UK tofu brand The Tofoo Co Ltd has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Topas GmbH, a German-based manufacturer of organic plant-based products.
Topas, founded more than 30 years ago by Sanni Ikola-Gaiser and Klaus Gaiser, is known for its Wheaty brand, a range of organic seitan products including sausages and deli slices. Based close to Stuttgart, Wheaty has built a consumer following across Germany through organic retailers and, more recently, listings in major food retail, alongside presence in the French organic market, and in Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Topas currently employs more than 100 people and reported turnover of €14 million in its most recent financial year. The Tofoo Co’s acquisition of Topas reportedly reflects its ambition to expand its footprint beyond the UK while remaining focused on high-quality, organic, plant-based foods.
Bringing the Wheaty brand to the UK
Through the acquisition, The Tofoo Co plans to accelerate growth of the Wheaty brand in its home market, expand international distribution and “unlock new opportunities” for Wheaty products in the UK. Adding further seitan products to the portfolio, as well as Topas’ larger manufacturing capability in seitan, reportedly complements The Tofoo Co’s existing work in this segment alongside developing its other natural proteins, tofu and tempeh.
Commenting on the acquisition, Klaus Gaiser, co-founder of Topas and the Wheaty brand, said: “Finding the right home for the business was incredibly important to us. The Tofoo Co and its shareholders align with our values, our commitment to organic quality, and our belief in doing things the right way.
“They are good stewards of the business and there are many obvious areas for collaboration, particularly in bringing better-for-you, natural products to more people across Germany and the UK. This feels like the right next step for the sustainable, long-term growth of Topas.”
David Knibbs, CEO of The Tofoo Co, added: “Wheaty has an exceptional heritage and reputation within organic plant-based products. We see huge potential to build on this strong base, grow the brand further across Europe and introduce exciting new opportunities in the UK. This partnership also gives us strong roots in Germany as we bring The Tofoo Co to the market.”
