The food processing machinery industry in DACH includes companies focused on designing and manufacturing equipment for food production, packaging, and preservation. This sector is known for its innovation, integrating advanced technologies like automation and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and sustainability. Organizations range from large corporations to startups, which cater to the growing demand for healthier and environmentally friendly food solutions. As consumer preferences shift towards plant-based products and sustainable practices, the industry is adapting, fostering investments in breakthrough technologies. Recent trends show a surge in automation and AI-driven solutions, which are expected to shape the future of food processing.

The list features various investor types, including venture capital, private equity, and corporate entities, all strategically based across the DACH region. Investors range from small firms to major corporations, showcasing a range of company sizes from 1 to over 10,000 employees. Founded between 1864 and 2021, these investors engaged in numerous deals in 2024, reflecting their proactive commitment to innovation within the food processing machinery domain. With a combined total of investments spanning diverse segments, the investors underscore the importance of funding technologies that enhance food production and processing methods.

Top 13 Food Processing Machinery 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 supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions in the food sector. Notable transactions include a seed investment in New School Foods, a plant-based seafood maker, and NuCicer, an agri-food technology company focused on enhancing chickpea protein production. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting advancements in food production technologies, which are integral to the food processing machinery industry.

2. Capvis AG

• Website: capvis.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1990
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: capvis

Capvis AG is a private equity firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including healthcare and industrial technology. Capvis partners with institutional investors, such as pension funds, to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. Notably, Capvis has made significant investments in the food processing machinery sector, including the acquisition of ProXES Group, a leader in process technology for the food industry, in May 2017. This acquisition highlights Capvis's commitment to enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies in the food processing machinery space. Additionally, Capvis has a history of acquiring companies like Soudronic and WMF Group, which, while not exclusively focused on food processing machinery, contribute to their diverse investment strategy. Overall, Capvis AG's strategic focus on growth and market enhancement positions it as a relevant investor in the food processing machinery industry.

3. 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 specializes in investing in teams that are dedicated to transforming the global food system, with a strong emphasis on food technology. They provide both financial support and advisory services to startups tackling critical challenges in the food industry. Notable transactions include Chef Robotics, which raised $11.15 million in a Seed Round, focusing on automation in food preparation, and Prolific Machines, which raised $55 million in a Series B round, likely aimed at enhancing food processing efficiency. These investments highlight Tet Ventures' commitment to advancing technology in the food processing sector.

4. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

• Website: dbag.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1965
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: deutsche-beteiligungs-ag

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG) is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1965. The firm specializes in investments in mid-sized companies, providing capital and advisory services to enhance growth potential. DBAG has a diverse portfolio, primarily focusing on sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare. However, they have also made significant investments in the food processing machinery sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Stephan Machinery GmbH, a company specializing in food processing machinery, and the management buyout of Romaco Group, which manufactures industrial machinery for food processing. Additionally, their investment in Abbelen, a prepared foods company, highlights their commitment to the food industry. With over 55 years of experience, DBAG operates a successful fund advisory business and has demonstrated a clear interest in the food processing machinery market through these strategic acquisitions.

5. Amcor

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

Amcor is a leading packaging manufacturer founded in 1864, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The company specializes in providing innovative and responsible packaging solutions across various industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Amcor aims to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. In recent years, Amcor has expanded its capabilities in the food processing machinery sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in May 2023, Amcor announced the acquisition of Moda Systems, a New Zealand-based manufacturer of automated protein packaging machines, enhancing their offerings for the meat, poultry, and dairy industries. This acquisition reflects Amcor's strategy to provide end-to-end packaging solutions tailored to the food processing sector. Additionally, their acquisitions of flexible packaging businesses, such as Zhongshan Tian Cai Packaging and Phoenix Flexibles, further demonstrate their commitment to enhancing production capabilities and product offerings in sustainable packaging solutions for food-related applications.

6. Krones

• Website: krones.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1951
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: krones-ag

Krones AG, founded in 1951 and based in Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in technology solutions for the beverage and food industries. With over 10,000 employees and reported revenues of €4.7 billion, Krones provides a comprehensive range of products including process technology, filling and packaging machines, and digital services. The company primarily serves manufacturers and bottlers aiming to enhance production efficiency and sustainability. Krones has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, such as acquiring a 25% stake in Perfinox to bolster its research and development capabilities in food production, and the acquisition of Ampco Pumps for $100 million to enhance its profitability in the Process Technology segment. Additionally, Krones acquired Unicorn Industries, a specialist in turnkey solutions for food and beverage production, further strengthening its global process technology network. These transactions highlight Krones' focus on enhancing its offerings in the food processing machinery sector.

7. Hannover Finanz

• Website: hannoverfinanz.de
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with a focus on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable acquisitions, including VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH, which specializes in food processing machinery, and GETI WILBA GmbH & Co. KG, which also operates in the food sector. Their portfolio includes companies like WMU Heat Treatment Systems for Industry and Environmental Technology GmbH and Technotrans, showcasing their diverse investment approach while maintaining a significant presence in the food processing machinery industry. This strategic focus on family-owned businesses allows them to support growth and navigate challenges in various sectors, including food processing.

8. Sictic

• Website: sictic.ch
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 77
• LinkedIn: sictic

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. In 2024, SICTIC has been active in various funding rounds, including significant investments in companies like Luya Foods, which raised $5,907,477 in a Series A round, and Yeastup, which secured $9,955,146 in a Series A round. These transactions highlight SICTIC's engagement in the food sector, particularly in companies that may be involved in food processing and production, aligning with the interests of food processing machinery investors.

9. GEA Group

• Website: gea.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1881
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: geagroup

GEA Group AG is an industrial technology supplier based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in machinery and systems for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Founded in 1881, GEA Group has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of production processes for its business customers. The company has been actively involved in the food processing machinery industry, as evidenced by its recent acquisitions. Notably, GEA acquired de Klokslag, a leading supplier of equipment for semi-hard cheese production, to strengthen its capabilities in the dairy sector. Additionally, the acquisition of Comas, an Italian provider of industrial processing equipment for cakes and pastries, further solidifies GEA's position in sophisticated process technology for the food industry. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of Bellucci Orlando e c. S.r.l., which enhances GEA's offerings in the Italian dairy farming market, and Centrifuges Unlimited Inc., which expands their processing equipment portfolio. These strategic moves highlight GEA Group's commitment to the food processing machinery sector.

10. 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 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 a diverse range of companies, such as Liberation Labs, which focuses on precision fermentation for alternative protein production, and Pow.bio, which is expanding operations with a demonstration plant in California. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Bond Pet Foods, which is scaling up production of meat protein alternatives. These investments highlight Thia Ventures' commitment to supporting advancements in food technology and processing, making them a significant player in the food innovation landscape.

11. 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, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers with users across various industries. With over 10,000 employees and serving approximately 195,000 customers, Brenntag provides a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals along with value-added services. Notably, Brenntag has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its presence in the food processing sector. For instance, their acquisition of A1 Cake Mixes and the UK bakery ingredients suppliers Kluman and Balter Limited in 2017 demonstrates their commitment to the food industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Colony Gums in 2023 further strengthens their Life Science portfolio, which includes food applications. These transactions highlight Brenntag's active role in the food processing machinery context, as they supply essential ingredients and chemicals that are integral to food production processes.

12. 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 invested in companies like Meatable, a cultivated meat startup that raised $47 million to advance production methods, and Pow.bio, which focuses on innovative food production technologies. These investments indicate Possible Ventures' engagement in the food technology sector, which is closely related to food processing machinery. Their portfolio also includes Farmless, which aims to expand its operations in the food industry, further highlighting their interest in food-related innovations.

13. 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 is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Hofmann Menu Manufaktur, a leading provider of customized 'cook & freeze' products, which directly relates to food processing. Additionally, their acquisition of Ammeraal Beltech, a manufacturer of conveyor belts, highlights their involvement in machinery that supports food processing operations. These investments reflect Partners Group's diverse portfolio and their engagement in sectors that intersect with food processing machinery.

Food Processing Machinery Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Blue Horizon	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2016	2
Capvis AG	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	11-50	1990	0
Tet Ventures	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2020	4
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	51-200	1965	2
Amcor	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	10001+	1864	0
Krones	Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany	10001+	1951	2
Hannover Finanz	Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany	11-50	1979	2
Sictic	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
GEA Group	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1881	1
Thia Ventures	Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland	1-10	2021	3
Brenntag	Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1874	8
Possible Ventures	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2021	9
Partners Group	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19

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