and supply chain capabilities; and (ii) opportunities to leverage the business experience of Citrusource’s management team to grow the Company’s existing citrus beverage program.
[3]	Intangible assets comprise customer relationships and non-competition arrangements, which will be amortized over an estimated weighted-average useful life of approximately 19 years.
[4]	The total amount of goodwill has been assigned to the Consumer Products operating segment.

Business Acquisition (Citruso38

Business Acquisition (Citrusource, LLC - Proforma Consolidated Results) (Details) - Citrusource and Niagara Natural [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 307,504	$ 315,011	$ 925,716	$ 980,037
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$ 483	$ (404)	$ 8,568	$ 14,615
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ 0.13	$ 0.22
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ 0.13	$ 0.21

Business Acquisition (Citruso39

Business Acquisition (Citrusource, LLC - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			7 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Mar. 02, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015		Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Aug. 11, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015		Oct. 04, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Settlement of pre-existing relationship			$ 0		$ 0			$ (749)		$ 0
Business Combination Acquired Receivables Gross Contractual Amount		$ 2,405
Acquisition-related transaction costs			$ 1,135	[1]	$ 0			$ 1,658	[1]	$ 0
Citrusource, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Settlement of pre-existing relationship	[2]	749
Gain (Loss) on Settlement of pre-existing relationship		$ 0
Buisness Combination, Earn-out on Incremental Growth, Percent		25.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low		$ 17,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High		23,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Maximum Unlimited								with no upper limit to the amount of each of the components
Contingent Consideration	[3]	20,000
Business Combination, Deferred Contingent Consideration		17,000
Business Combination, Deferred Earn-out Payable, Non-current		$ 3,000
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		3.50%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		12 years
Citrusource, LLC [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability Current		$ 4,500
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability Noncurrent		$ 15,500
Citrusource, LLC [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		15.00%
Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High							$ 2,800
Contingent Consideration	[4]						$ 2,330
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life							19 years
Citrusource and Niagara Natural [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Pro Forma Information Revenue Of Acquiree Since Acquisition Date Actual						$ 20,000
Business Combination Pro Forma Information Earnings Or Loss Of Acquiree Since Acquisition Date Actual						$ 700
[1]	(2) Business development costs Business development costs represent exter nal professional and consulting fees , and other costs incurred in connection with the review of strategic opportunities to acquire or divest of businesses or assets. For the quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , these costs were primarily incurred in connection wi th the agreement to acquire Sunrise (see note 16 ), as well as the acquisitions of the Citrusource and Niagara Natural (see note 2 ).
[2]	Prior to the date of acquisition, the Company had a pre-existing relationship to supply Citrusource with organic citrus raw materials. As at the acquis ition date, the Company had accounts receivable owing from Citrusource of $749 related to product delivered prior to the acquisition date. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company on the effective settlement of this accounts receivable as at the acqu isition date.
[3]	The contingent consideration arrangement with the former unitholders of Citrusource comprises two components: ( i ) deferred consideration calculated based on a seven-times multiple of the incremental growth in Citrusource’s earnings befor e interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) in fiscal year 2015 versus EBITDA for fiscal year 2014; and (ii) an earn-out calculated based on 25% of the incremental growth in the sum of Citrusource’s EBITDA and the EBITDA of the Company’s Sa n Bernardino, California, juice production facility (the “Combined EBITDA”) in each of fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018 versus the Combined EBITDA for fiscal year 2015. The Company estimates that the gross contingent consideration may be in the range of $ 17,000 to $23,000 in the aggregate, with no upper limit to the amount of each of the components. The fair value measurement of the contingent consideration arrangement was determined to be approximately $20,000 as at the acquisition date, based on a proba bility-weighted present value analysis, of which approximately $17,000 is related to the deferred consideration and approximately $3,000 is related to the earn-out. Of the total contingent consideration obligation, $4,500 is included in current portion of long-term liabilities and $15,500 is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is based on significant level 3 unobservable inputs, including the following factors: ( i ) estimated range of EBITDA values in each of the earn-out periods; and (ii) the probability-weighting applied to each of the EBITDA values within the estimated range for each earn-out period. The resultant probability-weighted EBITDA values for each earn- out period were discounted at a credit risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 3.5%. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is provisional and subject to change pending the final validation of the inputs and assumptions used in th e valuation analysis.
[4]	The Company may pay the owners of Niagara Natural an additional amount of up to approximately $2,800 over a period of two years subject to adjustment based on certain performance targets. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined to be $2,330 as of the acquisition date.

Investment in Joint Venture (Na

Investment in Joint Venture (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Minority Interest Decrease From Redemptions		$ 733
Selet Hulling PLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Minority Interest Decrease From Redemptions	$ 733
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	76.00%		35.00%

Discontinued Operations (Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) - Fiber And Starch Business [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 22, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Date of Transaction for Acquisition or Disposal			Dec. 22, 2014
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration			$ 37,500
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$ (134)	$ 1,898

Discontinued Operations (Operat

Discontinued Operations (Operating results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$ (128)	$ 233	$ (262)	$ 297
Fiber And Starch Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues from discontinued operations	0	10,658	0	32,519
Earning (loss) before tax	(210)	382	(429)	487
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes during phase out	82	(149)	167	(190)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$ (128)	$ 233	$ (262)	$ 297

Derivative Financial Instrume43

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) € in Thousands, CAD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 04, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 04, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 04, 2014USD ($)		Oct. 03, 2015CADbulots	Oct. 03, 2015EUR (€)bulots	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)bulots	Jan. 03, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration [Rollforward]
Payments For Proceeds From Previous Acquisition	$ 0	$ 0		$ 253	$ 800
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration	(156)	0		(238)	1,373	[1]
Enchi Corporation [Member] | Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Investment, Embedded Accelarated Payment Option									$ 5,100
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Accretion Expense				317
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration [Rollforward]
Beginning Balance - Contingent Consideration			$ (396)	(396)
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred				(22,330)
Payments For Proceeds From Previous Acquisition				253
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration				(238)
Foreign Exchange adjustment to contingent consideration				25
Ending Balance - Contingent Consideration	(22,686)			(22,686)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Enchi Corporation [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net									$ 3,409	$ 3,409
Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contingent consideration reduction in projected cash flow exlcuding accretion expense				$ 79
Corn [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market Unit | bu							206,971	206,971	206,971
Soybean [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market Unit | bu							402,194	402,194	402,194
Future And Forward Contracts [Member] | Cocoa [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | lots							287	287	287
Future And Forward Contracts [Member] | Coffee [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | lots							4	4	4
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Maturity Date				May 1, 2017
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | CAD
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount | CAD							CAD 33,350
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate							2.02%	2.02%	2.02%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				3.50%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate							1.85%	1.85%	1.85%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				2.00%
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future And Forward Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	1,088	(1,802)		$ 534	(2,021)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Expense on Interest Rate Swaps	68	62		(105)	15
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain Loss On Foreign Currency Derivatives Net Before Tax	$ (489)	$ 1,038		$ (1,074)	$ 1,597
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | USD
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount									$ 26,731
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | EUR
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount | €								€ 23,712
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI On Derivatives Tax			119
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI On Derivatives Before Tax			$ (458)
[1]	Fair value of contingent consideration For the three quarters ended October 4, 2014 , the Company recorded a gain of $1,373 in connection with the settlement of the remaining earn-out related to the acquisition of Edner of Nevada, Inc. (“ Edner ”) on December 14, 2010 . In addition, the Company made a payment of $800 to the former owners of E dner in connection with this settlement.

Derivative Financial Instrume44

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis ) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market			$ 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market			7,713
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market			0
Contingent Consideration		$ (22,686)	(396)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market	[1]	5,942	7,713
Contingent Consideration	[2]	(22,686)	(396)
Embedded Derivative	[3]	3,409	3,409
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability Notional Amount	[4]	(390)	(285)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability Notional Amount	[5]	(48)
Derivative Asset Notional Amount	[5]		1,026
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Short [Member] | Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	[6]	1,707	2,450
Unrealized Derivative Liability	[6]	(1,704)	(2,951)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Long [Member] | Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	[6]	10	50
Unrealized Derivative Liability	[6]	(20)	(90)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market	[1]	0	0
Contingent Consideration	[2]	0	0
Embedded Derivative	[3]	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability Notional Amount		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability Notional Amount	[5]	0
Derivative Asset Notional Amount	[5]		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Short [Member] | Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	[6]	677	44
Unrealized Derivative Liability	[6]	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Long [Member] | Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	[6]	0	0
Unrealized Derivative Liability	[6]	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market	[1]	5,942	7,713
Contingent Consideration	[2]	0	0
Embedded Derivative	[3]	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability Notional Amount	[4]	(390)	(285)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability Notional Amount	[5]	(48)
Derivative Asset Notional Amount	[5]		1,026
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Short [Member] | Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	[6]	1,030	2,406
Unrealized Derivative Liability	[6]	(1,704)	(2,951)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Long [Member] | Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	[6]	10	50
Unrealized Derivative Liability	[6]	(20)	(90)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market	[1]	0	0
Contingent Consideration	[2]	(22,686)	(396)
Embedded Derivative	[3]	3,409	3,409
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability Notional Amount		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability Notional Amount	[5]	0
Derivative Asset Notional Amount	[5]		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Short [Member] | Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	[6]	0	0
Unrealized Derivative Liability	[6]	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Long [Member] | Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	[6]	0	0
Unrealized Derivative Liability	[6]	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Inventories carried at market are included in inventories on the consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	Contingen t consideration obligations are included in long-term liabilities (including the current portion thereof) on the consolidated balance sheets.
[3]	The embedded derivative is included in other assets (long-term) on the consolidated balance sheets.
[4]	The interest r ate swap s are included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
[5]	The forward foreign currency contracts are included in accounts receivable or accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
[6]	Unrealized short-term derivative asset is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, unrealized long-term derivative asset is included in other assets, unrealized short-term derivative liability is included in other current liabilities and unrealized long-term derivative liability is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative Financial Instrume45

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Notional Amounts) (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Oct. 03, 2015bu
Future And Forward Purchase Contracts [Member] | Corn [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	1,133,000
Future And Forward Purchase Contracts [Member] | Soybean [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	757,000
Future And Forward Sale Contracts [Member] | Corn [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	(456,000)
Future And Forward Sale Contracts [Member] | Soybean [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	(974,000)
Future [Member] | Corn [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	(905,000)
Future [Member] | Soybean [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	(310,000)

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and work-in-process	$ 211,066	$ 189,192
Finished goods	61,294	66,142
Company-owned grain	15,530	15,066
Inventory reserves	(5,763)	(6,144)
Total Inventory, Net	$ 282,127	$ 264,256

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Te47

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt (Bank indebtedness Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 117,000	$ 91,410
U S Line Of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	21,390	6,263
European Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	85,257	72,191
Revolving Term Credit Facility [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 10,353	$ 12,956

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Te48

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt (Long term debt table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations	$ 3,824	$ 4,965
Other Long-term Debt	114	257
Total Long-term and Current Term Debt	31,452	39,855
Current portion of long-term debt	28,622	5,927
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total	2,830	33,928
Non Revolving Term Credit Facility [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	$ 27,514	$ 34,633

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Te49

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) € in Thousands, CAD in Thousands, $ in Thousands

May. 08, 2014CAD

Oct. 03, 2015EUR (€)

Apr. 27, 2015EUR (€)

May. 18, 2012

Jul. 27, 2012CAD

Oct. 03, 2015EUR (€)

Sep. 22, 2015

Oct. 30, 2015

Oct. 14, 2014EUR (€)

Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)

Jan. 03, 2015EUR (€)

Jan. 03, 2015USD ($)

Jul. 27, 2012USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

$ 117,000

$ 91,410

Capital Lease Obligations

3,824

4,965

U S Line Of Credit [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

21,390

6,263

European Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

$ 85,257

72,191

Opta Minerals Inc [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date

May 18, 2012

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

6.23%

6.23%

6.23%

Line Of Credit Facility Covenant Compliance

As described in note 1, as at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015, Opta Minerals was not in compliance with all of its financial covenants under its credit agreement. Failure to meet a financial covenant constitutes an event of default, unless the lenders agree to a waiver or amendment. On August 11, 2015, in respect of the June 30, 2015 default and October 30, 2015, in respect of the September 30, 2015 default, Opta Minerals obtained waivers in respect of the aforementioned covenant requirements from its lenders, provided that Opta Minerals meets certain additional financial covenants. As there is no assurance that Opta Minerals will be in compliance with all its financial covenants at all measurement dates within the next 12 months, the non-revolving term credit facility has been classified as current on the consolidated balance sheet as at October 3, 2015.

Over the last several years, Opta Minerals has periodically breached certain financial covenants under its credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders, including as at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015. As described in note 7, Opta Minerals obtained waivers from the lenders on August 11, 2015 in respect of the June 30, 2015 default and October 30, 2015, in respect of the September 30, 2015 default. In connection with these waivers, certain additional covenants were added from the date of the waivers through November 30, 2015. In addition, the lenders agreed to extend the maturity of Opta Minerals’ revolving term credit facility to November 30, 2015. Opta Minerals will require the continued support of its current financial lenders and, effective November 30, 2015, Opta Minerals will require another extension of its revolver and an additional waiver on future covenants, if breached, or an alternative source of financing. There can be no assurance that a further extension and additional waiver will be provided or that alternative sources of financing on terms favorable to Opta Minerals could be obtained to finance its operations and meet its obligations.

Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Cad Line Of Credit [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line Of Credit Facility Amendment Date

May 8, 2014

Line of Credit Waiver for Covenant Requirements

Aug. 11, 2015

Oct. 30, 2015

Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Cad Line Of Credit [Member] | USD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

$ 10,353

12,956

Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Cad Line Of Credit [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

5.50%

Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Cad Line Of Credit [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

2.00%

Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

2.44%

2.44%

2.44%

Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | EUR

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date

Oct. 14, 2014

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | €

€ 92,500

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding | €

€ 76,094

€ 76,094

€ 58,205

Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis

Interest costs under the Club Facility accrue based on the aggregate of: (i) a fixed loan margin of 1.75%; and (ii) a variable rate based on LIBOR or EURIBOR plus an applicable spread as set by the Lenders on a periodic basis.

Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | USD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

$ 85,257

69,869

Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Bulgaria Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date

May 22, 2013

Syndicate Lending Group [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line Of Credit Facility Amendment Date

Sep. 22, 2015

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Jul. 27, 2016

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

2.08%

2.08%

2.08%

Line Of Credit Facility Amended Expiration Date

Jan. 27, 2017

Syndicate Lending Group [Member] | USD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date

Jul. 27, 2012

Syndicate Lending Group [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Cad Line Of Credit [Member] | CAD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | CAD

CAD 10,000

Syndicate Lending Group [Member] | Maximum [Member] | U S Line Of Credit [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

2.50%

Syndicate Lending Group [Member] | Maximum [Member] | U S Line Of Credit [Member] | USD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 165,000

Syndicate Lending Group [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Accordion Option [Member] | USD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 50,000

Syndicate Lending Group [Member] | Minimum [Member] | U S Line Of Credit [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

1.75%

Non Revolving Term Credit Facility [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Cad Line Of Credit [Member] | CAD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

May 18, 2017

Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment

quarterly

Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal | CAD

CAD 1,312

Non Revolving Term Credit Facility [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Maximum [Member] | CAD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | CAD

CAD 52,500

Revolving Acquisition Facility [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Cad Line Of Credit [Member] | CAD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Aug. 14, 2015

Line Of Credit Facility Amended Expiration Date

Nov. 30, 2015

Revolving Acquisition Facility [Member] | Opta Minerals Inc [Member] | Maximum [Member] | CAD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | CAD

CAD 20,000

Working Capital [Member] | Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | EUR

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | €

€ 80,000

Working Capital [Member] | Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Bulgaria Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line Of Credit Facility Amendment Date

Apr. 27, 2015

Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis

EURIBOR

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

Apr. 30, 2016

Working Capital [Member] | Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Bulgaria Loan [Member] | Euro Interbank Offered Rate [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

2.75%

Working Capital [Member] | Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Bulgaria Loan [Member] | EUR

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | €

€ 4,500

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding | €

€ 0

€ 0

€ 1,934

Working Capital [Member] | Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Bulgaria Loan [Member] | USD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

$ 0

$ 2,322

Commodity Hedging [Member] | Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | EUR

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | €

5,000

Stand by Letters Of Credit [Member] | Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | EUR

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | €

5,000

Currency Hedging [Member] | Organic Corporation [Member] | European Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | EUR

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | €

€ 2,500

Common Shares (Narrative) (Deta

Common Shares (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Common Shares
Common Stock Shares Issued	16,670,000	85,333,892	67,073,944
Common Stock, No Par Value	$ 0
Shares Issued Price Per Share	$ 6
Proceeds From Issuance Or Sale Of Equity	$ 100,020
Payments Of Stock Issuance Costs	4,676
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly To Equity - Equity Transactions	$ 1,200

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		5 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jun. 04, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jun. 11, 2010	Feb. 05, 2010
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Class Of Warrant Or Right Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights1							$ 5.11	$ 3.25
Proceeds From Warrant Exercises	$ 812	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,067	$ 3,879	$ 0
Class Of Warrant Or Right Outstanding							600,000	250,000
Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross					64,487
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 10.07
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period					3 years
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross					115,071
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 10.16
Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross					462,780
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 5.48
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Method of Measuring Cost of Award					Black-Scholes
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights					ratably
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period					10 years
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period					1 year
Minimum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period					3 years
Minimum [Member] | Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period					1 year
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period					3 years
Maximum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period					3 years
Maximum [Member] | Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period					5 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Tab52

Stock-Based Compensation (Table) (Details) - Options [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015$ / shares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	6 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 10.15
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	54.10%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.90%

Other Expense (Income), Net (53

Other Expense (Income), Net (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015		Oct. 04, 2014		Oct. 03, 2015		Oct. 04, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Severance and other rationalization costs	$ 2,359	[1]	$ 243		$ 3,413	[1]	$ 429
Acquisition-related transaction costs	1,135	[2]	0		1,658	[2]	0
Plant Closure Costs	107	[3]	0		392	[3]	0
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	126		(1,018)		19		(1,018)
Impairment of long-lived assets	0		505	[4]	0		505	[4]
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Arrangements Change In Amount Of Contingent Consideration Liability 1	156		0		238		(1,373)	[5]
Other	150		281		445		464
Total Other Expense, net	$ 4,033		$ 11		$ 6,165		$ (993)
[1]	(1) Severance costs For the quarter ended October 3, 2015 , employee severance costs included contractual severance benefits of $1,227 and previously unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $854 recognized in connection with the departure of Steven Bromley as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) effective October 1, 2015. For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , employee severance costs also included those costs related to the departure of the former President and CEO of Opta Minerals effective May 26, 2015. For the quarter and three quarters ended October 4, 2014 , employee severance costs included costs incurred by the Company in connection with the closure and sale of certain of its sunflower facilities.
[2]	(2) Business development costs Business development costs represent exter nal professional and consulting fees , and other costs incurred in connection with the review of strategic opportunities to acquire or divest of businesses or assets. For the quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , these costs were primarily incurred in connection wi th the agreement to acquire Sunrise (see note 16 ), as well as the acquisitions of the Citrusource and Niagara Natural (see note 2 ).
[3]	(3) Plant closure costs For the quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , Opta Minerals incurred direct costs in connection with the closure or relocation of certain of its abrasives plants.
[4]	Impairment of long- lived assets For the quarter and three quarters ended October 4, 2014 , Opta Minerals wrote down the carrying value of certain property, plant and equipment in connection with the closure of one of its industrial minerals plants.
[5]	Fair value of contingent consideration For the three quarters ended October 4, 2014 , the Company recorded a gain of $1,373 in connection with the settlement of the remaining earn-out related to the acquisition of Edner of Nevada, Inc. (“ Edner ”) on December 14, 2010 . In addition, the Company made a payment of $800 to the former owners of E dner in connection with this settlement.

Other Expense (Income), Net (Na

Other Expense (Income), Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015		Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015		Oct. 04, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other rationalization costs	$ 2,359	[1]	$ 243	$ 3,413	[1]	$ 429
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration	(156)		0	(238)		1,373	[2]
Payments For Proceeds From Previous Acquisition	0		0	253		800
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) On Sale of Assets	(126)		1,018	$ (19)		1,018
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other rationalization costs	1,227
Previously unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 854
Fargo North Dakota And Goodl and Edson Member [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) On Sale of Assets			1,018			1,018
Proceeds from Sale of Assets			$ 5,688			$ 5,688
[1]	(1) Severance costs For the quarter ended October 3, 2015 , employee severance costs included contractual severance benefits of $1,227 and previously unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $854 recognized in connection with the departure of Steven Bromley as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) effective October 1, 2015. For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015 , employee severance costs also included those costs related to the departure of the former President and CEO of Opta Minerals effective May 26, 2015. For the quarter and three quarters ended October 4, 2014 , employee severance costs included costs incurred by the Company in connection with the closure and sale of certain of its sunflower facilities.
[2]	Fair value of contingent consideration For the three quarters ended October 4, 2014 , the Company recorded a gain of $1,373 in connection with the settlement of the remaining earn-out related to the acquisition of Edner of Nevada, Inc. (“ Edner ”) on December 14, 2010 . In addition, the Company made a payment of $800 to the former owners of E dner in connection with this settlement.

Impairment Loss on Investment (

Impairment Loss on Investment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014
Investment [Line Items]
Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment	$ 8,441	$ 8,441
Debt and Equity Securities [Member] | Enchi Corporation [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment	$ 8,441	$ 8,441

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	870,192	50,500	405,996	50,500

Earnings Per Share (Table) (Det

Earnings Per Share (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Earnings Per Share Abstract
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	$ 442	$ (617)	$ 7,859	$ 14,667
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(128)	233	(262)	297
Earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc.	$ 314	$ (384)	$ 7,597	$ 14,964
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	69,180,603	66,918,863	68,198,611	66,763,931
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	69,180,603	68,686,387	68,405,801	68,273,570
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
from continuing operations basic	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ 0.12	$ 0.22
from discontinued operations basic	0	0	0	0
Earnings Per Share Total	0	(0.01)	0.11	0.22
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
from continuing operations diluted	0.01	(0.01)	0.11	0.21
from discontinued operations diluted	0	0	0	0
Earnings Per Share Diluted Total	$ 0	$ (0.01)	$ 0.11	$ 0.21
Warrant [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units	0	554,245	0	523,871
Options and RSU [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units	0	1,213,279	207,190	985,768

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform58

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ 6,662	$ (8,254)	$ (645)	$ (26,999)
Inventories	4,762	9,933	(22,307)	27,575
Income tax recoverable	(2,934)	(387)	(6,217)	1,010
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,777	256	(364)	(2,076)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,180	1,332	4,435	(4,738)
Customer and other deposits	1,118	365	1,019	606
Net cash flows from operations - continuing operations	$ 14,565	$ 3,245	$ (24,079)	$ (4,622)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform59

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 98,989	$ 4,386	$ 9,938	$ 7,429	$ 6,727	$ 8,537
Opta Minerals Inc [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,626		$ 2,170

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - Plum [Member] - SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Contracts, Manufacturing Contract Date	Sep. 21, 2011
Inventory Recall Date	Nov. 8, 2013
Loss Contingency, Lawsuit Filing Date	3-Feb-15
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc
Loss Contingency, Name of Plaintiff	Plum, PBC, a Delaware public benefit corporation (“Plum”)
Loss Contingency, Amended Lawsuit Filing Date	Apr. 13, 2015
Loss Contingency Allegations	Plum filed an amended complaint adding packaging manufacturer and supplier Cheer Pack North America as a Defendant. In the amended complaint, Plum alleges it initiated the recall in response to consumer complaints of spoiled packaging of certain products, which could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort if consumed. Plum alleges in its amended complaint that the spoilage of its products resulted from a post-processing issue at SGOI’s Allentown facility.
Loss Contingency Actions Taken By Defendant	SGOI has asserted counterclaims against Plum and cross-claims against Cheer Pack.
Loss Contingency Damages Sought	Plum is seeking unspecified damages equal to the direct costs of the recall and handling of undistributed product, incidental and consequential damages, lost profits and attorneys’ fees.

Segmented Information (Table) (

Segmented Information (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	$ 306,007	$ 307,887	$ 916,681	$ 957,841
Segment operating income	8,610	15,819	31,362	50,160
Other income (expense), net	(4,033)	(11)	(6,165)	993
Interest expense, net	(1,919)	(1,970)	(6,835)	(6,128)
Impairment loss on investment	0	(8,441)	0	(8,441)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	253	1,807	12,356	27,383
SunOpta Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	277,213	272,008	828,756	852,174
Segment operating income	6,505	14,921	29,049	46,666
Opta Minerals Inc Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	28,794	35,879	87,925	105,667
Segment operating income	2,105	898	2,313	3,494
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment operating income	(2,405)	(3,590)	(6,006)	(9,201)
Global Ingredients [Member] | SunOpta Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	150,500	156,438	467,405	477,240
Segment operating income	4,642	6,933	23,934	19,254
Consumer Products [Member] | SunOpta Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	126,713	115,570	361,351	374,934
Segment operating income	$ 1,863	$ 7,988	$ 5,115	$ 27,412

Subsequent events (Narrative) (

Subsequent events (Narrative) (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] - Sunrise Growers, Inc. [Member] $ in Thousands	Oct. 09, 2015USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	Sunrise Growers, Inc.
Business Acquisition, Description Of Acquired Entity	Sunrise Growers, Inc., ("Sunrise") is a processor, marketer, distributor and seller of conventional and organic frozen fruit.
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	100.00%
Business Acquisition, Date Of Acquisition Agreement1	Oct. 9, 2015
Payments To Acquire Businesses, Equity Issued	$ 95,500
Payments To Acquire Businesses, Loan Agreement	318,000
Payments To Acquire Businesses, Credit Facility	59,500
Other Payments To Acquire Businesses	21,000
Total cash consideration paid for acquisition of buiness	452,000
Secured debt, Second lien loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Secured Long Term Debt	$ 330,000
Debt Conversion Original Debt Type Of Debt	If any Initial Loans remain outstanding on the first anniversary of the funding date (the “Interim Loan Conversion Date”) and no bankruptcy event of default then exists, all Initial Loans then outstanding automatically convert into term loans (such converted loans, the “Term Loans”), which would mature on the seventh anniversary of the funding date (the “Maturity Date”)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	At the Company’s election, interest on the Initial Loans is initially determined by reference to either: (i) LIBOR (subject to a 1.0% per annum floor) plus an applicable margin of 6.0% per annum; or (ii) an alternate base rate specified in the Loan Agreement plus an applicable margin of 5.0%
Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Rate Range Maximum	9.50%
Debt Instrument Interest Rate Increase Decrease	0.50%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	The applicable margin increases by 0.50% at the end of each three-month period after the funding date until the Interim Loan Conversion Date
Secured debt, Second lien loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate plus applicable margin [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Rate Range Minimum	6.00%
Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Rate Range Maximum	9.50%
Secured debt, Second lien loan [Member] | Loan Agreement Base Interest Rate plus applicable margin [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Rate Range Minimum	5.00%
Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Rate Range Maximum	9.50%