Pfeifer & Langen, a German sugar and snacks firm, has taken a majority stake in Rugenwalder Muhle, a manufacturer of meat and meat alternatives.
According to a Vegconomist report, the deal forms part of Pfeifer & Langen’s strategy to expand in the plant-based space. The company already has stakes in Vbites and Endori, which manufacture vegan products.
Rugenwalder Muhle, which began life as a meat products specialist, evolved its portfolio in 2014 and is now the leading Germany producer of meat alternatives.
Commenting on the acquisition, Guido Colsman, managing partner at Pfeifer & Langen, said: “Pfeifer & Langen Industrie- und Handels KG sees itself as a family-run group of individual companies with their own character. We are therefore the ‘right harbour’ for Rügenwalder Mühle, in which our new holding can and should continue its special culture of corporate management. At the same time, it will utilise the Group’s expertise – just as we will benefit from Rügenwalder Mühle’s expertise and entrepreneurial strength”.
Christian Rauffus, deputy chairman of the supervisory board at Rugenwalder Muhle, added: “Our company has developed from what was once a regional sausage factory into one of a leading company for plant-based foods in Germany. In less than ten years, we have brought vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives out of their niche and into the centre of society. With this investment, we want to take the opportunity to further develop this portfolio, especially beyond the German market”.
Source: Vegconomist / Rugenwalder Muhle