The fruit and vegetable processing industry in Europe plays a critical role in the agri-food sector by transforming raw produce into various products like juices, canned items, and frozen goods. Companies range from large multinational corporations to small regional players, often focusing on sustainability and innovation. Recent trends indicate a growing demand for plant-based products and techniques that minimize waste. This shift is largely influenced by changing consumer preferences and increasing interest in healthy lifestyles. Technological advancements are also shaping the industry, allowing manufacturers to improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprints while enhancing product quality.


This list showcases a mix of corporate and private equity investors, with headquarters spanning countries like Belgium, France, Sweden, and Luxembourg. Comprising firms of various sizes, many of these investors were founded in the late 20th century. In 2024, they engaged in numerous deals aimed at bolstering fruit and vegetable processing, ranging from venture capital to strategic mergers and acquisitions. Together, they reflect a commitment to enhancing this sector by supporting innovation and sustainability.


Top 12 Fruit and Vegetable Processing Investors in Europe


1. Crowdcube

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

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 by connecting them with potential investors. The platform emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce and offers investment management services. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the fruit and vegetable processing industry, including Fullgreen, which raised $850,200 in 2014 and $56,307 in 2020, focusing on vegetable-based products. Additionally, Freshis raised $349,987 in 2022, indicating a commitment to supporting fresh produce initiatives. Other relevant transactions include Zero Carbon Farms, which raised over $5.7 million, showcasing Crowdcube's involvement in innovative agricultural solutions.


2. Unigrains

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

Unigrains is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. Founded in 1963, the firm has over 60 years of experience and has supported more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notably, Unigrains has been involved in several relevant transactions in the fruit and vegetable processing context, including investments in Compagnie Fruitiere, a key player in fruit distribution and processing, and Maître Prunille, which focuses on fruit-based products. Other investments include Vegafruits, which is also related to the fruit sector, and Agrial, a cooperative that engages in various food production activities. These transactions highlight Unigrains' commitment to enhancing the fruit and vegetable processing industry.


3. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the fruit and vegetable processing industry, such as providing grants to AgroSustain and Kern Tec, which focus on innovative agricultural solutions. Kern Tec, for example, received funding to support the development of products derived from stone fruit seeds, highlighting the EIC's commitment to advancing technologies that can impact fruit and vegetable processing. Overall, the EIC's investment activities demonstrate a clear interest in supporting innovation within the agricultural sector.


4. Blue Horizon

  • Website: bluehorizon.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bluehorizoncorp

Blue Horizon is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems. The firm provides funding and resources to mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy, particularly those innovating in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include a Series A investment in Apparo, which focuses on sunflower protein ingredients, and a Seed investment in NuCicer, an agri-food technology company developing chickpea varieties with enhanced protein content. These investments highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting advancements in plant-based food production, making them a significant player in the sustainable food sector.


5. EIT Food

  • Website: eitfood.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 37
  • LinkedIn: eit-food

EIT Food is a not-for-profit organization based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2016. It aims to transform the 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, they were involved in 37 investments, including notable transactions such as AgroGrIN Tech, which received a grant, and MATR Foods, which secured non-equity assistance. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Green Spot Technologies and Phytolon, with the latter raising significant amounts in both seed and venture rounds. These transactions highlight EIT Food's commitment to fostering innovation in the food sector, including areas relevant to fruit and vegetable processing.


6. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity investment management firm based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies (ETIs) in their growth, particularly in sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. IDIA Capital Investissement has been involved in several notable transactions within the agro-food sector, including investments in Compagnie Fruitiere, a key player in the fruit industry, and Agrial, which raised over $64 million in a private equity round. Other relevant investments include Valade Groupe and Triskalia, both of which are involved in food production and processing. By providing financial support and strategic guidance, IDIA Capital Investissement helps its clients navigate the complexities of investment and achieve sustainable growth, particularly in the fruit and vegetable processing industry.


7. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-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 their investment strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several transactions within the fruit and vegetable processing industry, including investments in La Fraiseraie, a company specializing in fruit processing, and Norac Foods, which is engaged in food production. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting growth and transformation in the food sector, particularly in fruit and vegetable processing, while also assisting business leaders in navigating market challenges.


8. Astanor

  • Website: astanor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: astanor-venture

Astanor is an impact investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that specializes in the agrifood tech sector. They aim to support innovative companies that create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several significant transactions, including leading funding rounds for Infarm, a Berlin-based startup focused on vertical farming, which raised substantial amounts in Series B and C rounds. They also invested in Apeel Sciences, a company that develops technology to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing waste and enhancing food processing. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation in the food industry, making them a key player in the agrifood tech landscape.


9. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

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 €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a diverse investment portfolio, but it has made significant acquisitions in the fruit and vegetable processing sector, such as the acquisition of UNIVEG in 2006 and Rungis in 1997, both of which are key players in the fruit and vegetable supply chain. Additionally, CVC's acquisition of Heiploeg Beheer in 1995 further emphasizes their involvement in the food sector. More recently, they have expanded into other food-related areas, such as the dairy sector with the acquisition of Dodoni in 2021, showcasing their capability to leverage their investments for growth across various food categories.


10. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. In recent years, Almi Invest has participated in several transactions relevant to the food industry, including investments in Saveggy, a company focused on food technology, and Swedish Temptations (Bärta), which produces vegan and organic foods. These investments highlight Almi's commitment to supporting innovative food companies, including those involved in fruit and vegetable processing.


11. Ardian

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

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 their notable transactions, Ardian acquired Florida Food Products, a major player in the food ingredients sector, for over $1 billion, reflecting their strategy to invest in mid-and large-cap companies. Additionally, their acquisition of Frulact, a natural food ingredients supplier, for approximately €200 million further emphasizes their commitment to the food processing industry. These investments highlight Ardian's role in enhancing capabilities within the fruit and vegetable processing context, making them a relevant investor in this field.


12. EQT Group

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

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. Among their notable transactions, EQT has made significant strides in the fruit and vegetable processing industry. In August 2023, they partnered with AMFRESH Group and Paine Schwartz Partners to acquire International Fruit Genetics (IFG), merging it with AMFRESH's SNFL Group to form BLOOM FRESH International, a global breeding entity focused on table grape and cherry genetics. This acquisition highlights EQT's commitment to enhancing the fruit sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Oterra in September 2020, a company known for its natural food color solutions derived from fruits and vegetables, further emphasizes their involvement in the processing of fruit and vegetable products. These transactions illustrate EQT Group's active role in the fruit and vegetable processing industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.



Fruit and Vegetable Processing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430


Want to find more investors focusing on the fruit and vegetable processing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the fruit and vegetable processingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!