The meat processing industry in the Nordics is crucial to achieving food security while balancing sustainability. Companies vary from large processors to innovative startups, focusing on pork, beef, and plant-based alternatives. Key players prioritize animal welfare, sustainable practices, and high-quality products. This region is known for technological advancements in processing techniques, with an increasing focus on plant and lab-grown proteins gaining traction. Industry experts highlight the necessity of embracing environmentally friendly strategies while catering to evolving consumer preferences. As demand for sustainable meat solutions continues, the Nordics' meat processing industry is well-positioned for significant growth over the next decade.


The list of meat processing investors includes a mix of private equity firms, corporate investors, and venture capital funds, primarily headquartered in Stockholm and Copenhagen. Established between 1980 and 2017, these investors range in size from micro-funds to major corporations, with a 2024 total of 36 notable investments. Their strategic choices reflect a broad interest in transforming traditional meat processing while exploring alternative meats. Motivated by sustainability and efficiency, these firms are shaping the future of the Nordic food industry through financial backing and innovative solutions.


Top 12 Meat Processing Investors in the Nordics


1. 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 founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired Færch Plast A/S, a leader in rigid plastic packaging for ready meals and protein food trays, highlighting their engagement in the meat processing supply chain. Additionally, they have invested in various sectors, including food-related businesses, which further demonstrates their broad investment strategy and capability to influence the meat processing industry.


2. Orkla ASA

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

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 has made significant investments in the food sector, enhancing its presence in the meat processing industry. In 2015, Orkla acquired Anamma Foods, a Swedish company specializing in frozen vegan products that serve as meat alternatives, indicating a strategic interest in the meat processing market. Furthermore, their acquisition of Arne B. Corneliussen in 2017, a company focused on food ingredients, aligns with their growth strategy in the food industry. These transactions highlight Orkla's commitment to expanding its footprint in the food sector, including meat processing and alternatives.


3. Danish Crown


Danish Crown is a corporate investor based in Randers, Denmark, founded in 1887. It is one of the largest meat processing companies in Europe, specializing in the production and sale of high-quality pork and beef products. The company serves a diverse customer base, including food retailers and wholesalers, and emphasizes food safety and sustainability in its operations. In recent years, Danish Crown has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the meat processing market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Sokolow, a leading processed meat products processor in Poland, for $246 million, and the purchase of Teterower Fleisch, the fifth-largest cattle slaughterhouse in Germany, to enhance its beef division. Other acquisitions include Bacon Specialist Zandbergen and Charkuterifabriken Sverige, further showcasing Danish Crown's strategic focus on expanding its capabilities in the meat processing sector.


4. Mudcake

  • Website: mudcake.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: trellisroad

Mudcake is an investment microfund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2020. They specialize in supporting startups in the food industry, providing capital and resources primarily in pre-seed and seed rounds. Mudcake operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies across multiple continents. Notably, they have invested in Mission Barns, a cellular agriculture company, and THIS, a London-based alternative meat brand, both of which are significant players in the meat processing sector. Additionally, they have supported Project Eaden, which focuses on innovative food technologies, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing the food industry, including meat alternatives. Their investments reflect a strong alignment with the evolving landscape of meat production and processing.


5. Novo Holdings

  • Website: novoholdings.dk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: novo-a-s

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development, providing capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. In recent years, Novo Holdings has expanded its investment portfolio to include companies in the food and ag tech sectors, particularly those innovating in the meat processing industry. Notable transactions include a Series A investment in Roslin Technologies, which aims to become a leading provider of animal cell lines for the cultivated meat sector, and a €22 million investment in The Protein Brewery, which focuses on alternative protein production. These investments highlight Novo Holdings' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in meat processing and alternative protein sources.


6. Altor Equity Partners

  • Website: altor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: altor

Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners through tailored investment strategies and digital transformation solutions. Altor has made several notable investments in the meat processing industry, including the acquisition of Meyn Food Processing Technology, a key player in meat processing technology, and Haarslev Industries, which specializes in equipment and services for the meat processing sector. Additionally, Altor's acquisition of Euro Cater and Hamlet Protein further demonstrates their engagement in the broader food and animal feed sectors, which are closely related to meat processing.


7. Marel

  • Website: marel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Garðabær, Garðabær, Iceland
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: marel

Marel is a corporate investor based in Garðabær, Iceland, founded in 1983. As a leading manufacturer of food processing equipment, Marel specializes in providing advanced solutions for the poultry, meat, fish, and prepared foods industries. They offer a comprehensive range of products, including processing machinery, software solutions, and maintenance services, aimed at improving efficiency and product quality through automation and innovative technology. Notably, Marel has made significant acquisitions in the meat processing sector, including the acquisition of Sulmaq, a Brazilian company focused on hog and cattle slaughtering lines, which enhances their market presence in Central and South America. They also acquired PMJ, a global provider of advanced processing solutions for the duck industry, further expanding their capabilities in meat processing. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Marel's commitment to the meat processing industry and its goal to be a full-line provider of processing solutions.


8. Nordic Foodtech VC


Nordic Foodtech VC is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in deep foodtech innovations aimed at transforming the food system. They primarily support startups in the Nordics and Baltics that develop sustainable and health-oriented food technologies. Notably, Nordic Foodtech VC has invested in companies like Melt&Marble, which focuses on cultured meat products, and Nordic Umami Company, which is involved in food technology innovations. Their investment strategy reflects a commitment to advancing the food technology sector, including areas that intersect with meat processing, thereby contributing to the evolution of sustainable food solutions.


9. Finnfund

  • Website: finnfund.fi
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: finnfund

Finnfund is a not-for-profit development financier and impact investor based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1980. The organization focuses on creating sustainable futures by investing in companies that address global development challenges, particularly in developing countries. Finnfund provides investment and advisory services to promote economic growth and sustainability across various sectors. Among their notable transactions, Finnfund has invested in EthioChicken, an Ethiopian company specializing in poultry production, securing a total of $15 million in funding over multiple rounds. This investment aims to enhance food security and job creation in the region. Additionally, Finnfund provided a $5 million senior loan to Nafoods Group, a Vietnamese food processor, further demonstrating their engagement in the food processing industry. These transactions highlight Finnfund's commitment to supporting sustainable practices within the meat processing sector.


10. Heartcore Capital

  • Website: heartcore.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: heartcorecapital

Heartcore Capital is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies and focuses on building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs to support their growth. In 2022, Heartcore participated in a notable investment in Gourmey, a French cultivated meat startup that raised €48 million in a Series A round, marking it as the largest Series A round for a cultivated meat startup. This investment highlights Heartcore's interest in innovative food technologies, particularly in the meat processing sector. Additionally, they have been involved in other food-related startups, showcasing their broader engagement in the food industry.


11. Creandum

  • Website: creandum.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: creandum

Creandum is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. They specialize in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in building global, category-defining companies across various sectors, including fintech and health tech. Creandum provides venture capital investment, strategic support, and networking opportunities to startups, nurturing them from seed to IPO. Notably, they have invested in Project Eaden, which raised significant funding to develop proprietary technology for food products, indicating their interest in the food sector. This aligns with the meat processing industry, as innovative food technology can encompass meat processing solutions. Additionally, their investment in Stockeld Dreamery, a company focused on plant-based dairy alternatives, further demonstrates their engagement in the food industry, which may intersect with meat processing innovations.


12. Novax

  • Website: novax.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: novax-ab

Novax is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in supporting and developing small and medium-sized growth companies across various sectors, including health, technical security, sustainable food, and digital retail infrastructure. In recent years, Novax has made significant investments in the food industry, including the acquisition of MSK Ingredients, a UK leader in specialty ingredients for the food sector, and Louis François SAS, a French developer of specialty functional ingredients. These transactions highlight Novax's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in the food industry, particularly in areas that may intersect with meat processing. Additionally, their investment in Prolupin, a plant-based protein company, showcases their interest in innovative food solutions, which can be relevant to the evolving landscape of meat processing.



Meat Processing Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Orkla ASAOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20171
Danish CrownRanders, Denmark10001+18870
MudcakeStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020203
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
MarelGarðabær, Garðabær, Iceland5001-1000019830
Nordic Foodtech VCHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-1020197
FinnfundHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland51-20019807
Heartcore CapitalCopenhagen, Denmark11-50200717
CreandumStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-50200317
NovaxStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019993


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