VAFO Group Agrees to Acquire Germany’s Pets Deli

From left to right (back row): Pascal Haenle, Tania Moser, Karolína Čápová and James Collingham, (front) Petr Kříž, Pavel Bouška and Timo Pärssinen.

Czech pet food manufacturer VAFO Group has agreed to acquire German premium pet food company Pets Deli Tonius GmbH, marking another strategic move in VAFO’s expansion across the European pet food market.

The proposed transaction will bring Pets Deli, a Berlin-based pet food brand specializing in nutrition for dogs and cats, into VAFO Group’s growing European portfolio. The deal is currently subject to merger-control review.

Strengthening VAFO’s Position in Germany

Founded in Berlin, Pets Deli has developed a premium pet food business covering wet and dry food, snacks and other products for dogs and cats. The company focuses on high-quality recipes developed with veterinarians and nutrition specialists, with production carried out primarily through European manufacturing partners.

Pets Deli has built a strong direct-to-consumer business while also expanding into specialist pet retailers, supermarkets and online marketplaces. According to its 2023 company report, around 80% of sales came from its own online stores, which serve customers in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Poland.

The company also operates a fulfillment center in Ludwigsfelde and has established physical retail locations in Germany and Switzerland.

A Strategic Fit for VAFO

For VAFO, the acquisition would strengthen its presence in Germany and add another established premium pet food brand to its portfolio.

VAFO has grown from its Czech roots into a major European pet food group through a series of acquisitions and investments. The group currently operates nine pet food factories and branches across several European countries, producing dry and wet food, snacks and supplements. Its brands, including Brit, Carnilove, Pooch & Mutt, PrimaDog and DOG’S LOVE, are sold in more than 90 countries.

The acquisition is consistent with VAFO’s broader strategy of combining organic growth with targeted acquisitions. In recent years, the group has expanded its European footprint through deals such as the acquisition of Polish distributor AZAN.

Focus on Premium Pet Nutrition

The transaction also reflects the continued consolidation of Europe's premium pet food sector.

Both VAFO and Pets Deli operate in categories benefiting from increasing consumer interest in higher-quality nutrition, specialized recipes and products positioned around pet health and wellbeing.

VAFO has been increasing its production capabilities, particularly in wet pet food. In June 2026, the group announced a planned investment of approximately €14 million to convert a former fish cannery in Poland into a new wet pet food factory, with an initial capacity of up to 100 million pouches annually.

Adding Pets Deli would therefore complement VAFO’s existing manufacturing capabilities with an established German consumer brand and direct-to-consumer distribution platform.

Transaction Still Under Review

The acquisition is not yet a completed transaction. Germany’s Federal Cartel Office records the proposed acquisition of all shares in Pets Deli Tonius GmbH under case B4-59/26, with the filing dated July 8, 2026. The authority identifies wet and dry pet food, supplements and snacks for dogs and cats as the relevant product markets.

If approved and completed, the deal would further strengthen VAFO’s position in Western Europe while giving Pets Deli access to the resources, manufacturing capabilities and international network of one of Europe’s leading premium pet food groups.

The transaction highlights the ongoing consolidation of the European pet food industry, as established manufacturers increasingly seek growth through acquisitions, broader product portfolios and stronger access to local consumer markets.