German dairy giant Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller has snapped up dairy-alternative drinks and tofu producer Berief Food.
In a statement yesterday (7 May), Müller said the deal is designed to expand its presence in the “dynamically growing market” for plant-based food and drinks.
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In Germany, Müller markets vegan yogurts and desserts under its namesake brand but the deal for Berief Food is a step-up in the dairy major’s presence in the market for plant-based alternatives.
Founded in 1985, Berief is a family-owned business that manufactures and sells a range of plant-based dairy-alternative drinks and tofu.
Müller corporate group chairman Stefan Müller said: “With Berief we gain an experienced team and strong brand and production competence in the field of plant-based foods. This is an important strategic step with which we intend to complement our activities in this future market.”
Berief generated revenue of around €113m ($133m) in 2025 and EBITDA of about €12m, the company said. The group has a facility in Beckum in western Germany and employs around 350 people.
In a statement, Berief said the agreement follows a review of its financing options to support its “continued growth”. The company considered minority investments and strategic partnerships before settling on a merger with Müller as the “optimal solution”.
Berief said the deal is expected to accelerate its international expansion, particularly into the Benelux countries and eastern Europe.
Marcus Berief, the previous owner, said: “I am placing the company and its employees in safe hands. Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller offers the best conditions for successful further development. This partnership not only enables further growth, but also secures the long-term stability and development of the Beckum location.”
According to figures published by not-for-profit The Good Food Institute, the, annual sales of plant-based milk and drinks in Germany reached €595m in 2024, an increase of 3.6% compared to 2023.
Unit sales reached 396 million in 2024 – up 6.4% on 2023 – while sales volume rose to 393 million litres, up 7.6% year-on-year.
Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller is one of Europe’s largest dairy companies. It operates 20 factories across Germany, the UK, the Czech Republic and Poland.
Last year, in another move to expand into another product area, Müller acquired UK kefir products firm Biotiful Gut Health.
