Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The soft drink manufacturing industry in Benelux thrives with a blend of multinational corporations and local brands, designing beverages that cater to varied tastes and dietary preferences. Companies offer a wide range of products, from carbonated soft drinks to flavored waters and energy drinks. Innovative flavors and healthier options are crucial trends, reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing demand for refreshing yet low-calorie beverages among consumers. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, sustainability is a key focus, with many companies exploring eco-friendly packaging and sourcing strategies. As this industry evolves, it deepens its commitment to health and environmental responsibility, shaping its offerings for tomorrow's consumers.

Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ top 14 investors in Benelux's soft drink manufacturing sector, we see a blend of private equity and corporate players. These firms range in size, with some employing thousands and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs only a few. Predominantly based in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Luxembourg, investors have strategically targeted companies showing growth potential. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors completed numerous deals, from CVC’s notable acquisitions to HEINEKEN’s investments, underscoring an active year in this dynamic market. Their involvement signifies confidence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry’s future, aligning with shifting consumer preferences toward innovative beverage options.

Top 14 Soft Drink Manufacturing Investors in Benelux

1. 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. 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 beverage sector, highlighted by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Lipton for over $5 billion in 2021, which underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir takeover of Stock Spirits Group for £767 million in 2021 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ drinks industry, particularly in Eastern Europe. These strategic investments reflect CVC's focus on delivering sustainable value and growth through targeted acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage sector.

2. The HEINEKEN Company

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1863
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

The HEINEKEN Company, founded in 1863 and based in Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, is a leading brewery known for its high-quality beers and beverages, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ iconic Heineken® brand. With over 10,000 employees, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has a strong focus on brand reputation and quality in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ brewing industry. In recent years, HEINEKEN has expanded its investment strategy to include non-alcoholic and soft drink brands. Notably, in 2021, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Distell Group Limited, which includes a variety of beverage brands. In 2023, HEINEKEN invested in Double Dutch Drinks, a company known for its premium mixers, and acquired a minority stake in Served® Hard Seltzer, a brand that focuses on hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails. These transactions highlight HEINEKEN's commitment to diversifying its beverage portfolio and tapping into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing soft drink market.

3. Azelis

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

Azelis is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2001. As a specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider, Azelis caters to over 63,000 customers across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ life sciences and industrial sectors. They focus on delivering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to specific market needs. In 2024, Azelis announced several significant acquisitions aimed at strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and nutrition market, which is relevant to soft drink manufacturing. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Hortimex, a Polish specialty chemicals distributor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food ingredients segment, and Gillco Ingredients, a US-based specialty ingredient provider in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and nutrition market. These acquisitions reflect Azelis's commitment to expanding its portfolio in sectors that intersect with soft drink manufacturing, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a noteworthy investor in this space.

4. 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 relevant transactions, including investments in BE WTR, which raised over $45 million in Series C funding in 2024, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active participation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement with NICK’S, a brand that has raised significant funding for expansion, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in companies that may intersect with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink manufacturing industry.

5. 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 venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across multiple sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that prioritize consumer needs and sustainable practices. Notably, Verlinvest has invested in Hint, a company that raised $5.4 million in 2012 for its flavored water products, and Sambazon, which focuses on premium acai beverages. They also led a Series B funding round for Epigamia, a Greek yogurt maker, which, while not a soft drink, indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in innovative food and beverage products. These transactions highlight Verlinvest's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in soft drink manufacturing.

6. Jab Holding Company LLC

• Website: jabholco.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

JAB Holding Company LLC is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in consumer goods and services, with a focus on long-term investments and sustainable value creation. JAB has made significant investments in various sectors, including coffee, fast casual dining, petcare, and beauty. Notably, JAB has invested heavily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage sector, particularly soft drinks, with key transactions such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ $9 billion investment in Keurig Dr Pepper in January 2020, which is a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink market. Additionally, JAB's acquisition of Mondelez's shares in JDE Peet's for $2.3 billion in October 2024 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifies its stake in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage industry. These transactions highlight JAB's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink manufacturing sector, making it a relevant investor in this category.

7. Refresco

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Refresco is a corporate investor based in Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, specializing in beverage manufacturing. Founded in 1999, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has grown to become a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry, producing over 11 billion liters of beverages annually across its extensive manufacturing network in Europe and North America. Refresco focuses on bottling a variety of beverages, including soft drinks, water, fruit juices, and energy drinks, serving major retailers and A-brands. The company has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Hansa Heemann in February 2022, which enhances its capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage sector. In August 2024, Refresco announced Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Vivaris GmbH & Co KG, which includes mineral water brands, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r diversifying its offerings. Additionally, Refresco's acquisition of Spumador in January 2011 marked its entry into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Italian market, strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ning its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European soft drinks sector. More recently, in April 2024, Refresco acquired Varni BroÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs Corporation, a US beverage manufacturer, and in July 2023, it signed an agreement to acquire GioCan, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Italian beverage division of McCormick. These transactions highlight Refresco's commitment to expanding its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink manufacturing industry.

8. Wessanen Benelux (B Corp)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1765
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn:

Wessanen Benelux (B Corp) is a corporate investor based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, with a long history dating back to 1765. The company specializes in organic and plant-based food products, targeting health-conscious consumers and promoting sustainability and biodiversity. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Abafoods, an Italian company known for its organic vegetal drinks, which aligns with Wessanen's strategy to expand its beverage offerings. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on plant-based products is furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r exemplified by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Abbot Kinney's, a brand known for organic almond and coconut yogurts and ice creams. These transactions highlight Wessanen's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ organic beverage sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader context of soft drink manufacturing.

9. Spadel

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Belgium
• Founded year: 1921
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Spadel is a corporate investor based in Belgium, founded in 1921, and operates within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage industry, focusing on natural mineral waters and soft drinks. The company has made significant acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its market position, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ purchase of Carola from Nestlé Waters, which bolstered Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sparkling water market in Eastern France. In 2016, Spadel acquired a majority stake in Devin JSC, a Bulgarian bottled water company, which is expected to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir turnover significantly. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Spadel has invested in Dripl, a company that offers alternatives to sugary soft drinks, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovation and sustainability in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage sector. Their diverse brand offerings and strategic acquisitions reflect Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir dedication to quality and growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink manufacturing industry.

10. Sofina

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1898
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Sofina is an investment company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1898. It specializes in providing patient capital to growing businesses across various sectors, including telecommunications, consumer goods, and energy. Sofina partners with entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, offering strategic advice and long-term investment solutions to foster sustainable growth. Notably, Sofina has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage sector, particularly through its investments in Paper Boat, a Gurugram-based beverage and snack brand. Over Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ years, Sofina has participated in multiple funding rounds for Paper Boat, including significant investments of $30 million in April 2019 and $7.44 million in June 2019, among oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs. This consistent support highlights Sofina's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink manufacturing industry and its focus on innovative beverage brands.

11. Gimv

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably, primarily targeting entrepreneurial companies seeking capital and expertise to navigate market challenges. Notably, Gimv has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of United Dutch Breweries in 2015, which directly ties Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink manufacturing industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Vandemoortele, which owns Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Alpro brand, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in food and beverage sectors, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability and interest in supporting companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink manufacturing context.

12. DLF Venture

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

DLF Venture is a Luxembourg-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, focusing on supporting consumer-oriented brands across various sectors, including food & beverage and health & care. The firm partners with ambitious founders, providing both investment and hands-on support to help grow Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. DLF Venture emphasizes trust, support, and transparency in its collaborative approach to brand development. Notably, DLF Venture has invested in Lyre's Spirit Co, a non-alcoholic spirits brand, through multiple funding rounds, including a Series A round raising over $26 million and a seed round of approximately $6.9 million. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a â‚�14 million Series A funding round for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nu company, a German foodtech startup, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and beverage sector. These transactions highlight DLF Venture's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink manufacturing context.

13. V3 Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

V3 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage consumer businesses across various sectors, including wellness, food, and lifestyle. V3 Ventures aims to support founders by providing capital and strategic guidance to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m build strong brands and achieve growth. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in funding rounds for Go Zero, a brand that emphasizes health-conscious products, raising significant amounts in both seed and Series A rounds. This involvement indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in consumer brands that align with current market trends, including those relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink industry.

14. Convent Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Convent Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in sustainable investments and growth capital provision, primarily targeting small to medium-sized enterprises in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux region and innovative companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ AgriFood sector. Convent Capital aims to enhance sustainability efforts and support growth in its portfolio companies. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir lead investment in ChainCraft, which raised EUR 11 million to develop an industrial-scale plant, potentially relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beverage industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a Series C funding round for BE WTR, which, while not directly a soft drink manufacturer, operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader beverage space. These investments reflect Convent Capital's commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable practices in food and beverage production.

Soft Drink Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	1863	4
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
	Luxembourg	11-50	2018	8
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1995	5
Jab Holding Company LLC	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	2007	1
	Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	1999	4
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	51-200	1765	0
	Belgium	1001-5000	1921	0
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	51-200	1898	4
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	1980	8
	Luxembourg	1-10	2016	0
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	1-10	2022	9
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2011	2

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ soft drink manufacturing industry?

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