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The ice cream production industry in Benelux is vibrant and innovative, encompassing a mix of large corporations and smaller artisanal producers. Companies in this sector develop a variety of frozen treats, from traditional ice cream to dairy-free and health-conscious alternatives. Sustainability and consumer preferences drive a growing demand for eco-friendly practices and novel flavors. Interestingly, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ trend towards home consumption, with many brands pivoting towards e-commerce. The industry is now seeing increased investment aimed at leveraging technology and tapping into new distribution channels, paving Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ way for dynamic growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ coming years.

The investor landscape in Benelux for ice cream production features a blend of corporate giants, private equity firms, and venture capital players. With headquarters spanning Belgium, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, and Luxembourg, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors range from sizeable entities like CVC with extensive asset bases to agile firms such as Verlinvest, tailored for high-growth sectors. Many of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m were founded in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ last two decades, indicating a relatively young but active investment environment. Investment activity in 2024 revealed diverse engagement, with some investors completing as many as 16 deals in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food space, signaling robust interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector.

Top 12 Ice Cream Production Investors in Benelux

1. 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 private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ majority interest in Dodoni, a Greek dairy brand, which positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Grupo Monbake, a leading frozen dough company, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ frozen food market, which is relevant to ice cream production. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic interest in sectors that are closely related to ice cream production, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential relevance in this category.

2. 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 founded in 2018, based in Luxembourg, 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. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, PeakBridge has invested in NICK'S, a Swedish ice cream brand, participating in both Series A and Series C funding rounds. In January 2021, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y contributed to a funding round that raised $30 million to help NICK'S expand its production capacity and support its global expansion, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US and Germany. This involvement highlights PeakBridge's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry and its potential for future investments in this sector.

3. 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 innovation services. Founded in 2001, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial applications. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food ingredients market through strategic acquisitions. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Hortimex, a Polish distributor focused on food ingredients and nutraceuticals, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Food & Nutrition market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Gillco Ingredients, a specialty ingredient provider in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US food and nutrition market, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ns Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio relevant to food production, including ice cream. These transactions indicate Azelis's commitment to expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry.

4. 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 high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. They provide long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has invested in companies like Oatly, which is known for its oat-based products, and Insomnia Cookies, a brand that focuses on baked goods. Their investment in Epigamia, a yogurt maker, also highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy sector, which is closely related to ice cream production. Verlinvest's diverse portfolio reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to consumer needs and sustainable practices, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a potential player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production landscape.

5. 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 focuses on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agrifood tech sector. They support innovative companies aiming to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Stockeld Dreamery, a Swedish alt-dairy startup that aims to create ambitious cheese products, and Standing Ovation, a microbial casein startup. These investments highlight Astanor's commitment to supporting companies that are innovating in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy and food technology space, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry, particularly as it shifts towards more sustainable and alternative products.

6. Wessanen Benelux (B Corp)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1765
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn:

Wessanen Benelux (B Corp) is a corporate investor based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, specializing in organic and plant-based food products. Founded in 1765, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has a long history of promoting sustainability and biodiversity through its diverse range of offerings, which include dairy-free drinks, breakfast cereals, and vegetarian spreads. Notably, Wessanen has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ organic food sector. One significant transaction was Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Abbot Kinney's on September 10, 2018, a leading brand in organic almond and coconut yogurts and ice creams. This acquisition aimed to accelerate growth and innovation in Wessanen's core categories, highlighting its commitment to expanding its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r acquisitions, such as Mrs Crimble's and Alter Eco, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate Wessanen's strategy to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its operations in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ organic food market, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y are not directly related to ice cream production.

7. 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 based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir full potential. Notably, Triton has been involved in several acquisitions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, including Geia Food, which Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired from Norwegian private equity firm Credo Partners in April 2021. This acquisition highlights Triton's interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, which may encompass ice cream production. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r acquisitions include Semper, Frigoscandia Distribution, and Stenqvist, indicating a broader engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and distribution sectors, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance to ice cream production.

8. Gimv

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, including a substantial minority stake in Vandemoortele, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ owner of Alpro, for EUR 75 million in 2009. This investment aims to support Vandemoortele's growth in its frozen bakery and lipids divisions, which are closely related to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry. Additionally, Gimv's acquisition of La Comtoise in 2018 and its involvement in various food-related ventures demonstrate its active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ consumer goods market, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its relevance to ice cream production.

9. Mutares Benelux

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

Mutares Benelux, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition. Founded in 2021, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on providing operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, particularly with its acquisition of Gläserne Molkerei, a German organic dairy unit, which generated sales of approximately â‚�100 million in 2022. This acquisition aligns with Mutares' strategy to invest in companies that can benefit from operational improvements and market repositioning. Additionally, Mutares has been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions, such as acquiring Frigoscandia, a logistics provider for fresh, chilled, and frozen foods, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. These activities highlight Mutares' potential relevance to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production sector, given Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ interconnected nature of dairy and ice cream production.

10. Astorg

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Astorg is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1998, with a focus on investing in global B2B companies. With â‚�22 billion in assets under management, Astorg specializes in providing capital, strategic guidance, and governance to management teams across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and business services. Notably, Astorg has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Picard Surgeles, a company known for its frozen food offerings, which encompasses ice cream products. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Solina Group, a food ingredients producer, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. These transactions highlight Astorg's capability and interest in sectors that are relevant to ice cream production.

11. Navus Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Maassluis, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Navus Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Maassluis, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies that focus on sustainable food and energy solutions. With a team that boasts over 75 years of experience in technological innovation and market deployment, Navus Ventures provides active support and guidance to its portfolio companies. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a $5 million seed funding round for Cultivated Biosciences, which is set to introduce yeast cream to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US and European markets, directly linking Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry. They have also invested in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r food-related companies, such as 1-2-Taste, a B2B food ingredients platform, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector.

12. 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, serving over two billion customers worldwide. Prosus partners with local entrepreneurs to create valuable products and services, fostering community growth and sustainable business practices. Notably, Prosus has invested in The EVERY Company, which raised $175 million in a Series C funding round, indicating its interest in innovative food technologies that could relate to ice cream production. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Prime Roots, a plant-based deli and charcuterie company, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, which may include plant-based ice cream alternatives. These transactions reflect Prosus's commitment to food innovation and sustainability, aligning with trends in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream industry.

Ice Cream Production Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Luxembourg	11-50	2018	8
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1995	5
	Luxembourg	11-50	2017	10
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	51-200	1765	0
	Luxembourg	201-500	1997	6
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	1980	8
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	51-200	2021	16
	Luxembourg	51-200	1998	8
	Maassluis, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2013	3
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	2019	21

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