Nestlé has taken full control of meal replacement brand Yfood in the first acquisition for new CEO Philipp Navratil. The deal follows rivals Danone taking over Huel earlier this year and Lactalis swooping for Protein Works this week as global fmcg groups expand exposure to functional nutrition.
Nestlé already owned 49% of Germany-headquartered Yfood after buying an initial stake in 2003.
It has now taken the remaining 51% of the business from its founders Benjamin Kremer and Noël Bollmann, who launched the brand in Munich in 2017.
In a short statement, the Swiss food giant said YFood, which it called a “smart food brand”, had achieved sustained growth thanks to strong brand building, expanded distribution and continuous product innovation.
Sales at the ready-to-drink meal replacement supplier hit about €150m in 2025, representing double-digit year-on-year growth.
“Yfood is now preparing for its next phase of growth, including the brand’s expansion into new markets beyond Europe,” Nestlé added.
Yfood sells its “nutritionally complete” products at more than 50,000 points of sale in 30 countries across Europe, including at a number of UK retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Superdrug and Boots.
The deal for an undisclosed sum is subject to customary approvals, with the remaining shares held by the founders expected to transfer to Nestlé with effect from 3 July 2026.
It’s the first deal to be announced at the group since Navratil took control last year.
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