The seafood distributors industry in Benelux plays a vital role in supplying high-quality seafood products to both local and international markets. Companies within this sector range from wholesalers and processors to specialty seafood suppliers, each offering a variety of fresh and frozen products. With increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically sourced seafood, businesses are adopting innovative practices and technology to enhance traceability and quality. This shift is reshaping the market, pushing for more environmentally friendly solutions. As e-commerce grow influences, suppliers are now exploring online channels to reach a broader audience, creating exciting new opportunities.


The list of investors in Benelux showcases a mix of corporate and private equity firms, each with distinct backgrounds and specialties. They vary in size from small investment firms to large multinational corporations, with headquarters spread across Belgium and the Netherlands. Founded in different decades, they collectively signal a sustained interest in seafood distribution, as evidenced by their investment activities in 2024. Notable players include the European Innovation Council and Triton Partners, highlighting various approaches to backing companies within this sector.


Top 12 Seafood Distributors Investors in Benelux


1. Aqua-Spark

  • Website: aqua-spark.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: aquaspark

Aqua-Spark is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to investing in innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry, focusing on sustainable practices and improving production efficiency. Aqua-Spark collaborates with a global community of investors to address environmental challenges in aquaculture through research and development. Notable transactions include leading a $2.5 million investment in Matorka, an Icelandic Arctic char producer, to support its expansion and construction of a new site. Additionally, Aqua-Spark led a $12.6 million Series A funding round for Shiok Meats, which is working on producing cell-based shrimp. Other investments include Love The Wild and Oceano Fresco, further demonstrating their commitment to the seafood sector and sustainable aquaculture.


2. 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 portfolio, but it has made significant investments in the seafood sector, notably acquiring Heiploeg Beheer in 1995, a company involved in seafood distribution. Additionally, CVC acquired Rungis in 1997, which also operates in the food distribution sector, and UNIVEG in 2006, further showcasing their interest in food-related businesses. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic approach to investing in companies that can deliver sustainable value and growth, particularly in the seafood distribution industry.


3. Azelis

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

Azelis is a specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider founded in 2001, headquartered in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across the life sciences and industrial sectors, providing high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations. In recent years, Azelis has expanded its footprint in the food ingredients market through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives, enhancing their position in the Turkish food market. Additionally, their acquisition of Hortimex, a Polish specialty chemicals distributor in the food ingredients and nutraceuticals segments, aims to strengthen their presence in Poland's Food & Nutrition market. These transactions highlight Azelis' commitment to diversifying their portfolio within the food sector, which may include seafood distribution.


4. Nutreco

  • Website: nutreco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: nutreco

Nutreco is a corporate investor based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 1994. The company specializes in animal nutrition, focusing on innovative feed solutions for both livestock and aquaculture. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Nutreco is dedicated to enhancing productivity and supporting animal health through sustainable practices. Notably, Nutreco has made significant investments in the seafood sector, including the acquisition of Skretting, a leading fish and shrimp feed company in China, for approximately EUR 40 million. This acquisition aimed to strengthen their aquaculture feed business in the world's largest aquaculture feed market. Additionally, Nutreco acquired 100% ownership of Skretting Nigeria to bolster its presence in the Nigerian aquaculture industry. These strategic moves highlight Nutreco's commitment to the seafood distribution industry, as they provide essential feed solutions that support fish farming and aquaculture operations.


5. H2 Equity Partners

  • Website: h2ep.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: h2-equity-partners

H2 Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in private equity investments in mid-sized companies across various sectors, providing hands-on support and consulting services to help management teams achieve growth and operational improvements. Notably, H2 Equity Partners has made significant investments in the food sector, including the acquisition of Klaas Puul, a Dutch shrimp processor, which highlights their involvement in the seafood industry. Additionally, they acquired Oerlemans Foods, further showcasing their focus on food-related businesses. Their expertise in enhancing company performance positions them as a valuable investor in the seafood distribution market.


6. 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 in diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the seafood industry, such as its investments in Innomar Ocean Technology, which raised funds to support its growth agenda in ocean technology. Additionally, the EIC provided grants to Blue Planet Ecosystems, which may also have implications for sustainable seafood practices. These transactions highlight the EIC's engagement with companies that could impact the seafood distribution sector.


7. Louis Dreyfus Company

  • Website: ldc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1851
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: louis-dreyfus-company

Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. is a prominent corporate investor based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with a long history dating back to 1851. As a for-profit agricultural merchant and processor, the company operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation. They supply a wide range of agricultural products to businesses in the food and beverage industry, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain. Notably, Louis Dreyfus Company has made significant investments in the seafood sector, including a leading role in the $26.35 million Series B funding round for Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand, aimed at product development and market expansion. Additionally, they participated in the Series A funding for Aquaconnect, which raised $15 million and focuses on aquaculture solutions. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their interest in the seafood industry and commitment to supporting innovative companies within this space.


8. Prosus Group

  • Website: prosus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: prosus-group

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology. Notably, Prosus has made significant investments in the seafood distribution industry, including a $35 million Series A investment in Aruna, an Indonesia-based fisheries and marine platform, aimed at expanding its national footprint and improving its supply chain. Additionally, they invested in Captain Fresh, raising $57.3 million in a Series C round in 2022, which further emphasizes their commitment to the seafood sector. These transactions highlight Prosus's strategy of partnering with local entrepreneurs to foster growth and innovation in the seafood distribution market.


9. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant strides in the seafood sector by acquiring Geia Food from Norwegian private equity firm Credo Partners in April 2021. This acquisition highlights Triton's strategic interest in the seafood distribution industry. Additionally, their diverse portfolio includes other acquisitions such as Tetra, OptiGroup, and MaskMedicar, showcasing their broad investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in the seafood market through Geia Food.


10. Rabo Ventures


Rabo Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to established and transformative companies, primarily in the Food & Agri and Sustainability sectors. Rabo Ventures aims to support major transitions that positively impact society and the environment through strategic partnerships and investment management. Notably, Rabo Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the seafood industry, including investments in Kingfish Zeeland, which focuses on the production of Yellowtail Kingfish, and The Kingfish Company, which raised over $14 million in post-IPO equity. These investments highlight Rabo Ventures' commitment to the seafood sector and its potential for growth and sustainability.


11. PeakBridge


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 the 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 the global food system, making them a key player in the FoodTech sector. Notably, PeakBridge participated in a seed round for Forsea Foods, an Israeli startup that is developing cultivated eel meat, which is in high demand for traditional dishes like kabayaki and sushi. This investment highlights their commitment to sustainable seafood alternatives and innovation within the seafood distribution context. Additionally, they have been involved in other food-related investments, further solidifying their position in the FoodTech landscape.


12. Xenon Private Equity

  • Website: xenonpe.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Strassen, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: xenon-private-equity

Xenon Private Equity is a private equity firm based in Strassen, Luxembourg, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on partnering with small to medium-sized enterprises to enhance their growth and competitiveness through strategic investments and operational support. Their investment strategy emphasizes sustainable practices and responsible investing, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and waste management. Notably, Xenon Private Equity has made significant strides in the seafood industry by acquiring PanaPesca, a producer of refrigerated and frozen seafood, in January 2019. This acquisition highlights their commitment to diversifying their portfolio while actively engaging in the seafood distribution sector. Additionally, they acquired a majority stake in Tecnopool, although this transaction is not directly related to seafood. Overall, their involvement with PanaPesca positions them as a relevant investor in the seafood distributors market.



Seafood Distributors Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Aqua-SparkUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020132
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
H2 Equity PartnersAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019910
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Louis Dreyfus CompanyRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+18515
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Rabo VenturesUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands1-1020024
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188
Xenon Private EquityStrassen, Luxembourg, Luxembourg11-5020095


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