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The food processing industry in Europe is a vital sector focused on transforming raw agricultural ingredients into consumables. Operating across various segments, companies range from small artisanal producers to multinational giants, producing products like dairy, meat, and packaged goods. As consumer demand for healthier and sustainable options rises, innovation is key, with growth in plant-based, organic, and ready-to-eat offerings. Technologies such as automation and sustainability practices are reshaping production methods, aiming to enhance efficiency and minimize waste. In recent years, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector has increasingly embraced digital tools and novel ingredients to meet evolving consumer preferences.

This article highlights 13 influential investors actively shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European food processing industry. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m are private equity, venture capital, and corporate entities, with headquarters spanning France, Belgium, Switzerland, and more. Founded between 1958 and 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms vary in size from small teams managing under ten to large corporations with thousands of employees. Notable deal activity in 2024 showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strong engagement in supporting innovation and growth within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector, reflecting a strategic focus on emerging trends and technologies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing market.

Top 13 Food Processing Investors in Europe

1. Crowdcube

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Crowdcube is a crowdfunding platform based in London, England, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments. The platform has a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several significant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, notably with Heura Foods, a Barcelona-based plant-based startup. Heura Foods raised substantial amounts through Crowdcube, including over â‚�4 million in a crowdfunding campaign in April 2022 and $4,876,119 in May 2021. Additionally, Crowdcube facilitated funding for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r food-related ventures such as Yum Bug, which raised $318,822 in June 2023. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative food processing companies.

2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, such as leading funding rounds for Umiami, a Paris-based foodtech company that raised â‚�32.5 million in 2023 and $28.9 million in 2022, and for Gourmey, a cultivated meat startup that raised â‚�48 million in 2022. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting innovative food processing ventures.

3. 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 supports mission-aligned founders in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, including a $114 million investment in Impossible Foods in 2018 and multiple funding rounds for Mosa Meat, totaling over $75 million in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Series B round. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to fostering impactful change in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, particularly through advancements in sustainable food technologies.

4. 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 throughout 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 across different 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 is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector due to its potential applications in sustainable food production. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has provided grants and venture funding to oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r innovative companies, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its commitment to supporting advancements that could impact Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry.

5. Unigrains

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1963
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Unigrains is a Paris-based private equity firm founded in 1963, specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agro-food and agro-industry sectors. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains has supported more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notable transactions include Vivescia, which raised approximately $3.44 billion in 2014, and Sill Entreprises, which secured around $540.6 million in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ same year. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r significant investments include Triskalia and Axereal, which raised undisclosed amounts in private equity rounds. These transactions highlight Unigrains' active role in supporting key players in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position as a vital investor in this sector.

6. 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. In 2024, EIT Food has been 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. These transactions highlight EIT Food's commitment to advancing food processing and innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agrifood sector. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public, to foster collaboration and drive change in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector.

7. CPT Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

CPT Capital is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, specializing in investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ alternative protein sector. The firm partners with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support, aiming to revolutionize food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products with sustainable alternatives. Notable transactions include participation in Memphis Meats' Series B funding round, which raised $161 million to build a pilot production facility for lab-grown meat. They also invested in Aleph Farms, which focuses on cultured meat, and Miyoko’s Kitchen, known for its plant-based dairy products. These investments reflect CPT Capital's commitment to advancing sustainable food processing solutions that address Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of traditional animal protein production.

8. Enterprise Ireland

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 48
• LinkedIn:

Enterprise Ireland is a public entity established in 1998, serving as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Irish government's enterprise development agency. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and notably, food processing. In 2023, Enterprise Ireland was involved in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, providing grants to companies such as Kepak ($2,183,051), Dairygold Co-Operative Society ($1,561,540), Liffey Meats ($2,307,485), Kildare Chilling ($2,684,825), and Staunton Foods ($1,966,969). These investments highlight Enterprise Ireland's commitment to supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and development of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry in Ireland.

9. 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. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, CVC acquired Deoleo, a leading Spanish olive oil producer, for â‚�438 million in 2014, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y also acquired Continental Foods Belgium SA for $528 million in 2013. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, in 2021, CVC took a majority stake in Dodoni, a well-known Greek dairy brand, aiming to expand its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty cheese sector. These investments highlight CVC's active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing market, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position as a significant investor in this industry.

10. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Findus Sverige, a well-known frozen food brand, and Oterra, which specializes in natural food ingredients. In 2023, EQT partnered with AMFRESH Group and Paine Schwartz Partners to acquire International Fruit Genetics (IFG), merging it with AMFRESH's SNFL Group to create BLOOM FRESH International, focusing on table grape and cherry genetics. These transactions highlight EQT's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this field.

11. Ardian

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. The firm has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Frulact, a natural food ingredients supplier, for approximately â‚�200 million, and Florida Food Products, a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. market with an enterprise value exceeding $1 billion. Additionally, Ardian has acquired Frostkrone and Solina Group, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector. With a total of 21 investments in 2024, Ardian continues to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and strategic plans of its portfolio companies, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry.

12. ±·±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, serving both consumers and businesses globally. The company is committed to sustainability and providing nutritious food options. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Gerber Products Company for $5.5 billion in 2007, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US baby food market. In 2006, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Dreyer's for $2.4 billion, expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir frozen dessert offerings. More recently, in 2023, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé announced Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Capital Foods, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ owner of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 'Desi Chinese' brand Ching’s Secret, for approximately $1 billion, which aims to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Indian FMCG market. These acquisitions highlight ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé's strategic focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing sector.

13. Crédit Mutuel Equity

• Website: creditmutuel-equity.eu
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1988
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, including food processing. They assist companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth and transformation by integrating economic and ESG considerations into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food processing industry, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Norac Foods, Sill Entreprises, Etablissements Berni Et Cie, and Pierre SCHMIDT Charcutier-Traiteur. These investments demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in supporting food processing companies, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m enhance operations and navigate market challenges. Their clientele includes business leaders from diverse sectors, indicating a broad investment strategy while maintaining a significant presence in food processing.

Food Processing Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2016	2
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1963	4
	Leuven, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	2016	37
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2017	1
	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	501-1000	1998	48
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
	Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland	10001+	1866	2
Crédit Mutuel Equity	Paris, Île-De-France, France	51-200	1988	2

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