UK organic tofu brand The Tofoo Co has agreed to acquire Topas – a German-based manufacturer behind the Wheaty brand – in a move that significantly strengthens its European growth strategy and natural protein portfolio.

Founded more than 30 years ago by Sanni Ikola-Gaiser and Klaus Gaiser, Topas is best known for Wheaty, a premium range of organic seitan products including sausages, deli slices and meat alternatives.

Based near Stuttgart, the business has built a loyal consumer base across Germany through specialist organic retail and, more recently, major grocery listings. Wheaty also has established distribution in France, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

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

The acquisition is backed by private equity firm Comitis Capital, which described the deal as a strategic fit with Tofoo’s long-term ambition to expand beyond the UK while remaining focused on high-quality organic plant-based foods.

Under the deal, Tofoo plans to accelerate growth of the Wheaty brand in Germany, expand international distribution and unlock new opportunities for Wheaty products in the UK.

The acquisition also strengthens Tofoo’s capabilities in seitan manufacturing, complementing its existing focus on tofu and tempeh, while providing a strategic platform ahead of the company’s planned German market entry in 2026.

Posting about the news on Linkedin, David Knibbs, CEO of The Tofoo Co, said: “Wheaty shares so much with The Tofoo Co, a passion for organic production, great taste and making meat-free food that people genuinely enjoy”.

“Bringing the Wheaty brand into the Tofoo family gives us exciting opportunities to grow the business in its home market, expand internationally and introduce seitan more meaningfully to the UK alongside our natural protein range," he added.

Topas will continue to operate from its Stuttgart base, maintaining its commitment to organic production and quality.

As part of the transaction, Sebastian von Eltz will become managing director of Topas.

The current managing directors, Klaus Gaiser and Miikka Gaiser, will remain closely involved, with Klaus focusing on product development and Miikka continuing to lead production and organisational operations.

Knibbs continued, “Topas has been producing high-quality organic seitan for over 30 years and has built a loyal following in Germany, France and beyond. Founder Klaus Gaiser has created something special, and we’re proud to become the next stewards of the business.”

The transaction is expected to close later in February.