The food processing industry in Europe is a vital sector focused on transforming raw agricultural ingredients into consumables. Operating across various segments, companies range from small artisanal producers to multinational giants, producing products like dairy, meat, and packaged goods. As consumer demand for healthier and sustainable options rises, innovation is key, with growth in plant-based, organic, and ready-to-eat offerings. Technologies such as automation and sustainability practices are reshaping production methods, aiming to enhance efficiency and minimize waste. In recent years, the sector has increasingly embraced digital tools and novel ingredients to meet evolving consumer preferences.


This article highlights 13 influential investors actively shaping the European food processing industry. Among them are private equity, venture capital, and corporate entities, with headquarters spanning France, Belgium, Switzerland, and more. Founded between 1958 and 2017, these firms vary in size from small teams managing under ten to large corporations with thousands of employees. Notable deal activity in 2024 showcases their strong engagement in supporting innovation and growth within the sector, reflecting a strategic focus on emerging trends and technologies in the food processing market.


Top 13 Food Processing 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 crowdfunding platform based in London, England, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments. The platform has a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several significant transactions in the food processing sector, notably with Heura Foods, a Barcelona-based plant-based startup. Heura Foods raised substantial amounts through Crowdcube, including over €4 million in a crowdfunding campaign in April 2022 and $4,876,119 in May 2021. Additionally, Crowdcube facilitated funding for other food-related ventures such as Yum Bug, which raised $318,822 in June 2023. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative food processing companies.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor 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 a range of 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 significant transactions within the food processing sector, such as leading funding rounds for Umiami, a Paris-based foodtech company that raised €32.5 million in 2023 and $28.9 million in 2022, and for Gourmey, a cultivated meat startup that raised €48 million in 2022. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting innovative food processing ventures.


3. 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 supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has been involved in significant transactions within the food processing sector, including a $114 million investment in Impossible Foods in 2018 and multiple funding rounds for Mosa Meat, totaling over $75 million in their Series B round. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to fostering impactful change in the food industry, particularly through advancements in sustainable food technologies.


4. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship throughout 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 across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions such as leading a $58 million Series B funding round for Infinite Roots, a Hamburg-based mycelium company, which is relevant to the food processing sector due to its potential applications in sustainable food production. Additionally, the EIC has provided grants and venture funding to other innovative companies, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting advancements that could impact the food processing industry.


5. 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. Notable transactions include Vivescia, which raised approximately $3.44 billion in 2014, and Sill Entreprises, which secured around $540.6 million in the same year. Other significant investments include Triskalia and Axereal, which raised undisclosed amounts in private equity rounds. These transactions highlight Unigrains' active role in supporting key players in the food processing industry, reinforcing their position as a vital investor in this sector.


6. 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 is dedicated to transforming 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. In 2024, EIT Food has been involved in 37 investments, including notable transactions such as a grant to Esencia Foods and multiple funding rounds for Phytolon, which raised significant amounts in both seed and grant funding. These transactions highlight EIT Food's commitment to advancing food processing and innovation within the agrifood sector. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector.


7. 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 London-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, specializing in investments in the alternative protein sector. The firm partners with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support, aiming to revolutionize food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products with sustainable alternatives. Notable transactions include participation in Memphis Meats' Series B funding round, which raised $161 million to build a pilot production facility for lab-grown meat. They also invested in Aleph Farms, which focuses on cultured meat, and Miyoko’s Kitchen, known for its plant-based dairy products. These investments reflect CPT Capital's commitment to advancing sustainable food processing solutions that address the challenges of traditional animal protein production.


8. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity established in 1998, serving as the Irish government's enterprise development agency. 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, manufacturing, and notably, food processing. In 2023, Enterprise Ireland was involved in several significant transactions within the food processing sector, providing grants to companies such as Kepak ($2,183,051), Dairygold Co-Operative Society ($1,561,540), Liffey Meats ($2,307,485), Kildare Chilling ($2,684,825), and Staunton Foods ($1,966,969). These investments highlight Enterprise Ireland's commitment to supporting the growth and development of the food processing industry in Ireland.


9. 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, based in Luxembourg, 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. Among their notable transactions in the food processing industry, CVC acquired Deoleo, a leading Spanish olive oil producer, for €438 million in 2014, and they also acquired Continental Foods Belgium SA for $528 million in 2013. Furthermore, in 2021, CVC took a majority stake in Dodoni, a well-known Greek dairy brand, aiming to expand its presence in the specialty cheese sector. These investments highlight CVC's active engagement in the food processing market, reinforcing their position as a significant investor in this industry.


10. 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 based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, 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 food processing industry, including the acquisition of Findus Sverige, a well-known frozen food brand, and Oterra, which specializes in natural food ingredients. In 2023, EQT partnered with AMFRESH Group and Paine Schwartz Partners to acquire International Fruit Genetics (IFG), merging it with AMFRESH's SNFL Group to create BLOOM FRESH International, focusing on table grape and cherry genetics. These transactions highlight EQT's active role in the food processing sector, making them a relevant investor in this field.


11. 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. The firm has made significant investments in the food processing industry, including the acquisition of Frulact, a natural food ingredients supplier, for approximately €200 million, and Florida Food Products, a major player in the U.S. market with an enterprise value exceeding $1 billion. Additionally, Ardian has acquired Frostkrone and Solina Group, further solidifying its footprint in the food processing sector. With a total of 21 investments in 2024, Ardian continues to support the growth and strategic plans of its portfolio companies, enhancing their capabilities in the food processing industry.


12. 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, serving both consumers and businesses globally. The company is committed to sustainability and providing nutritious food options. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Gerber Products Company for $5.5 billion in 2007, enhancing their position in the US baby food market. In 2006, they acquired Dreyer's for $2.4 billion, expanding their frozen dessert offerings. More recently, in 2023, Nestlé announced the acquisition of Capital Foods, the owner of the 'Desi Chinese' brand Ching’s Secret, for approximately $1 billion, which aims to strengthen their presence in the Indian FMCG market. These acquisitions highlight Nestlé's strategic focus on the food processing sector.


13. 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, including food processing. They assist companies in their growth and transformation by integrating economic and ESG considerations into their strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several transactions within the food processing industry, such as their investments in Norac Foods, Sill Entreprises, Etablissements Berni Et Cie, and Pierre SCHMIDT Charcutier-Traiteur. These investments demonstrate their active role in supporting food processing companies, helping them enhance operations and navigate market challenges. Their clientele includes business leaders from diverse sectors, indicating a broad investment strategy while maintaining a significant presence in food processing.



Food Processing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882


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