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The gourmet food and beverage industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region focuses on high-quality, often artisanal products that appeal to discerning consumers. This sector features companies that produce gourmet chocolates, premium wines, organic products, and innovative plant-based alternatives. Sustainability and health concerns are driving trends, with a growing emphasis on organic ingredients and environmentally friendly practices. Emerging technologies like fermentation and alternative proteins are reshaping offerings, aiming to meet Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving tastes of consumers. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market is witnessing an increase in gourmet food delivery services, reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ greater demand for convenience without compromising quality.

The current roster of gourmet food and beverage investors in DACH consists of a variety of investor types, including venture capital firms, corporate investors, and private equity participants. Headquartered primarily in vibrant cities like Berlin and Zurich, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors range in size from small firms with less than ten employees to multinationals with thousands on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir payroll. Founded between 1866 and 2020, many have actively engaged in deal-making with a count of investments in 2024 reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growing commitment to this sector. The investment landscape in this field is rich with potential, demonstrating an appetite for innovation.

Top 13 Gourmet Food and Beverage Investors in DACH

1. Blue Horizon

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Blue Horizon is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems. The firm provides funding and resources to mission-aligned founders in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ bioeconomy, particularly focusing on alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include investments in YES CACAO, a company that raised funds to innovate in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ chocolate sector, and LIVEKINDLY, which raised significant capital to promote plant-based food options. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Jay&Joy, known for its plant-based dairy products, and Hail Merry Snacks, which specializes in healthy snacks. These transactions highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage space, particularly those that prioritize sustainability.

2. ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1866
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items. The company has made notable acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage sector, including a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee for approximately USD $425 million, enhancing its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium coffee market. In 2021, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Chilean premium chocolate company La Fête Chocolat, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ luxury chocolate market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Ankerkraut, a spice manufacturer, showcases ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé's interest in high-quality culinary products. These transactions reflect ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé's strategy to cater to gourmet consumers while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and quality.

3. FoodLabs

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

FoodLabs is an investment firm and food technology incubator based in Berlin, founded in 2016. They specialize in supporting innovative startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food tech sector, providing both investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir participation in Yababa, a grocery delivery service focusing on Turkish and Arabic foods, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in diverse culinary offerings. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Freda, a startup that raised funds in both pre-seed and seed rounds, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in nurturing early-stage food ventures. Overall, FoodLabs is dedicated to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage space.

4. Beyond Impact VC

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Beyond Impact VC has made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage sector, including GOURMEY, which raised funds in both Pre-Seed and Series A rounds to develop gourmet plant-based meat alternatives. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Les Nouveaux Affineurs, a startup that creates plant-based cheese alternatives, raising 2 million euros to expand its offerings in Europe. Their portfolio also includes Wicked Foods, which focuses on innovative plant-based food products, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food industry.

5. Tet Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Tet Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in investing in teams that are focused on rebuilding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global food system, with a strong emphasis on food technology. They provide both financial support and advisory services to startups tackling significant challenges in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Black Sheep Foods, a San Francisco-based foodtech startup that raised $12.3 million in Series A funding, focusing on plant-based alternatives, which is a growing segment in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for Kingdom Supercultures, a company that supplies microbial cultures, which are essential for developing innovative food products. These investments highlight Tet Ventures' commitment to supporting advancements in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage sector.

6. Döhler Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Döhler Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in empowering early-stage startups primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Nutrition & Technology sectors, providing both investment and support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se companies grow. Their approach is long-term and entrepreneurial, fostering innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se industries. Notably, Döhler Ventures has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage context, including JustSpices, which raised funds in a Series A round in 2015, and Willicroft, a NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands-based alternative cheese startup that raised â‚�2 million in a pre-seed round in 2022. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative food products that cater to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet market.

7. Partners Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn:

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among its notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Vermaat Groep, a company involved in food services, which aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a funding round for Hortifruti, a company focused on fresh produce, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. These investments reflect Partners Group's diverse portfolio and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in sectors that include gourmet food and beverages.

8. Rocket Internet SE

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn:

Rocket Internet SE is a venture builder based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally, providing operational support and capital to entrepreneurs. Among its notable transactions, Rocket Internet has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and beverage sector, particularly through its involvement with Delivery Hero. In 2015, Rocket Internet acquired a 30% stake in Delivery Hero for â‚�496 million and participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $561 million Series H round and a $110 million private equity round. Additionally, Rocket Internet has expanded its reach in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food delivery market by acquiring major Spanish and Italian food delivery businesses, La Nevera Roja and Pizzabo. These transactions highlight Rocket Internet's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of food delivery services.

9. Point Nine

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. However, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also ventured into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage industry, as evidenced by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Gourmey, a French cultivated meat startup that raised â‚�48 million in a Series A round, marking a significant milestone in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ alternative protein sector. Additionally, Point Nine participated in Gourmey's earlier seed round, contributing $10 million. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in innovative food technologies and sustainable food solutions, complementing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary focus on technology startups.

10. Good Seed Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Good Seed Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in startups and businesses that focus on sustainable food solutions, aiming to reduce Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ environmental impact of food production. Their investment strategy includes providing financial support, strategic guidance, and fostering collaboration among industry players to drive innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. Notably, Good Seed Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage context, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Formo, a company focused on dairy alternatives, and Chunk Foods, an Israeli startup that produces plant-based meat products using fermentation technology. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable food solutions that align with gourmet food trends.

11. Barry Callebaut Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Barry Callebaut Group, founded in 1996 and based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading chocolate manufacturer and cocoa processor operating within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and beverage industry. The company produces a diverse range of chocolate and cocoa products tailored for various customers, including multinational manufacturers and artisanal users. Barry Callebaut emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing in its operations, which is increasingly important in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food sector. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Gertrude Hawk Ingredients, which enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Specialties & Decorations business in North America, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of La Morella Nuts, aimed at expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir offerings in chocolate and nut products. These strategic acquisitions reflect Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food market, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this space.

12. Brenntag

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1874
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Brenntag SE is a leading chemical distributor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1874. The company connects chemical manufacturers and users, providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals, along with value-added services. Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas. Notably, Brenntag has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage sector through strategic acquisitions. In 2021, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired JM Swank Co., a US-based food ingredients distributor, for USD 304 million, which doubled Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir size in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Nutrition business in North America. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisitions of Kluman & Balter and A1 Cake Mixes Limited in 2017 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidified Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ bakery ingredients market. These transactions highlight Brenntag's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ distribution of high-quality food ingredients.

13. SevenVentures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

SevenVentures is a corporate investment firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in media investments and partnerships with consumer-oriented startups, providing media-for-equity and media-for-revenue investments to enhance brand visibility through tailored advertising strategies. In 2024, SevenVentures has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet food and beverage sector. They participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Seed Round for TiNDLE, a company focused on plant-based chicken alternatives, and Formo, which raised $61 million in Series B funding for its innovative dairy alternatives. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Next Gen Foods, which is also involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ alternative protein space. These investments highlight SevenVentures' commitment to supporting startups that are shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future of food and beverage, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gourmet segment.

Gourmet Food and Beverage Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2016	2
	Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland	10001+	1866	2
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2016	11
	Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland	1-10	2017	2
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2020	4
	Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany	1-10	2014	3
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	201-500	2007	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2011	16
	Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	1-10	2018	1
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	10001+	1996	0
	Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1874	8
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2009	3

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