LEEF Acquires Wisefood, Leading Sustainable Packaging Startup
Potsdam, 17 December 2024: LEEF, a Berlin/Potsdam-based company specializing in palm leaf products, has announced the acquisition of Wisefood, a sustainable packaging startup. The acquisition will allow LEEF to expand its reach in the eco-friendly tableware and takeaway packaging market.
Wisefood gained recognition in 2018 through its appearance on the popular German reality TV show “Die Höhle der Löwen” (Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank), where it introduced its innovative edible drinking straws. The company, based in Garching/Munich, also offers edible cups and sustainable disposable tableware. Its products have been sold in major retailers such as ALDI and EDEKA, as well as wholesalers like METRO and TRANSGOURMET.
Founded only two years ago, Wisefood has already reported six-figure profits and a seven-figure annual turnover. In 2021, it was valued at over €5 million in its latest financing round. The company has also established a fast-growing e-commerce business and serves as a digital wholesaler for clients in the hotel, restaurant, and café (HoReCa) segment, in addition to catering and retail.
“We have been successfully collaborating with LEEF for several years in the field of palm leaf products. This partnership has always been enjoyable, and we are confident that we have found the perfect buyer in LEEF,” says Philipp Silbernagel, founder and managing director of Wisefood.
Claudio Fritz-Vietta, Managing Director of LEEF Holding, states, “We are thrilled to welcome Wisefood to the LEEF Group. There is a high demand for sustainable to-go packaging among restaurants and consumers, and this acquisition will allow us to quickly open new sales channels in retail and e-commerce with LEEF, while also developing a second strong brand.”
Jens Christoph, Second Managing Director of LEEF Holding, adds, “This acquisition presents new opportunities for us to jointly create eco-friendly solutions that inspire our customers and protect the environment. It will significantly boost the total turnover of the LEEF Group this year and enable us to continue our growth trajectory. We plan to merge the two operating companies in 2025 to fully leverage the synergies. At the same time, we are preparing to launch another financing round.”
LEEF, known for its carbon-free and compostable palm leaf products, is the largest patent holder worldwide for leaf-based packaging. Its products are sold globally to wholesalers, retailers, events, and the HoReCa segment. The company’s initiative, LEEF unlimited, brings its premium tableware to famous festivals such as Lollapalooza, Karneval der Kulturen, and Garbicz. For every plate sold, one square meter of rainforest is protected. Private customers can purchase LEEF’s innovative products at the LEEF Store on Amazon.
The company is committed to combating greenwashing through its entire business model. LEEF believes that sustainability is not just a marketing strategy but essential for long-term growth and economic success. It has shown that it is possible to create aesthetically appealing, sustainable products while maintaining the capacity for large-scale production.
For interviews, images, bios, and other information, please visit LEEF’s press kit or Wisefood’s press kit, or contact:
LEEF Blattwerk GmbH | Diana Hagenberg | diana@leef.bio | +49 173 3895496 | https://www.leef.bio
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.