Müller acquires Berief as European dairy giants push further into plant-based

German dairy giant Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller has acquired plant-based drinks and tofu producer Berief Food, marking a significant expansion of the company’s footprint in the European dairy alternatives market.

• Müller acquired German plant-based drinks and tofu producer Berief Food to expand its dairy alternatives business.
• Berief generated around €113 million (US$133 million) in revenue and €12 million (US$14.1 million) EBITDA in 2025.
• The deal followed Berief’s review of financing options to support international growth.

The acquisition, announced on 7 May 2026, strengthened Müller’s position in plant-based foods and beverages as major dairy companies continued diversifying beyond traditional dairy products.

Müller already markets vegan yogurts and desserts under its own brand in Germany, but the deal for Berief represented a broader move into plant-based alternatives.

Founded in 1985, family-owned Berief Food manufactures plant-based dairy-alternative drinks and tofu products. The company operates a production facility in Beckum, western Germany, and employs around 350 people.

Müller said the acquisition was intended to expand its activities in what it described as a “dynamically growing market” for plant-based food and drinks.

“With Berief we gain an experienced team and strong brand and production competence in the field of plant-based foods,” said Stefan Müller, chairman of the Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller corporate group.

“This is an important strategic step with which we intend to complement our activities in this future market.”

Berief generated revenue of approximately €113 million (US$133 million) in 2025, alongside EBITDA of around €12 million (US$14.1 million), according to the company.

The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

In a statement, Berief reported that the agreement followed an evaluation of financing options aimed at supporting the company’s continued expansion. The business considered minority investments and strategic partnerships before determining that a merger with Müller represented the best long-term option.

The company said the partnership was expected to accelerate international growth, particularly across the Benelux region and eastern Europe.

Marcus Berief, the company’s 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.”

The deal came as Germany’s plant-based dairy market continued to record steady growth.

According to figures published by The Good Food Institute, annual sales of plant-based milk and drinks in Germany reached €595 million (US$700 million) in 2024, representing growth of 3.6% compared with the previous year.

Unit sales rose 6.4% year-on-year to 396 million, while sales volumes increased 7.6% to 393 million liters.

Müller is one of Europe’s largest dairy companies, operating 20 manufacturing sites across Germany, the UK, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

The acquisition of Berief followed another diversification move by Müller in 2025, when the company acquired UK kefir brand Biotiful Gut Health as part of its expansion into functional and health-focused products.

The transaction also reflected a wider trend across the dairy sector, with established dairy manufacturers increasingly investing in plant-based categories to capture changing consumer demand and broaden their product portfolios beyond conventional milk-based offerings.