Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The fruit and vegetable processing industry in Benelux plays a crucial role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ region’s agribusiness sector. Companies in this market focus on refining raw produce into products like canned veggies, juices, and frozen items. This industry is benefiting from increasing consumer demand for healthy, sustainable options, spurring growth in innovative processing techniques. Moreover, advancements in technology are facilitating better shelf life, reducing waste, and allowing for greater traceability in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ supply chain. The upsurge in plant-based eating is prompting companies to diversify Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir offerings, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector ripe for investment opportunities and sustainable practices.

The investment scene for fruit and vegetable processing in Benelux features a mix of venture capital, corporate, and private equity players. These investors, including Astanor and EIT Food, span various sizes, from small firms to large entities with thousands of employees. Founded between 1958 and 2019, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have collectively completed over 300 investments in 2024 alone, highlighting a significant commitment to support this growing industry. Many are strategically located in key cities like Luxembourg and Brussels, gaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ring momentum through collaboration with innovative companies seeking to enhance sustainability in food production.

Top 14 Fruit and Vegetable 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 also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruit and vegetable processing industry, such as providing grants to AgroSustain and Green Spot Technologies, which focus on innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC participated in a funding round for Kern Tec, a company that specializes in developing products from stone fruit seeds, highlighting its commitment to supporting advancements in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruit processing sector.

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 based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2016. 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. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public, to foster collaboration and drive change in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. In 2024, EIT Food was involved in several transactions, including grants and funding rounds for companies like AgroGrIN Tech and MATR Foods, which are focused on innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agrifood space. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y also supported Phytolon, which raised significant funding in both seed and venture rounds, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering innovation that could impact fruit and vegetable processing.

3. 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 aim to support innovative companies that are creating sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions, including significant investments in Infarm, a Berlin-based startup focused on vertical farming, which raised $170 million in a Series C round to expand its global farming network. They also invested in Apeel Sciences, which raised $30 million to develop solutions that enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shelf life of fruits and vegetables, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨reby reducing waste and improving food sustainability. Additionally, Astanor led a Series A funding round for Stockeld Dreamery, an alt-dairy startup, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader interest in sustainable food innovations. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to driving growth and sustainability in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agrifood sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruit and vegetable processing landscape.

4. 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, 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. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, CVC acquired UNIVEG in 2006 and Rungis in 1997, both of which are significant players in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruit and vegetable processing and distribution sectors. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Heiploeg Beheer in 1995 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. While CVC also invests in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir history of investments in companies related to fruit and vegetable processing highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance in this category.

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 financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In recent years, EIB has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruit and vegetable processing industry, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ debt financing of Oliva AD, MATR Foods, and CrowdFarming, which focus on food production and distribution. Additionally, EIB has supported companies like Chika's WholeFoods Africa and InspiraFarms, which are engaged in food-related ventures, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector.

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. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, serving various industries with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges. Notably, dsm-firmenich has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruit and vegetable processing sector. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a $14.5 million Series A funding round for Phytolon, an Israeli startup focused on natural colors for food and beverage applications, which is directly applicable to fruit and vegetable processing. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y co-led a $6 million Series A funding round for Chinova Bioworks, a company that develops natural preservatives, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovations that can benefit Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. These investments highlight dsm-firmenich's strategic interest in enhancing food products through sustainable and innovative solutions.

7. Azelis

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

Azelis is a specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. Founded in 2001, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company caters to over 63,000 customers across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ life sciences and industrial sectors, providing high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations. In recent years, Azelis has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and nutrition market through strategic acquisitions. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Hortimex Sp. z o.o., a Polish specialty chemicals 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 enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. Azelis also acquired Agspec Australia Pty Ltd, which aims to bolster Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in agricultural and horticultural markets, indicating a broader commitment to sectors that include fruit and vegetable processing. These transactions highlight Azelis' strategic focus on expanding its capabilities and offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food ingredients space.

8. 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. Notably, PeakBridge has been involved in several transactions relevant to fruit and vegetable processing, such as Kern Tec, which raised funding to develop products from stone fruit seeds, and Rival Foods, which is expanding operations to create new protein sources. These investments highlight PeakBridge's commitment to advancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, including areas related to fruit and vegetable processing.

9. 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. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ AgriFood sector, Rockstart has been involved in several notable transactions. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding rounds for Reduced, a foodtech startup that is developing plant-based flavor enhancers, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ processing of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a pre-seed round for Willicroft, an alternative cheese startup that focuses on sustainability and innovative food production methods. These transactions highlight Rockstart's active role in supporting startups that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolution of food processing and sustainability in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ AgriFood industry.

10. 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 Brussels-based venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. The firm provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruit and vegetable processing industry, including a 24.5% stake in Mutti S.p.A., a prominent Italian tomato processing company with a strong market presence. This investment aims to enhance Mutti's international presence and product development. Additionally, Verlinvest has invested in Sambazon, a company known for its premium acai products, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and consumer needs, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruit and vegetable processing investment landscape.

11. SHIFT Invest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

SHIFT Invest is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in impact investing, targeting innovative enterprises with significant potential for environmental impact. They provide funding and support to early-stage companies across various sectors, including energy transition, smart food & agriculture, and sustainable mobility. Notably, SHIFT Invest has participated in transactions such as OneThird, a Dutch-based AI-powered foodtech startup that aims to enhance fresh produce supply chains in North America and Europe. Their involvement in this startup, which raised funds in multiple rounds, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting advancements in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, particularly in areas that can improve Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ efficiency and sustainability of fruit and vegetable processing.

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. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of fruit and vegetable processing, Prosus has made significant investments in agtech firms like Vegrow, which raised $46 million in Series C funding in December 2023 and $25 million in Series B funding in July 2022. These investments aim to improve agricultural practices and supply chain efficiencies, which are crucial for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ processing of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, Prosus has invested in companies like Prime Roots, a plant-based food company, indicating a broader interest in food innovation and sustainability.

13. Louis Dreyfus Company

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1851
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. is a for-profit agricultural merchant and processor founded in 1851, headquartered in Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands. With over 10,000 employees, LDC operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation. The company is known for supplying a wide range of agricultural products to businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and beverage industry, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain. In recent years, LDC has been involved in several notable transactions that highlight its focus on food processing. For example, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y announced Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Cacique, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ largest exporter of soluble coffee in Brazil, which is part of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy to expand Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir food processing capabilities. Additionally, LDC has invested in GaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨red Foods, a company focused on plant-based seafood, and Good Catch, which aims to develop innovative food products. These transactions demonstrate LDC's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, including areas relevant to fruit and vegetable processing.

14. 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. 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, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Geia Food in 2021, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir past acquisitions, such as Frigoscandia Distribution and COMPO Expert GmbH, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability and interest in sectors that may intersect with food processing, including logistics and agricultural products.

Fruit and Vegetable 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	11-50	2017	10
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+		3
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
	Luxembourg	11-50	2018	8
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2011	16
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1995	5
	Amstelveen, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2009	4
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	2019	21
	Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	1851	5
	Luxembourg	201-500	1997	6

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruit and vegetable processing industry?

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