The Tofoo Co acquires German plant-based producer Topas

The Tofoo Co has acquired Topas GmbH, a German-based manufacturer of organic plant-based products.

The company, backed by Comitis Capital, said it marked a significant step in its European growth strategy.

Topas currently employs over 100 people and reported turnover of €14m in its most recent financial year.

It was founded over 30 years ago by Sanni Ikola-Gaiser and Klaus Gaiser, and is best known for its Wheaty brand of seitan products including sausages and deli slices.

Based close to Stuttgart, Wheaty has a strong following across Germany through organic retailers and more recently listings in major food retail, alongside well-established presence in the French organic market, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

The acquisition reflects The Tofoo Co’s ambition to expand its footprint beyond the UK while remaining focused on high-quality, organic, plant-based foods, it said.

“Wheaty has an exceptional heritage and reputation within organic plant-based products,” said David Knibbs, CEO of The Tofoo Co. “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.”

The Tofoo Co plans to accelerate the growth of the Wheaty brand in its home market, expand international distribution and unlock new opportunities for the brand in the UK.

Topas’ line of seitan products and its manufacturing capability complements The Tofoo Co’s existing work in this segment, alongside developing its other natural proteins tofu and tempeh, the businesses said.

“The Tofoo Co and its shareholders align with our values, our commitment to organic quality, and our belief in doing things the right way,” said Klaus Gaiser, co-founder of Topas and the Wheaty brand. “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.”

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The investment also lays foundations ahead of The Tofoo Co’s planned launch into the German market in 2026, providing local roots through a trusted, branded manufacturing partner.

“This is a highly strategic and complementary acquisition for The Tofoo Co,” said Felix Jauch, principal at Comitis Capital. “Topas brings deep expertise in organic seitan-based products, and a strong manufacturing and brand presence in Germany, enhancing The Tofoo Co’s existing platform and providing a strong local foundation at the heart of Europe.”

Topas will continue to operate from its Stuttgart base and will be led by Sebastian von Eltz, who will become managing director of the business.

The current managing directors, Klaus Gaiser and Miikka Gaiser, will remain closely involved in the business. Klaus Gaiser will focus fully on product development, while Miikka Gaiser will continue to lead production and organisational matters.

The transaction is expected to close later in February. The Tofoo Co was advised by AC Christes & Partner (financial and tax) and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (legal).