Müller Acquires Berief Food to Enhance Plant-Based Product Line

Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller, a leading dairy company in Europe, has expanded its operations into the plant-based sector by acquiring Berief Food. Berief Food, a family-owned business based in Beckum, Germany, specializes in dairy-alternative drinks and tofu. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to enhance Müller's market position in the plant-based foods sector, which is experiencing significant growth.

In 2025, Berief Food reported revenues of €113 million and an EBITDA of approximately €12 million. The company employs around 350 people at its facility in Beckum. The acquisition follows Berief's exploration of various financing options to support its growth, ultimately deciding on a merger with Müller as the best strategy for international expansion.

Berief Food aims to leverage this new partnership to accelerate its presence in international markets, particularly targeting the Benelux countries and Eastern Europe. The former owner, Marcus Berief, expressed confidence in the merger, highlighting the stability and growth opportunities provided by Müller Group.

According to The Good Food Institute, the demand for plant-based milk and drinks in Germany is rising, reaching €595 million in sales in 2024, a 3.6% increase from 2023. The sales volume for the same period rose by 7.6% to 393 million liters, indicating a growing consumer interest in plant-based alternatives.

Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller operates 20 factories across Germany, the UK, the Czech Republic, and Poland, and continues to diversify its product offerings. Last year, the company acquired UK-based Biotiful Gut Health, further expanding its range into kefir products.