German dairy powerhouse Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller has acquired Berief Food, a notable producer of dairy alternatives and tofu. This strategic move aims to enhance Müller’s position in the rapidly evolving market for plant-based food and beverages.
On May 7, Müller announced that this acquisition aligns with its goal to tap into the dynamic growth potential of plant-based offerings. The company currently markets vegan yogurts and desserts in Germany under its own brand, but the addition of Berief Food significantly strengthens its foothold in the food and beverage industry trends surrounding plant-based alternatives.
Founded in 1985, Berief Food is a family-run enterprise specializing in a diverse array of plant-based dairy drinks and tofu. Müller’s corporate group chairman, Stefan Müller, emphasized the value of this acquisition: “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.”
In 2025, Berief reported revenues of approximately €113 million ($133 million) and EBITDA of around €12 million. The company operates a facility in Beckum, western Germany, employing about 350 people.
Berief highlighted that this agreement follows a thorough evaluation of its financing options to support ongoing growth. Before finalizing the merger with Müller, the company considered various minority investments and strategic partnerships while determining that this merger was the “optimal solution.”
The deal is projected to accelerate Berief’s international expansion, especially into the Benelux region and Eastern Europe. Previous owner Marcus Berief commented, “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 recent data from the Good Food Institute, annual sales of plant-based milk and drinks in Germany reached €595 million in 2024, reflecting a 3.6% increase compared to 2023. Unit sales surged to 396 million, marking a 6.4% rise year-on-year, while sales volume climbed to 393 million liters, representing a 7.6% increase.
As one of Europe’s largest dairy firms, Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller operates 20 factories across Germany, the UK, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Last year, in another move to diversify its portfolio, Müller acquired UK kefir products firm Biotiful Gut Health. This reflects ongoing trends in the food and drink business, highlighting a consumer shift towards healthier and more sustainable options.
