The Tofoo Co buys German seitan specialist Topas to anchor continental growth

UK organic tofu producer The Tofoo Co has agreed to acquire Topas, a long-established German manufacturer of organic plant-based foods, as part of a move to strengthen its European footprint and broaden its protein portfolio.

• The Tofoo Co entered into an agreement to acquire Germany-based Topas, owner of the Wheaty seitan brand.
• Topas generated turnover of €14 million (US$15.2 million) in its most recent financial year and employed more than 100 people.
• The transaction was expected to close later in February, with Topas continuing to operate from its Stuttgart site.

The acquisition brought Topas and its Wheaty brand into The Tofoo Co’s group at a time when the UK business was preparing to expand beyond its domestic market. Founded more than three decades ago, Topas built its reputation around organic seitan products, including sausages, deli slices, and ready-to-cook formats sold under the Wheaty name.

Operating from a site near Stuttgart, the company developed a strong following within Germany through specialist organic retailers before expanding into mainstream grocery. The brand also established a presence in several other European markets, including France, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, giving The Tofoo Co an established route into continental distribution.

Topas reported turnover of €14 million (US$15.2 million) in its most recent financial year and employed over 100 people across production, development, and commercial roles. Under the terms of the deal, the business was expected to continue operating from its existing German base, maintaining its focus on organic manufacturing and product quality.

The Tofoo Co, which built its UK business around organic tofu before expanding into tempeh and other natural proteins, viewed the acquisition as a way to deepen its capabilities in seitan and diversify its overall portfolio. The addition of Topas’ manufacturing capacity was intended to complement existing operations and support the development of additional seitan products alongside tofu and tempeh.

The deal was backed by Comitis Capital, the private equity firm supporting The Tofoo Co. The investor described the transaction as a strategic fit that paired a strong UK brand with a well-established German producer, creating a platform for further growth across Europe. The acquisition was also intended to provide a local manufacturing and brand presence ahead of The Tofoo Co’s planned entry into the German market in 2026.

As part of the transaction, Topas’ operational structure was set to evolve while retaining continuity. Sebastian von Eltz was appointed Managing Director of Topas, bringing experience from the organic food sector and familiarity with the company’s values. The existing leadership team remained closely involved, with responsibilities divided between product development and production oversight.

Klaus Gaiser, one of Topas’ founders, was expected to focus on product innovation, while Miikka Gaiser continued to oversee manufacturing and organizational matters. The arrangement was designed to preserve institutional knowledge while supporting the next phase of growth under new ownership.

The Tofoo Co planned to invest in expanding the Wheaty brand within Germany, accelerate international distribution, and explore opportunities to introduce Wheaty products into the UK market. The acquisition was positioned as a foundation for long-term growth rather than a shift away from Topas’ existing identity.

Completion of the transaction was expected later in February, subject to customary closing conditions.