The food manufacturing industry in DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) is pivotal, known for its emphasis on quality and innovation. It features companies spanning various sectors such as dairy, baked goods, and organic foods. With a rising consumer demand for sustainable and health-conscious products, firms are adopting new technologies, including plant-based alternatives and advanced processing methods. Notably, the industry is also responding to increasing regulatory pressures on food safety and environmental impact. The focus is stoutly on both local sourcing and international competition, positioning DACH as a critical player in global food trends.


The investor landscape in DACH is characterized by a mix of venture capital firms, corporate giants, and private equity players. San Francisco rains see groups like FoodLabs, founded in Berlin, driving innovation through early-stage investments. Many of these investors range from small teams with less than ten members to large corporations with thousands of employees. In 2024, notable activity included 11 deals made by firms ranging from Beyond Impact VC to Nestlé. This mix highlights an active sector keen to play a part in the evolving food manufacturing space.


Top 13 Food Manufacturing Investors in DACH


1. 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, focusing on innovative solutions that promote alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include significant investments in companies like Impossible Foods, which raised $114 million in 2018, and Rebellyous Foods, which secured $3 million in a seed round the same year. Additionally, Blue Horizon has invested in The EVERY Company, participating in multiple funding rounds, including a $40 million Series B in 2019. These investments underscore Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting impactful change in the food manufacturing sector, particularly in areas that enhance sustainability and innovation.


2. 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. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Gerber Products Company in 2007 for $5.5 billion, enhancing its position in the US baby food market, and the acquisition of Hsu Fu Chi in 2011 for $1.7 billion, which expanded its confectionery offerings. Additionally, Nestlé acquired Yinlu in 2018, further diversifying its product range. These strategic acquisitions highlight Nestlé's active role in the food manufacturing industry.


3. FoodLabs

  • Website: foodlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-food-labs

FoodLabs is an investment firm and food technology incubator based in Berlin, founded in 2016. They focus on supporting innovative startups in the food tech sector, providing investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. In recent transactions, FoodLabs has been involved with companies like Project Eaden, which raised significant funding in both Seed and Series A rounds to develop proprietary technology for food products. Additionally, they have shown interest in companies like Infinite Roots, which is focused on mycelium production, indicating a commitment to innovative food manufacturing processes. These activities highlight FoodLabs' role in fostering advancements in the food manufacturing landscape.


4. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Their investment portfolio includes notable transactions in the food manufacturing sector, such as GOURMEY, which raised funds in both Pre-Seed and Series A rounds, and The EVERY Company, which secured $40 million in Series B funding. Additionally, they have invested in Wicked Foods, further emphasizing their commitment to innovative food solutions. Beyond Impact VC caters to accredited investors and organizations looking to support compassionate and innovative business models in the food industry.


5. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE is a leading chemical distributor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1874. The company connects chemical manufacturers and users, providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals, along with value-added services. Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas. In recent years, Brenntag has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the food manufacturing sector. Notably, in June 2021, they acquired JM Swank Co., a US-based food ingredients distributor, for an enterprise value of USD 304 million, which significantly expanded their Nutrition business in North America. Additionally, they have acquired Trend Gida in 2008 and Colony Gums in 2023, further solidifying their commitment to the food industry. These transactions demonstrate Brenntag's active role in the food manufacturing supply chain, making them a relevant investor in this sector.


6. Tet Ventures

  • Website: tet.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: tetvc

Tet Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm is dedicated to investing in teams that are focused on rebuilding the global food system, with a strong emphasis on the food technology sector. They provide not only financial support but also advisory services to startups, helping them tackle significant challenges within the industry. Notable transactions include a $6 million seed round investment in Planet A Foods, which aims to innovate within the food sector, and participation in funding rounds for Kingdom Supercultures, a supplier of microbial cultures that are essential for natural ingredients in food manufacturing. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to advancing food technology and sustainable practices in food production.


7. Thia Ventures

  • Website: thiaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: thia-ventures

Thia Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies that operate at the intersection of food, biotech, and health. Thia Ventures provides funding and support to innovative startups aiming to transform food systems and improve health outcomes. Their portfolio includes notable investments such as Gourmey, a French cultivated meat startup that raised €48 million in a Series A round, and Bond Pet Foods, which closed a $17.5 million Series A funding round to expand its meat protein portfolio. Additionally, they invested in Chromologics, a biotech company focused on natural food color production, and Liberation Labs, which develops precision fermentation platforms for alternative protein production. These transactions highlight Thia Ventures' active role in the food manufacturing sector, particularly in innovative and sustainable food solutions.


8. Good Seed Ventures

  • Website: goodseedventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: good-seed-ventures

Good Seed Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm is dedicated to investing in sustainable food solutions, providing financial support, strategic guidance, and fostering collaboration among industry players to drive innovation in the food sector. Notable transactions include investments in Chunk Foods, an Israeli startup focused on meat alternatives using fermentation technology; Libre Foods, which is developing mycelium-based alt meats; and SuperMeat, a company working on lab-grown chicken products. These investments highlight Good Seed Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative food manufacturing solutions that aim to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability in the food industry.


9. Barry Callebaut Group


Barry Callebaut Group, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading chocolate manufacturer and cocoa processor operating within the food and beverage industry. The company specializes in producing a wide array of chocolate and cocoa products for various customers, including multinational manufacturers and artisanal users. Barry Callebaut emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing in its operations. The company has been actively involved in several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence and product offerings. Notable transactions include the acquisition of AM Foods, which specializes in chocolate and cappuccino vending mix products, and American Almond, which expanded their portfolio in adjacent ingredients. Additionally, the acquisition of Stollwerck, a German chocolate company, and La Morella Nuts, a Spanish nut company, further solidified their position in the chocolate and nut product markets. These acquisitions reflect Barry Callebaut's commitment to growth and innovation in the food manufacturing sector.


10. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and offers a range of investment solutions to institutional investors, private banks, and individual investors. Notably, Partners Group has made significant investments in the food manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Hofmann Menu Manufaktur, a leading provider of customized 'cook & freeze' products, and a 53.69% majority stake in Hortifruti Hortigil, a Brazilian food retailer. These strategic investments highlight their commitment to the food industry while maintaining a diverse investment portfolio that includes various sectors.


11. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has made 9 investments in 2024. Notably, Possible Ventures has participated in several significant transactions in the food manufacturing sector. For instance, they were involved in the seed round for Fable Food, which raised $4.8 million, focusing on plant-based food products. They also participated in the pre-seed funding for Farmless, a startup aiming to innovate in food production, and in the Series A funding for Meatable, a cultivated meat startup that raised $47 million. These investments highlight Possible Ventures' engagement in the food manufacturing industry, particularly in innovative and sustainable food solutions.


12. Amcor

  • Website: amcor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: amcor

Amcor is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1864. The company is a leading packaging manufacturer that specializes in providing innovative and responsible packaging solutions across various industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. Amcor is committed to sustainability, aiming to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. In recent years, Amcor has been active in the food packaging sector, as evidenced by their acquisition of Detmold Flexibles, an Australian packaging business, which enhances their capabilities in flexible packaging for food products. Additionally, their acquisition of Sonoco and Murugappa Group further demonstrates their strategic focus on expanding their packaging solutions. Amcor also participated in funding rounds for companies like ePac Flexible Packaging and Circolution, which are involved in flexible and sustainable packaging solutions, further solidifying their role in the food manufacturing context.


13. Dr. Oetker

  • Website: oetker.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1891
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: dr--oetker

Dr. Oetker is a prominent corporate investor based in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees. Founded in 1891, the company specializes in a diverse range of baking and frozen food products, catering to both consumers and businesses. Dr. Oetker is known for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, adapting to changing consumer preferences while maintaining a strong presence in the global food market. The company has been actively involved in several significant acquisitions in the food manufacturing sector, including:1. **Tag El Melouk Food Industries** - Acquired in June 2018, this company is a leader in baking products, enhancing Dr. Oetker's capabilities in this area.2. **Galileo Lebensmittel KG** - Announced in March 2023, this acquisition of a frozen pizza snack manufacturer further solidifies Dr. Oetker's position in the frozen food market.3. **Kuppies** - Acquired in September 2021, this Indian start-up marks Dr. Oetker's entry into the ready-to-eat cakes and desserts segment, showcasing its interest in expanding into new product categories.4. **Conditorei Coppenrath & Wiese GmbH & Co. KG** - This acquisition in March 2015 of a German frozen bakery company allowed Dr. Oetker to broaden its frozen food offerings.5. **Mavalério** - Acquired in July 2019, this leading decorative confectionery manufacturer in Brazil helps Dr. Oetker expand its footprint in the Brazilian baking category.These strategic acquisitions highlight Dr. Oetker's focus on growth within the food manufacturing industry, making it a significant player in this sector.



Food Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
FoodLabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201611
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
Tet VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020204
Thia VenturesPlan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020213
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
Barry Callebaut GroupZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+19960
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
Dr. OetkerBielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18910


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