The Tofoo Co acquires German plant-based producer Topas

Topas, founded over 30 years ago by Sanni Ikola-Gaiser and Klaus Gaiser, is best known for its Wheaty brand, an innovative range of high-quality organic seitan products including sausages and deli slices. Based close to Stuttgart, Wheaty has built a strong and loyal consumer 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.

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

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.

Wheaty shares The Tofoo Co’s long-standing passion for organic production, great taste and bringing plant-based proteins to everyday meals. The brand is seen as a natural strategic fit as The Tofoo Co looks to deepen its presence in Germany and further diversify its natural protein portfolio.

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, complements The Tofoo Co’s existing work in this segment alongside developing its other natural proteins Tofu and Tempeh.

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

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.”

Felix Jauch, Principal at Comitis Capital, said: “This is a highly strategic and complementary acquisition for The Tofoo Co. 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, maintaining its commitment to organic production and quality while benefiting from The Tofoo Co’s experience in brand-building, innovation and route-to-market.

As part of the acquisition, Sebastian von Eltz will become Managing Director of Topas. A well-known figure in the organic sector, he brings deep industry experience and a strong connection to the company’s organic roots. Together with the existing team, he will further strengthen and expand Wheaty’s position across both the specialist organic channel and mainstream grocery retail. 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).