Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The food processing industry in Benelux is vital, showcasing a rich blend of companies optimizing raw materials into essential and innovative food products. A mix of multinational corporations and agile startups fuels this industry, offering a broad spectrum of processed foods, ranging from dairy to plant-based items. This sector emphasizes sustainability and efficiency, encouraging Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ adoption of cutting-edge technologies and practices. With a growing focus on healthier options and environmental responsibility, industry players are increasingly investing in advanced manufacturing processes, positioning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨mselves for future growth as consumer preferences evolve.

The list of investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux food processing sector varies greatly, spanning corporate giants and venture capital upstarts. The majority of investors have headquarters in Belgium, Luxembourg, or Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, indicating a strong regional commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry. Their sizes range from small firms to industry behemoths, with investments made predominantly in recent years. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y completed a significant number of deals, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir appetite for innovation and growth within food processing.

Top 15 Food Processing Investors in Benelux

1. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in significant transactions such as leading a $58 million Series B funding round for Infinite Roots, a Hamburg-based mycelium company, which has potential applications in food processing. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has provided grants and venture funding to companies like MOA, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovative solutions that may intersect with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry.

2. EIT Food

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 37
• LinkedIn:

EIT Food is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2016, based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. It is dedicated to transforming Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food system through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. EIT Food supports agrifood startups and entrepreneurs by providing resources, funding opportunities, and educational programs aimed at creating healthier and sustainable food solutions. In 2024 alone, EIT Food was involved in 37 investments, including notable transactions such as a grant to Esencia Foods and multiple funding rounds for Phytolon, which raised significant amounts in both seed and grant funding. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public, to foster collaboration and drive change in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, particularly in food processing and innovation.

3. Cvc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately â‚�193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Noteworthy transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Deoleo, a leading Spanish olive oil producer, for â‚�438 million in 2014, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Continental Foods Belgium SA for $528 million in 2013. Additionally, CVC has invested in Dodoni, a Greek dairy brand, aiming to leverage its growth potential in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty cheese sector. These investments highlight CVC's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

4. Astanor

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn:

Astanor is an impact investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agrifood tech sector. They are dedicated to supporting innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing context, including a â‚�32.5 million financing round for Umiami, a Paris-based foodtech company, and a $30 million Series B funding for Plantible Foods, which focuses on duckweed protein. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a â‚�12 million Series A round for Standing Ovation, a startup developing animal-free casein and cheese substitutes. These investments demonstrate Astanor's commitment to advancing food technology and sustainability in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry.

5. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In recent years, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB has been involved in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, such as providing debt financing to MATR Foods, which raised approximately $22.2 million in September 2024, and Oliva AD, which secured about $54.8 million in June 2023. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB supported Carbery Group with $38.8 million in debt financing in December 2019, and participated in a venture round for Chika's WholeFoods Africa in December 2021. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB's commitment to promoting growth and job creation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, making it a relevant player in this industry.

6. dsm-firmenich

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, operating primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company provides a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. As an investor, dsm-firmenich has shown a keen interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry through its venture capital arm, DSM Venturing. Notable transactions include a $14.5 million investment in Phytolon, an Israeli startup focused on natural colors for food and beverage applications, and a â‚�12 million investment in Paleo, a Brussels-based startup aiming to produce GMO-free products. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Chinova Bioworks, which raised $6 million to enhance food preservation technologies, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovation in food processing. These investments reflect dsm-firmenich's strategy to support sustainable and health-oriented advancements in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector.

7. PeakBridge

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

PeakBridge VC is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, that specializes in FoodTech investments. The firm supports early-stage founders and businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry by providing investment, consulting services, and access to a vast network of industry experts. Their focus is on innovative solutions that address significant challenges in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global food system, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ FoodTech sector. Notable transactions include a â‚�6 million Series A funding round for Rival Foods, aimed at expanding operations and developing new protein sources, and participation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ â‚�12 million Series A round for Standing Ovation, a startup focused on microbial casein, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ production of animal-free cheese substitutes. These investments demonstrate PeakBridge's commitment to advancing food processing technologies and solutions.

8. Azelis

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Azelis is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ distribution of specialty chemicals and providing innovation services. Founded in 2001, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial applications. In recent years, Azelis has strategically expanded its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry through several key acquisitions. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Hortimex, a Polish distributor focused on food ingredients and nutraceuticals, to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Poland's Food & Nutrition market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. They also acquired Ingredi AB, a distributor for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Swedish food and health industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing investment in food-related businesses. These transactions highlight Azelis's dedication to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capabilities and offerings within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry.

9. Eurofins

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Eurofins Scientific SE is a prominent laboratory testing company founded in 1987, headquartered in Luxembourg, with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees. The company specializes in providing a comprehensive array of analytical and testing services across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, environmental, and notably, food. Eurofins operates over 900 laboratories in 62 countries, showcasing its global reach and expertise in compliance and quality assurance. Recently, Eurofins has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of ARS Probata, a German audit and certification company in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, announced on September 29, 2023. This acquisition aims to enhance Eurofins' Assurance portfolio and market presence in Europe, demonstrating its commitment to food safety and quality. Additionally, Eurofins has engaged in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r relevant transactions, such as acquiring Craft Technologies and Eurofins Lab Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expand its capabilities in testing and diagnostics, including those pertinent to food processing.

10. Nutreco

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amersfoort, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Nutreco is a leading animal nutrition company based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1994. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Nutreco specializes in providing innovative feed solutions for livestock and aquaculture, focusing on enhancing productivity and supporting animal health. The company is committed to sustainable practices to meet Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing global demand for food. Nutreco has been actively investing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, particularly in alternative protein sources. Notable transactions include investments in Mosa Meat, which focuses on cultured meat production, and BlueNalu, an innovative food company working on cell-based seafood products. These investments reflect Nutreco's strategy to support sustainable food production and processing technologies, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry.

11. Aqua-Spark

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Aqua-Spark is a holding company based in Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2013, that specializes in investing in innovative solutions for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aquaculture industry. With a focus on sustainable practices, Aqua-Spark invests in fish farms, feed mills, and hatcheries to enhance production efficiency and address environmental challenges. Notable transactions include leading a $12.6 million Series A funding round for Shiok Meats, which aims to produce cell-based shrimp, and participating in multiple funding rounds for Calysta, a company that develops sustainable protein sources for fish and livestock feed. Their recent investment in Wanda Fish Technologies, which secured $7 million in seed funding, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing food technology within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aquaculture sector. Aqua-Spark collaborates with a global community of investors to promote research and development in aquaculture, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing landscape.

12. Rockstart

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2011. The firm empowers early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing context, Rockstart has been involved in notable transactions such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Reduced, a Copenhagen-based foodtech startup that raised â‚�2.9 million to develop plant-based flavor enhancers, and Willicroft, a NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands alt cheese startup that secured â‚�2 million to expand its sustainable product offerings. These investments highlight Rockstart's focus on supporting innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, particularly those that emphasize sustainability and technological advancement.

13. Prosus Group

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology. With a commitment to partnering with local entrepreneurs, Prosus aims to create valuable products and services that foster community growth and sustainable business practices. Notably, Prosus has invested in several food processing-related companies, such as Prime Roots, a plant-based deli and charcuterie company that raised $30 million in Series B funding, and The EVERY Company, which raised $175 million in Series C funding for its alternative protein products. Additionally, Prosus has shown interest in Captain Fresh, a company involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seafood supply chain, with multiple funding rounds totaling over $57 million. These transactions highlight Prosus's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, particularly in innovative and sustainable food solutions.

14. Verlinvest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Verlinvest is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, including a 24.5% stake in Mutti S.p.A., an Italian leader in tomato processing, which aims to enhance its international presence and product development. Additionally, Verlinvest led a funding round for Sir Kensington's, a New York-based condiments company, to expand its market reach. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to consumer needs and sustainable practices, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry.

15. Triton Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm founded in 1997, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses. The firm focuses on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare, but has also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry. Notably, Triton acquired Geia Food from Norwegian private equity firm Credo Partners in April 2021, marking a strategic move into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir past acquisitions include Semper, Stenqvist, and Frigoscandia Distribution, all of which are relevant to food processing. Triton partners with management teams to address challenges and drive growth, providing operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir full potential, including those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector.

Food Processing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Leuven, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	2016	37
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Luxembourg	11-50	2017	10
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+		3
	Luxembourg	11-50	2018	8
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
	Luxembourg	10001+	1987	8
	Amersfoort, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	1994	1
	Utrecht, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2013	2
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2011	16
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	2019	21
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1995	5
	Luxembourg	201-500	1997	6

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!