The seafood processing industry in Latin America plays a crucial role in the region's economy, characterized by a wide array of companies engaged in the harvesting, processing, and distribution of seafood products. These enterprises range from large corporate giants to innovative startups, each offering goods that meet both local and international demands. Sustainable fishing practices are becoming increasingly prioritized, reflecting growing consumer awareness. As technology advances, the industry is pivoting towards more efficient supply chains and alternative seafood options, leading to increased investments and a promising future that aligns with global market trends in sustainable aquaculture and responsible sourcing.


The list of seafood processing investors comprises a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms primarily based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and other Latin American locations. Founded between 1998 and 2020, these investors have made a notable number of deals, particularly in 2024. They range in size from small teams of 1-10 to large corporations exceeding 10,000 employees, showcasing a balance of innovative startups and established entities in the seafood sector. Their collective focus on technology and sustainability signals a unique opportunity for growth within the industry.


Top 10 Seafood Processing Investors in Latin America


1. bossa invest

  • Website: bossainvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 56
  • LinkedIn: bossainvest

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in the technology sector, and provides capital, strategic guidance, and access to a network of co-investors. In addition to their general focus on technology, Bossa Invest has made significant investments in the seafood processing industry. They participated in the Series B funding round for BlueNalu, a cellular aquaculture startup, which raised $33.5 million in October 2023. They also invested in eFishery, which raised $15 million in a Series B round in August 2020, focusing on aquaculture solutions. Furthermore, Bossa Invest has shown interest in other seafood-related ventures, such as Meu Pescado, indicating their commitment to supporting growth in the seafood processing sector. Their educational resources for investors and startups further empower entrepreneurs in this industry, fostering innovation and development.


2. Jbs

  • Website: jbs.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1953
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: jbs

JBS S.A. is a leading food processing company founded in 1953, headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It specializes in the production of a wide range of food products, including beef, pork, poultry, fish, and plant-based items. JBS operates globally and serves a diverse customer base, including food retailers and restaurants, with a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. Notably, JBS has made significant strides in the seafood processing sector by acquiring Huon Aquaculture Group, Australia's second-largest salmon producer, for approximately A$546 million. This acquisition, announced on August 6, 2021, signifies JBS's strategic entry into the aquaculture business, enhancing its portfolio and market presence in seafood processing. Additionally, JBS has a history of acquisitions in the meat processing industry, such as Pilgrims Pride and Plumrose USA, showcasing its aggressive growth strategy across various food sectors.


3. Enfini Investments


Enfini Investments is a corporate investment firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in the food tech sector, with a strong emphasis on fostering technology initiatives that promote sustainable food production. Enfini Investments collaborates closely with its portfolio companies to enhance their business plans and operational strategies. Notably, they have invested in Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand that has raised over $70 million to develop new products and expand its market presence. Additionally, they participated in funding BlueNalu, a company focused on cell-cultured seafood. These transactions highlight Enfini's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the seafood processing context, particularly in sustainable and alternative seafood products.


4. Rio Amambai Agroenergia


Rio Amambai Agroenergia, a corporate investor based in Naviraí, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil, is part of AMERRA Capital Management, LLC, which specializes in private debt and equity investments in the food and agribusiness sectors. Founded in 2016, the firm provides tailored financial solutions to businesses in these industries, leveraging deep sector knowledge and management expertise to drive value for its portfolio companies. Notably, Rio Amambai Agroenergia has made significant investments in the seafood processing industry, including the acquisition of Biomega, a Norwegian fish oil and byproducts producer, in March 2017. This acquisition highlights the firm's active role in the seafood sector. Additionally, they acquired AquaShip in October 2019, further demonstrating their engagement in sectors related to food production and processing.


5. Aqua Capital


Aqua Capital is a private equity firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investments in sustainable agribusiness and food value chains, focusing on mid-sized companies. Aqua Capital provides operational expertise and support to drive growth and transformation, aiming to achieve top quartile returns for its investors while addressing critical challenges in food production and sustainability. Notably, Aqua Capital acquired a majority stake in GeneSeas, a leading tilapia producer in Brazil, in 2015, marking a significant investment in the seafood processing sector. This transaction highlights their commitment to the seafood industry and their strategy of investing in companies that contribute to sustainable food production.


6. Amplifica Capital


Amplifica Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2020, based in Mexico, that specializes in investing in technology-driven startups led by women in Latin America. The firm provides funding and advisory services to female entrepreneurs, helping them overcome financial barriers and scale their businesses. Notably, Amplifica Capital participated in a $5.5M seed round for Aqua Cultured Foods, a company dedicated to developing ultra-realistic seafood alternatives. This investment aligns with their mission to support innovative solutions in the food industry, particularly in seafood processing, as Aqua Cultured Foods aims to scale production and expand its market presence. Through initiatives like pitch practice sessions, Amplifica Capital not only supports its clients in refining their business strategies but also actively engages in sectors that promote sustainability and innovation in food production.


7. Aurus

  • Website: aurus.cl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: aurus

Aurus is a venture capital firm based in Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in partnering with entrepreneurs and startups, offering strategic advisory, recruitment, and crisis management services. Aurus aims to support high-potential businesses in overcoming challenges and achieving growth. Notably, they invested $5.1 million in Ecosea Farming in January 2017, a company involved in aquaculture, which directly relates to seafood processing. Additionally, they have made multiple investments in Algenis, a company that, while not directly linked to seafood, showcases Aurus's active engagement in the venture capital space.


8. Alaya Capital


Alaya Capital is a venture capital firm based in Córdoba, Argentina, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in the next generation of digital entrepreneurs across Latin America, providing both funding and strategic support to help startups scale and grow in competitive markets. Alaya Capital focuses on technology-driven businesses that aim to create a positive impact. Notably, they participated in the Series A funding round for Aquabyte, a machine learning aquaculture startup, which raised $10 million to enhance its product development and expand its operations. This investment highlights Alaya Capital's engagement in the seafood processing industry, as Aquabyte's technology aims to improve aquaculture practices. Additionally, they invested in MegaBite Food, a food-related startup, further indicating their interest in the food sector, which may encompass seafood processing.


9. Emergent Cold LatAm


Emergent Cold LatAm is a corporate investor based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, specializing in logistics and cold chain solutions. Founded in 2017, the company has quickly established itself as a key player in the food industry by providing temperature-controlled storage, transportation, and food processing services. Their operations are strategically designed to ensure the safe handling of perishable goods throughout the supply chain across Latin America. Notably, Emergent Cold LatAm has made significant acquisitions to enhance its logistics network, including the acquisition of Qualianz, a leading storage and logistics platform in Mexico, announced on February 8, 2023. This acquisition aims to strengthen their temperature-controlled logistics capabilities in the region. Additionally, they acquired Bajo Cero Frigoríficos on September 14, 2022, marking their entry into the Mexican market and expanding their cold storage capacity with three facilities totaling over 37,000 pallet positions. These transactions highlight Emergent Cold LatAm's commitment to enhancing its logistics services, which are essential for the seafood processing industry.


10. EcoEnterprises Fund


EcoEnterprises Fund is a not-for-profit impact investment fund founded in 1998, based in Costa Rica and Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil. The fund specializes in providing investment and advisory services to small businesses that focus on nature-based solutions, promoting biodiversity, climate solutions, and social equity. Their portfolio includes businesses in agriculture, aquaculture, and ecotourism, all aimed at enhancing sustainability practices. One notable transaction includes their investment in FLP, which raised an undisclosed amount in a venture round in 2017. While this transaction does not specifically highlight seafood processing, the fund's engagement in aquaculture indicates a potential interest in the seafood sector, aligning with their mission to support sustainable practices.



Seafood Processing Insights: Key Investors in Latin America


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
bossa investSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201156
JbsSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil10001+19531
Enfini InvestmentsSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020200
Rio Amambai AgroenergiaNaviraí, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil501-100020160
Aqua CapitalSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-5020090
Amplifica CapitalMexico1-1020203
AurusLo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile11-5020081
Alaya CapitalCórdoba, Cordoba, Argentina1-1020105
Emergent Cold LatAmSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1001-500020170
EcoEnterprises FundCosta Rica, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil1-1019983


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