Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The ice cream production industry in Europe thrives on innovation and tradition alike. Companies range from large multinationals like Unilever and ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé to artisanal makers focusing on unique flavors and sustainable ingredients. The sector is increasingly leaning towards plant-based products in response to growing health and environmental concerns. According to recent reports, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European ice cream market is set to expand over Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ next few years, driven by trends in premium and dairy-free offerings. Interesting insights highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ surge in demand for gelato and sorbets, with summer being Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ peak season for sales.

The investors featured in this list represent a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate firms, located primarily in urban hubs like London and Zurich. Founded between 1866 and 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors vary greatly in size, from small firms with under ten employees to multinational giants boasting over 10,000. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y collectively made significant investments, with notable players such as ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé and Unilever focusing on strategic acquisitions and sustainable practices, reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry's promising growth.

Top 13 Ice Cream Production 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. Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production sector, including Snowflake Luxury Gelato, which raised $814,407 in February 2023, NorÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rn Bloc, which raised $53,266 in February 2020, and Hackney Gelato, which raised $1,138,719 in September 2022. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion while providing investment management services to its clients, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and beverage industry.

2. 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, specializing in sustainable food systems. The firm is dedicated to supporting mission-aligned founders in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Change Foods, which focuses on plant-based cheese production, and Heartbest Foods, a supplier of plant-based cheese and milk. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to sustainable food alternatives, which could extend to ice cream production, especially in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of plant-based or alternative ice cream products.

3. 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. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production sector, such as providing grants to Gino's Gelato and Dansko Foods, as well as venture funding to companies like Irish Yogurts and Dairy Concepts. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in fostering growth within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream and dairy industries, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in this market.

4. 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 has made several strategic acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream sector, enhancing its portfolio significantly. Key transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto in December 2014, Weis Frozen Foods in September 2017, and Betty Ice in January 2018, which allowed Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in various markets. More recently, in June 2023, Unilever agreed to acquire Yasso, a low-calorie frozen snacks company, to furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r enhance its premium ice cream offerings. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Ingman Ice Cream Oy Ab in December 2011, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream industry. These transactions highlight Unilever's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production market, aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader strategy of providing essential goods that enhance daily living.

5. 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. Notable transactions include investments in Better Dairy, which is working on dairy alternatives, and Miyoko's Kitchen, known for its plant-based dairy products. Additionally, CPT Capital has invested in New Culture, a company producing animal-free cheese, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production context as it highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in dairy alternatives. These investments reflect CPT Capital's commitment to supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of innovative food products that align with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing demand for sustainable and plant-based options.

6. ±·±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. It offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, and operates globally with a commitment to sustainability. Notably, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. in 2003 for $2.8 billion, which expanded its share of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. ice cream market from 10% to 18%. Additionally, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé acquired Dreyer's again in 2006 for $2.4 billion, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream industry. The company also acquired Garoto in 2002, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ details of that transaction are less clear. These transactions highlight ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé's strategic focus on enhancing its ice cream portfolio and its active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production market.

7. 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. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made several investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry, including La Compagnie des Desserts, Sill Entreprises, La Fraiseraie, and French Desserts. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting companies that are directly involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ production of ice cream and related dessert products, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir expertise and interest in this specific market.

8. 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, with a focus on branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, and financial investments. Founded in 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company operates through various sectors, including food, snacks, health, and personal care items. In recent years, Orkla has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry through its subsidiary, Orkla Food Ingredients. Key transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of a 70% stake in Hadecoup, enhancing its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream ingredients market in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux region; an 84% stake in Denali Ingredients, a major supplier of ice cream ingredients in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ USA; and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Laan Heiloo, which focuses on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft-serve ice cream market in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands. These acquisitions reflect Orkla's strategic intent to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream sector, making it a notable player in this industry.

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 private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. It 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 investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Dodoni, a Greek dairy brand, which positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy market relevant to ice cream production. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Grupo Monbake, a leading frozen dough company, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, as frozen dough products are often used in dessert applications, including ice cream. These transactions reflect CVC's strategy of delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments in sectors that can complement Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry.

10. 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. Among its notable transactions, Ardian acquired Frostkrone in 2012, a company known for producing frozen snacks, including ice cream products. In 2020, Ardian also acquired Frulact, a supplier of natural food ingredients, which could be relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream industry. Additionally, Ardian's acquisition of Berlys and Cérélia Group furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates its active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, enhancing its portfolio in areas that may intersect with ice cream production.

11. 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. Their investment portfolio includes companies like Wicked Foods, which raised funds to expand its plant-based food offerings, and Jay&Joy, which is involved in plant-based dairy alternatives. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Les Nouveaux Affineurs, a company producing plant-based cheese, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. Beyond Impact VC aims to provide funding to organizations that align with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir mission of promoting sustainability and animal welfare.

12. IK Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Hjem-IS in 1991, a company known for its ice cream products. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Mademoiselle Desserts in 2018, which produces frozen desserts, and Cérélia Group in 2015, a company involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ production of ready-to-bake dough products, which may include ice cream-related desserts. Their recent acquisition of GoodLife Foods, a frozen snacks manufacturer, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ frozen food sector, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance to ice cream production.

13. Unilever Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Unilever Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in investing in emerging brands and technologies, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beauty and wellness sectors. However, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also shown interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and beverage industry, as evidenced by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in companies like Hangyo, which raised $5 million in a venture round in 2013, and SNOG, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2012. These transactions highlight Unilever Ventures' engagement with ice cream production, demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability to support startups in this sector while leveraging Unilever's extensive network to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses grow.

Ice Cream Production Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2016	2
	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	501-1000	1998	48
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1872	0
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2017	1
	Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland	10001+	1866	2
Crédit Mutuel Equity	Paris, Île-De-France, France	51-200	1988	2
	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	10001+	2017	1
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
	Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland	1-10	2017	2
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1989	14
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	9

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ice cream production industry?

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