The condiment and sauce manufacturers industry in Europe is a vibrant sector focused on creating flavors that enhance culinary experiences. Companies range from large multinationals to small, artisanal producers, offering a variety of products including sauces, dressings, marinades, and condiments. The industry is increasingly leaning toward health-conscious and sustainable options, with fermentation and natural ingredients gaining popularity. Innovations in packaging and convenience are also changing the game, attracting more consumers and opening up new markets. This dynamic industry continues to adapt to shifting consumer preferences, indicating robust growth potential in both premium and eco-friendly product segments.


This list features a blend of corporate, private equity, and venture capital investors mainly from Europe, including Luxembourg, Paris, and London. Established from 1963 to 2017, these firms vary in size from small startups to multinational corporations, employing anywhere from 10 to over 10,000 people. Noteworthy is the 2024 investment activity, ranging from mergers to direct funding, showcasing how these entities invest in the condiment and sauce space to drive growth and innovation.


Top 13 Condiment and Sauce Manufacturers 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, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the condiment and sauce manufacturers sector, including Lucy's Dressings, which raised $241,940 in November 2019, and Kumar's Curry Club, which raised $212,144 in September 2022. These investments highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting businesses that produce condiments and sauces, further solidifying their position as a relevant investor in this industry.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the food industry, including investments in L'Angélys, which raised $12,256,795 in a venture round in December 2020, and Umiami, a Paris-based foodtech company that has raised significant funding across multiple rounds, including €32.5 million in October 2023 and $28,878,899 in April 2022. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's engagement in the food sector, making them a relevant player in the condiment and sauce manufacturers space.


3. 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 Paris-based private equity firm founded in 1963, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains has supported more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notably, they have made strategic investments in companies relevant to the condiment and sauce industry, such as their acquisition of a minority stake in Huilerie Cauvin, which specializes in premium vegetable oils. This investment aligns with the production of condiments and sauces, as oils are key ingredients in many of these products. Additionally, their involvement in other food-related ventures, such as La Tourangelle and Stoeffler, further demonstrates their commitment to the food sector, making them a relevant player in the condiment and sauce manufacturing space.


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 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 made notable investments in the food sector, particularly in condiment and sauce manufacturers. For instance, they acquired Continental Foods Belgium SA in 2013 for approximately $528 million, a company known for its range of sauces and condiments. Additionally, CVC is in exclusive discussions to acquire Panzani, a brand with a strong presence in the pasta and sauce market, for €550 million. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic focus on the food industry, particularly in areas related to condiments and sauces, showcasing their commitment to delivering sustainable value and growth in this sector.


5. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several transactions relevant to the food sector, such as funding for Irish Yogurts and Dairy Concepts, which are closely related to the condiment and sauce industry. Additionally, they provided grants to companies like Gino's Gelato and Ingredient Solutions, indicating their active role in supporting food-related businesses.


6. 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 wide range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. Recently, Nestlé has made significant acquisitions in the condiment and sauce sector, including the purchase of Ankerkraut, a spice manufacturer, for up to 200 million euros, which highlights their focus on expanding their portfolio in this area. Additionally, their ongoing acquisition of Capital Foods, the owner of the 'Desi Chinese' brand Ching’s Secret, for approximately $1 billion, further emphasizes their strategic interest in the condiment market, particularly in the growing ready-to-cook category in India.


7. Unilever

  • Website: unilever.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1872
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: unilever

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. It offers a diverse range of products, including food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Unilever aims to make sustainable living commonplace through its extensive product offerings. In the condiment and sauce sector, Unilever has made significant acquisitions, including Sir Kensington's, a New York-based condiment maker known for its organic and natural products, which was acquired in April 2017. This acquisition is expected to enhance Unilever's Foods & Refreshment category. Additionally, Unilever acquired Amora Maille, a French mustard maker, for £460 million in November 1999, aiming to position Maille as a global delicatessen brand and increase its market share in Europe. These strategic moves highlight Unilever's commitment to expanding its presence in the condiment and sauce market.


8. CPT Capital

  • Website: cptcap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cpt-capital

CPT Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in the alternative protein sector, partnering with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support aimed at revolutionizing food and materials technology. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address the challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notably, CPT Capital has participated in funding rounds for companies like New Culture, which produces animal-free dairy products, and Motif FoodWorks, which focuses on plant-based food technology. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting companies that are innovating within the food industry, potentially including those that develop plant-based condiments and sauces.


9. 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 various sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired Classic Fine Foods in 2011, a company that plays a significant role in the gourmet food distribution market, including sauces and condiments. In 2020, they also acquired Oterra, a company focused on natural colors and flavors, which are essential components in the condiment and sauce manufacturing industry. These strategic investments highlight EQT's commitment to the food sector, particularly in areas that intersect with condiment and sauce production.


10. 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. In recent transactions, EIT Food has been involved with companies like Phytolon, which raised funds in both seed and grant rounds, and MATR Foods, which received non-equity assistance. While these transactions do not specifically highlight condiment or sauce manufacturers, they indicate EIT Food's active role in supporting innovative food-related ventures, which could potentially include condiments and sauces in the broader context of food innovation.


11. 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 strategies. They assist companies in their growth and transformation, catering to business leaders seeking to enhance operations and navigate market challenges. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several transactions relevant to the condiment and sauce industry, including investments in Pierre SCHMIDT Charcutier-Traiteur, which specializes in food products, and Routin, known for its syrups and sauces. These transactions highlight their engagement in the food sector, particularly in areas related to condiments and sauces.


12. 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 Frulact, a natural food ingredients supplier, for approximately €200 million in 2020, which is directly relevant to the condiment and sauce industry. They also acquired Solina Group, a company involved in food solutions, in 2015, further emphasizing their commitment to the food sector. Additionally, their investment in My Pie, a company specializing in supermarket hot snacks, showcases their interest in food-related businesses. These transactions highlight Ardian's strategic focus on enhancing capabilities within the food industry, making them a significant player in the condiment and sauce manufacturers space.


13. 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 based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF typically invests between €1 million and €10 million in various sectors, including food production. Notable transactions include investments in THIS, an alternative meat brand that raised £11 million to expand its product offerings, and Dublin Meat Company, which specializes in food production. These investments reflect BGF's commitment to supporting innovative food companies, which may include those in the condiment and sauce manufacturing sector.



Condiment and Sauce Manufacturers Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
UnileverLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18720
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153


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