The bakery product manufacturing industry in Europe is vibrant and multi-faceted, producing a wide array of items including bread, pastries, and cakes. Firms range from small artisanal bakeries to large multinational corporations, each contributing unique flavors and innovations to the market. Demand is increasing for healthier and sustainable options, prompting companies to explore organic ingredients and novel baking methods. Additionally, technology is enhancing production efficiency, and online sales are becoming more prevalent. As consumer preferences shift, the industry is likely to see greater diversification and investment in high-quality, ready-to-eat products.


The list features various investors, primarily private equity firms with headquarters spread across Europe, including notable locations like Paris and London. These firms vary in size from small to large institutions, with deal counts reflecting active engagement in the bakery sector. Most of these firms were founded between the 1980s and the 2000s, signifying both legacy and modernity in investment strategies. Notably, they have collectively completed numerous investments in 2024, highlighting a strong interest in bakery product manufacturing.


Top 13 Bakery Product Manufacturing 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 London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the food industry, including Hoxton Bakehouse, which raised $637,658 in June 2022, indicating their engagement in the bakery product manufacturing sector. Additionally, they have funded other food-related businesses such as Snowflake Luxury Gelato and Hackney Gelato, showcasing their broader interest in the food and beverage market.


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 made several investments in the bakery product manufacturing sector, including Brioche Pasquier, a prominent player in the bakery market, and Biscuits Bouvard, which also operates within this space. Additionally, they have invested in Moulins Dumee, a company involved in flour milling, which is a critical component of bakery production. These transactions highlight Unigrains' strategic focus on enhancing the bakery product manufacturing industry, making them a relevant investor in this category.


3. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, including bakery product manufacturing. Notably, they have invested in several companies within the bakery industry, such as La Mie Câline, which raised over $16 million in 2008, and La Compagnie des Desserts, which received funding in 2007. Additionally, they have supported French Desserts in 2022 and Norac Foods in 2005, further demonstrating their commitment to the bakery sector. Crédit Mutuel Equity integrates economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies, assisting bakery businesses in their growth and transformation while navigating market challenges.


4. 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 investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Recently, CVC has made significant strides in the bakery product manufacturing sector by acquiring Berlys, a notable player in the industry, and Grupo Monbake, a leading frozen dough company in Spain, for approximately 1,000 million euros. These acquisitions highlight CVC's commitment to investing in the bakery sector and its potential for growth.


5. 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 Paris-based investment management firm founded in 1996, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. With a global presence and a focus on sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients, which include institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the bakery product manufacturing sector, acquiring Cérélia Group, a French bakery group with revenues of nearly EUR500 million, and Berlys, further strengthening its portfolio in this industry. Additionally, Ardian's acquisition of Berlys included plans to merge it with Bellsolà, creating a stronger entity in the bakery sector with combined revenues of approximately €300 million. These strategic moves highlight Ardian's commitment to enhancing its investments in the bakery manufacturing space and supporting the growth of its portfolio companies.


6. 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 private equity investment firm founded in 1994, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the bakery product manufacturing industry, including the acquisition of Vaasan Baking, a leading baking business in the Nordic and Baltic regions, and Qinyuan Bakery, which further solidifies their presence in the bakery sector. Additionally, EQT acquired a majority stake in BackWerk, a German bakery chain, showcasing their ongoing commitment to investing in food-related businesses. These transactions highlight EQT's strategic focus on the bakery industry within their broader investment portfolio.


7. 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. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector. Notably, EIT Food has been involved in several transactions relevant to the bakery product manufacturing context, such as providing grants to Rebread, which focuses on sustainable bread production, and Eatch, which may also relate to food innovation. These transactions highlight EIT Food's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the food industry, including bakery products.


8. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items. The company is committed to sustainability and provides nutritious and convenient food options globally. Notably, Nestlé has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence, including the acquisition of Hsu Fu Chi in 2011 for $1.7 billion, which may include bakery-related products. Additionally, their acquisition of Garoto in 2002 and Dreyer's in 2006 further demonstrates their expansion in the food sector. These transactions highlight Nestlé's active role in the food industry, which includes bakery products, making them a significant player in this market.


9. 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. It operates across various sectors, including branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, and financial investments. Orkla offers a diverse range of products, particularly in food, snacks, health, and personal care. In the bakery product manufacturing context, Orkla has made significant acquisitions to enhance its market position. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Igos, a Danish company specializing in fruit fillings and bakery products, and Zeelandia Sweden AB, a bakery ingredients supplier. These strategic moves aim to strengthen Orkla's presence in the Nordic market and expand its product assortment in the bakery sector. Additionally, Orkla acquired Struer Brød, a Danish cereal manufacturer, further solidifying its commitment to bakery-related products.


10. IK Partners

  • Website: ikpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in mid-market investments across Europe, focusing on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has made significant investments in the bakery product manufacturing industry, acquiring companies such as Cérélia Group on May 26, 2015, Mademoiselle Desserts on May 4, 2018, and Continental Bakeries on January 1, 1999. These acquisitions highlight IK Partners' commitment to enhancing growth and creating long-term value in the bakery sector, making them a relevant player in this industry.


11. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Coopland & Son, a bakery chain, providing £7.7m in 2020 and £8.5m in 2017 to facilitate the expansion of their shops and production facilities. Additionally, BGF has invested in Crêpeaffaire, a food business that, while not exclusively a bakery, operates in the food sector and has plans for significant growth. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in supporting the bakery product manufacturing industry.


12. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity 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 provides investment management services and strategic guidance to help clients navigate investment complexities and achieve sustainable growth. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Moulins Dumee, which is likely involved in flour production, a key ingredient in bakery products. They also participated in funding for Cafes Folliet, Polenghi Group, and Eurial Group, which, while not directly related to bakery products, indicate their active role in the food sector. Their acquisition of Henri Raffin further demonstrates their commitment to the agro-food industry, reinforcing their relevance to bakery product manufacturing.


13. 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, that provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their investments, Almi has participated in funding rounds for companies like Swedish Temptations, which produces vegan and organic foods, indicating their engagement in the food industry. This involvement suggests that Almi is not limited to a specific sector but is open to supporting various businesses, including those in bakery product manufacturing.



Bakery Product Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
Orkla ASAOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20171
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947


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