Vegan Food Group sells production facility acquired in Tofutown deal

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The Vegan Food Group owns brands such as Meatless Farm, VFC, Clive's and Tofutown. Credit: Vegan Food Group

The Vegan Food Group (VFG) has completed the sale of its Wiesbaum production facility in Germany to the New Originals Company.

This strategic move allows VFG to concentrate on expanding operations at its larger Lüneburg facility, which produces the bulk of its plant-based products.

The Wiesbaum site was acquired by VFG as part of its purchase of manufacturer Tofutown earlier this year, with this latest transaction including the transfer of certain assets, brands, and production capabilities related to tofu manufacturing to the New Originals.

Founded in February 2024, the New Originals employs 600 people across five countries, positioning itself as Europe’s leader in tofu innovation.

As part of the deal, VFG and the New Originals have forged a strategic partnership which will enable the group to allocate more resources towards innovation and production expansion at the Lüneburg site, while leveraging its partner’s expertise in tofu production.

The New Originals will also utilise VFG’s distribution channels across Europe.

VFG committed to ‘broad portfolio’

Dave Sparrow, CEO at VFG, explained that the deals signals the group’s commitment to scaling a broad plant-based portfolio and securing its place in the tofu market  

“This strategic asset sale of the Wiesbaum site allows us to concentrate our resources on expanding our Lüneburg facility, which is key to our long-term growth plans,” Sparrow said.

“While tofu remains an important product category for VFG with product launches planned in Q1 2025, this transaction enables us to optimize our operations while ensuring continued production of high-quality tofu products through the New Originals’ expertise in this field.”

New Originals CEO Matthias Krön added: “Bernd Drohsin and the Tofutown team in Wiesbaum have been pioneering organic tofu and tofu products in Europe since the 1980s. They have been making great traditional tofu and innovative products, winning the trust of people in many countries in Europe.

“The New Originals is proud to continue this long tradition and will continue pioneering tofu as a key part of the food transition in Europe and partner with VFG in the UK.”

Finally, Tofutown CEO Markus Kerres welcomed the news that the New Originals would ensure the continuation of the Wiesbaum site’s long-standing tradition in tofu production.

“We believe this transaction will benefit both companies in their respective missions to promote plant-based nutrition,” Kerres said.

In other news, Sparrow sat down with Food Manufacture earlier this year to discuss VFG’s mission to lead the plant-based category and put an end to intensive farming practices.