With the takeover of the tofu business and the traditional site in Wiesbaum, Rhineland-Palatinate, the company is continuing its course as a leading European tofu producer and taking over the legacy of 40 years of pioneering activity on the German and European organic market.
Vienna, 15 October 2024 – The New Originals Company from Vienna is taking over the traditional tofu business and the Wiesbaum production facility from Tofutown in Germany. The company, founded by veggie pioneer Bernd Drosihn, was previously part of the British Vegan Food Group. In addition to the assets, the purchase also includes several traditional brands such as “Viana” and “Kato Tofu”. Following the founding of the company in February and the acquisition of Inedit in Romania in July, this is the third important step for the New Originals Company on its way to becoming a European tofu group.
The purchase concerns the entire tofu business of Tofutown.com and includes the transfer of buildings, land, production facilities, inventories and recipes as well as the brands “Viana”, “Kato”, “Soytoo” and “Captain Tofu”. The Wiesbaum production site in the Vulkaneifel region of Rhineland-Palatinate, which looks back on decades of tradition in tofu production, will continue to operate under the name New Originals Wiesbaum GmbH. The Tofutown brand and the plant in Lüneburg, however, will remain with the Vegan Food Group.
Matthias Krön, CEO of the New Originals Company, emphasises the importance of the acquisition:
“Bernd Drosihn and the Tofutown team in Wiesbaum have been true pioneers of organic tofu production in Europe since the 1980s. Over decades of pioneering work, they have not only produced outstanding traditional tofu but have also won the trust of consumers in Germany and many European countries and even the USA with innovative products. It is therefore with great respect and deep appreciation that we take over the company. We are proud to continue this impressive tradition and further promote tofu as a key element of the food transition in Europe.”
The New Originals Company stands in the tradition of visionary founders and their values. Wiesbaum is a strategically favourable location in Germany and in the centre of Europe. “Wzith Wiesbaum, we now have a location in the population centre of Europe. We are therefore planning extensive modernisation measures as part of the transfer of operations,” continues Krön.
New machinery and equipment will optimise the production processes and increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the site, which will continue to produce exclusively organic tofu products. The geographical location of Wiesbaum enables the New Originals Company to move closer to its customers in Germany, the Benelux countries, France and the UK.
Founded in Vienna in February 2024 by the Lunter family, NLT Management-Holding and Raiffeisen Landesbank Oberösterreich, New Originals Company GmbH has quickly established itself as one of Europe’s leading tofu producers. With around 600 employees in five countries, the New Originals Company consistently pursues the goal of developing innovative yet tradition-conscious plant-based foods.
The takeover of the Wiesbaum site is another milestone in the European growth strategy of the New Originals Company. “We are uniting traditional companies that are characterised by the vision of their founders under the umbrella of the New Originals Company and leading them into a successful future together,” says Krön, explaining the corporate strategy.
About The New Originals Company:
The New Originals Company, established in February 2024 in Vienna, is dedicated to becoming a leading European producer of tofu and plant-based foods. The company’s name reflects its mission: to create innovative products that build on tofu’s rich tradition rather than imitate meat. With a focus on quality and transparency, The New Originals Company GmbH develops nutritious foods that combine traditional methods with modern nutritional needs. The company is committed to supporting healthier lifestyles and sustainable practices across Europe, offering consumers thoughtful alternatives in plant-based nutrition.
To the press compartment of The New Originals Company GmbH
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