Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The dairy processing industry in Europe is a vital sector that transforms raw milk into a variety of products like cheese, yogurt, and butter. This industry involves companies ranging from large multinationals to niche artisan producers, who are increasingly focusing on sustainability and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ health of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir offerings. With growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives and organic products, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector is rapidly evolving. Innovations in processing techniques and a push for environmentally friendly practices are shaping future directions. The increasing emphasis on traceability and quality assurance ensures that Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry keeps pace with consumer trends while maintaining high regulatory standards.

This list features 16 noteworthy investors deeply involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European dairy processing sector. They include corporate giants like ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé and venture capital powerhouses such as Blue Horizon. Headquartered primarily in financial hubs like Paris and London, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors vary in size, with several managing numerous transactions. Founded over multiple decades, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms reported a diverse array of investments in 2024, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir profound engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing landscape. Their capital is crucial for innovative startups and established firms alike, indicating strong support for growth and sustainability within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

Top 16 Dairy 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 London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry, including Modern Milkman, which raised $677,806 in November 2022, and Minor Figures, which raised $228,696 in February 2015. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have supported oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r food-related businesses such as Hackney Gelato and Snowflake Luxury Gelato, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in sectors that intersect with dairy processing.

2. 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 private equity investment firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1963. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agro-food and agro-industry sectors, providing financial and strategic support to businesses to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m adapt to market changes. The firm has supported more than 1,000 companies and manages significant assets aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Among its notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing sector are investments in Eurial Group, a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy industry, and Fromage Ermitage, which specializes in cheese production. Additionally, Unigrains has invested in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r companies like Loyez Woessen, Sill Entreprises, and Agrial, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry.

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 an investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in sustainable food systems and supports mission-aligned founders in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions. Blue Horizon primarily targets entrepreneurs in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sustainable food sector, aiming to create impactful change. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing context, such as leading a $2 million Series A funding round for Heartbest Foods, a supplier of plant-based cheese and milk. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed extension round for Change Foods, which focuses on scaling cheese production and distribution capabilities. These investments highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting sustainable practices in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry, particularly through alternative protein sources.

4. 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 venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ alternative protein sector, partnering with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support aimed at revolutionizing food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notably, CPT Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Remilk, an Israeli cultivated dairy startup that raised $120 million in Series B funding to expand its production of animal-free protein, and Miyoko's Kitchen, which raised $52 million in Series C funding to advance its distribution and product innovation. These transactions highlight CPT Capital's commitment to supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of alternative dairy products, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry.

5. 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 that serves as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. 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 and manufacturing. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing context, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several significant transactions, including grants to Dairygold Co-Operative Society, Dansko Foods, and Ingredient Solutions, all announced on June 28, 2023. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in venture funding rounds for Dairy Concepts and Irish Yogurts, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy sector.

6. IDIA Capital Investissement

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Montrouge, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity investment management firm based in Montrouge, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies (ETIs) in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth, particularly in sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notably, IDIA Capital Investissement has been involved in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing sector, including investments in major companies like Sodiaal, Eurial Group, Agrial, Axereal, and Triskalia. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy industry and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir role in facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and development of key players in this market. By providing financial support and strategic guidance, IDIA Capital Investissement helps its clients navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ complexities of investment and achieve sustainable growth, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing domain.

7. ±·±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 operates globally, providing a wide range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items. The company is committed to sustainability and offers nutritious and convenient food options. Notably, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé has made strategic acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Wyeth Nutrition's Malaysian unit in 2023, which enhances its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nutrition category. Additionally, while Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has a diverse portfolio, its involvement in dairy processing is significant, making it a key player in this sector.

8. 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, which include institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Among its notable transactions, Ardian acquired Frulact, a natural food ingredients supplier, for approximately â‚�200 million in January 2020, which highlights its interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. Additionally, Ardian's acquisition of Florida Food Products, valued at over $1 billion, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates its strategy to invest in mid-and large-cap companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. While Ardian has also invested in sectors like clean energy, its involvement in food-related companies positions it as a potential investor in dairy processing.

9. 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 investing in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Notable transactions include investments in Les Nouveaux Affineurs, which raised 2 million euros to expand its plant-based cheese alternatives, and Plant Veda Foods, which focuses on plant-based dairy products. These investments highlight Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing context, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ realm of plant-based alternatives.

10. 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 investment 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 has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing sector, notably acquiring a majority interest in Dodoni, a well-known Greek dairy brand, in April 2021. This acquisition aims to enhance Dodoni's growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty cheese market. Additionally, CVC's diverse portfolio includes various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r acquisitions, such as Berlys and Provimi, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broad investment strategy while maintaining a notable presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and dairy sectors.

11. 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 customers include public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, EIB has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing context, such as providing debt financing to Carbery Group, which raised approximately $38 million for its operations. Additionally, EIB has also financed MATR Foods, which raised over $22 million, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, including dairy processing. These transactions highlight EIB's role in supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.

12. Unilever

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1872
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. It offers a diverse range of products, including food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, with a strong focus on sustainability. Unilever aims to make sustainable living commonplace through its extensive product offerings. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing context, Unilever has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ frozen dessert market. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Ben & Jerry's in 2000, which has become a leading brand in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream sector. In 2008, Unilever acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Russian ice cream company Inmarko to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its competitive position in Russia. Additionally, in 2017, Unilever acquired Weis Frozen Foods, known for its popular frozen treats. The acquisition of Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto in 2014 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidified Unilever's presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium ice cream market. Most recently, in 2023, Unilever agreed to acquire Yasso, a low-calorie frozen snacks company, to enhance its premium ice cream portfolio. These transactions highlight Unilever's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ frozen dessert segment.

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, integrating economic and ESG considerations into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment strategies. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Sill Entreprises, a company involved in dairy processing, as well as Norac Foods, which operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. Their investment in Grain de Sail, which also deals with food products, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader food industry. Crédit Mutuel Equity's clientele includes business leaders seeking to enhance operations and navigate market challenges, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a valuable partner for companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry looking for growth and transformation.

14. 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 founded in 2001, headquartered in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ life sciences and industrial sectors, providing high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to specific market needs. In recent years, Azelis has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food ingredients sector, particularly with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Hortimex, a Polish specialty chemicals distributor focused on food ingredients and nutraceuticals, which enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 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 position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food market, including dairy processing. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Azelis's commitment to expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a noteworthy player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry.

15. Orkla ASA

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Orkla ASA is a leading industrial investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. The company operates across various sectors, including branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, and financial investments. Orkla offers a diverse range of products, including food, snacks, health, and personal care items. Notably, Orkla Food Ingredients, a subsidiary of Orkla ASA, has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry through various acquisitions. These include a 70% stake in Hadecoup, a Belgian company specializing in ice cream ingredients, and a controlling stake in Kanakis, a Greek ingredients business. Additionally, Orkla has acquired Laan Heiloo, a supplier of ice cream ingredients in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, and an 84% stake in Denali Ingredients, a leading supplier in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ USA. These strategic acquisitions highlight Orkla's commitment to expanding its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing sector, particularly in ice cream and related products.

16. 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 participated in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy processing industry, including Standing Ovation, a microbial casein startup that raised â‚�12 million to develop animal-free casein and cheese substitutes, and Imagindairy, which secured funding for dairy alternative products. These investments highlight PeakBridge's commitment to advancing dairy processing innovations, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ realm of alternative dairy products.

Dairy 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	51-200	1963	4
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2016	2
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2017	1
	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	501-1000	1998	48
	Montrouge, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	1980	1
	Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland	10001+	1866	2
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
	Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland	1-10	2017	2
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1872	0
Crédit Mutuel Equity	Paris, Île-De-France, France	51-200	1988	2
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	10001+	2017	1
	Luxembourg	11-50	2018	8

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

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy 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!