The soft drink manufacturing industry in the DACH region includes producers of carbonated beverages, juices, and health-focused drinks. Key players range from major corporations to innovative startups, each offering unique flavors to cater to evolving consumer tastes. Increasing health consciousness is pushing the industry towards lower-sugar products and functional beverages designed for wellness. The emphasis on sustainability is evident as companies explore eco-friendly packaging and production methods. As consumer preferences shift, the industry is expected to embrace both technology and creativity, paving the way for fresh concepts and healthier drink options.


This list highlights a diverse mix of investors in the DACH soft drink sector, including corporate giants like Coca-Cola HBC and venture firms like Döhler Ventures. Located in cities such as Zug and Darmstadt, these investors range from established companies with over 10,000 employees to nimble startups. Founded as early as 1864, these players have collectively completed various deals, significantly influencing industry dynamics. With 2024 deal counts in focus, these investors reflect a blend of tradition and innovation, each seeking opportunities to drive growth in the beverage market.


Top 13 Soft Drink Manufacturing Investors in DACH


1. 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, while also focusing on nutritious and convenient food options. In recent years, Nestlé has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the beverage market, particularly in the soft drink sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Henniez, a well-known bottled water brand, in 2007, and the purchase of Essentia Water, a leading alkaline water brand, in 2021, which aligns with the growing demand for premium and functional beverages. Additionally, Nestlé acquired Princes Gate Spring Water in 2018 to bolster its water division in the UK. These investments reflect Nestlé's commitment to expanding its beverage offerings and capitalizing on market trends in the soft drink industry.


2. Coca-Cola HBC


Coca-Cola HBC AG is a leading beverage manufacturer and bottling company based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1951. The company specializes in producing and distributing a diverse range of beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and ready-to-drink teas. Coca-Cola HBC serves both business and consumer markets, catering to various tastes and preferences. The company has a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, operating in multiple countries to ensure a steady supply of beverages. Notably, Coca-Cola HBC has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the soft drink sector, including the acquisition of Lurisia, an Italian mineral water and sparkling beverage firm, for €88 million in 2019, and the acquisition of the super-premium mixer brand Three Cents for €45 million in 2022. These transactions highlight Coca-Cola HBC's focus on expanding its presence in the soft drink manufacturing industry.


3. Döhler Ventures


Döhler Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in empowering early-stage startups within the Nutrition & Technology sectors, providing both investment and support to help these companies grow and navigate financial challenges. Their long-term, entrepreneurial approach fosters innovation in these industries. Notably, Döhler Ventures participated in the Series A funding round for Olipop, a California-based prebiotic beverage maker, which raised $10 million to support its expansion. This investment highlights their engagement in the beverage sector, particularly with health-focused products. Additionally, they have invested in Lyre's Spirit Co, a company that produces non-alcoholic spirits, further demonstrating their interest in innovative beverage solutions.


4. Givaudan

  • Website: givaudan.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1895
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: givaudan

Givaudan is a leading manufacturer based in Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in flavors, fragrances, and active cosmetic ingredients. Founded in 1895, the company has a significant presence in the food and beverage industry, providing innovative sensory solutions that help brands create appealing products. Givaudan's strategic acquisitions, such as Drom Fragrances, Ungerer & Company, and DDW The Color House, highlight their commitment to expanding their flavor and ingredient offerings. The acquisition of Ungerer & Company, for instance, is expected to add approximately $250 million in sales, aligning with Givaudan's strategy to strengthen its position in the flavors sector, which is vital for soft drink manufacturers. Additionally, their acquisition of DDW, The Color House, further enhances their Taste & Wellbeing business, indicating a focus on natural colors and flavors that are increasingly sought after in the beverage industry.


5. Bitburger Ventures


Bitburger Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Bitburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm focuses on investing in mission-driven founders and supports them in reshaping their industries by providing not only financial capital but also access to networks and expertise for sustainable growth. Their investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including food, health, and technology. Notably, Bitburger Ventures has participated in funding rounds for companies in the beverage industry, such as Waterdrop, which raised significant capital to support its global expansion and R&D efforts. This involvement highlights their interest in innovative beverage solutions, making them a relevant player in the soft drink manufacturing sector.


6. 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 specializes in providing innovative and responsible packaging solutions across various sectors, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. Amcor is committed to sustainability, aiming to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. In the context of soft drink manufacturing, Amcor has been involved in several acquisitions that enhance its packaging capabilities. For instance, their acquisition of Bella Prima Packaging in 2014 and Nampak Flexible in 2015 demonstrates their strategy to expand their flexible packaging offerings, which are vital for beverage companies. Additionally, the acquisition of Detmold Flexibles in 2013 further strengthens their position in the flexible packaging market, which is essential for soft drink manufacturers looking for high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions.


7. 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 aimed at enhancing production efficiency and sustainability for manufacturers and bottlers. Notably, Krones has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the beverage sector. In 2019, they acquired Unicorn Industries Private Limited, a specialist in turnkey solutions for food and beverage production, which strengthened their global process technology network. In 2023, Krones acquired Ampco Pumps for $100 million, aiming to enhance profitability in the Process Technology segment. Additionally, their acquisition of Till GmbH, a company specializing in direct digital decoration systems for containers, further demonstrates their focus on the beverage industry. These transactions highlight Krones' commitment to advancing technology and solutions that directly benefit soft drink manufacturers.


8. Symrise AG

  • Website: symrise.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Holzminden, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: symrise

Symrise AG is a corporate investor based in Holzminden, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1874. The company specializes in the production of flavors and fragrances, serving various industries including food and beverage, cosmetics, and pet food. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Symrise operates globally, focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance product appeal. In recent transactions, Symrise has shown its commitment to the food and beverage sector by participating as a strategic investor in EvodiaBio, which raised significant funding to expand its operations in the bio-industrial space. Additionally, their acquisition of Citratus Fragrâncias in Brazil demonstrates their strategy to strengthen their market position in Latin America, which includes the soft drink market. These activities highlight Symrise's relevance and active role in the soft drink manufacturing industry.


9. Egeria REI GmbH Ijzendoorn & Co. KG


Egeria REI GmbH Ijzendoorn & Co. KG is a private equity investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in partnering with healthy businesses to drive sustainable growth through strategic investments. Egeria operates primarily in the Netherlands, the DACH region, and North America, providing capital and management expertise to businesses seeking to expand. Notably, Egeria has been involved in several acquisitions in the food and beverage sector, including the acquisition of United Dutch Breweries in 2011, which is directly related to soft drinks. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of Royal Herkel in 2008 and Royal Sanders in 2015, both of which are involved in the broader food and beverage industry. These transactions highlight Egeria's capability and interest in investing in companies that could be relevant to the soft drink manufacturing sector.


10. Oyster Bay Venture Capital

  • Website: oysterbay.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: oysterbayvc

Oyster Bay Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2018. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies within the food and beverage technology sector, providing financial resources and strategic support to founders aiming to innovate along the food value chain. Their focus is on impact-driven startups that address societal challenges related to food production and consumption. Notably, they have invested in Dropz, a Switzerland-based producer of healthy beverages, which secured CHF 2.5 million in a seed funding round led by Oyster Bay. This investment highlights their commitment to the beverage industry, particularly in the healthy segment, further solidifying their relevance in the soft drink manufacturing context. Additionally, they have been involved in other transactions such as Oatly and Peas of Heaven, which, while not directly related to soft drinks, showcase their broader interest in innovative food and beverage solutions.


11. 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, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of OETTINGER Brauerei in 1995, which operates in the beverage sector, and GETI WILBA GmbH & Co. KG in 2008. These transactions highlight the firm's engagement in the beverage industry, particularly with OETTINGER Brauerei, which aligns with the soft drink manufacturing context. The firm's approach to helping businesses navigate challenges related to succession, growth, and restructuring further emphasizes its commitment to fostering sustainable development in the sectors it invests in.


12. BackBone Ventures

  • Website: backbone.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: backbone-ventures

BackBone Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, particularly focusing on underrepresented founders in Germany and Switzerland. They provide funding and support to entrepreneurs across various industries, including HealthTech and B2B SaaS. Notably, BackBone Ventures has invested in Dropz, a producer of healthy beverages, which secured CHF 2.5 million in a seed funding round led by Oyster Bay, with participation from BackBone Ventures. This investment highlights their engagement in the soft drink manufacturing sector, particularly in the healthy beverage market. Additionally, they have been involved in other transactions, such as investments in foodtech startups, which may also intersect with beverage production.


13. ALPLA Group

  • Website: alpla.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hard, Vorarlberg, Austria
  • Founded year: 1955
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: alpla

ALPLA Group is a corporate investor based in Hard, Vorarlberg, Austria, founded in 1955. The company specializes in innovative plastic packaging solutions and serves various industries, including food and beverages. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, ALPLA operates globally with a strong emphasis on sustainability and customer satisfaction. Notably, ALPLA has been involved in several significant transactions that enhance its position in the beverage packaging market. For instance, the acquisition of Star East Pet in 2017 aimed to bolster their production capacities for PET preforms, which are crucial for soft drink packaging. Additionally, their acquisition of Wolf Plastics in 2021 further expands their product portfolio in Central and South-Eastern Europe, potentially increasing their reach in the beverage sector. These strategic moves underline ALPLA's commitment to supporting the soft drink manufacturing industry through high-quality packaging solutions.



Soft Drink Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
Coca-Cola HBCZug, Zug, Switzerland10001+19510
Döhler VenturesDarmstadt, Hesse, Germany1-1020143
GivaudanVernier, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18950
Bitburger VenturesBitburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany1-1020180
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
KronesNeutraubling, Bavaria, Germany10001+19512
Symrise AGHolzminden, Lower Saxony, Germany10001+18742
Egeria REI GmbH Ijzendoorn & Co. KGBerlin, Berlin, Germany51-20019970
Oyster Bay Venture CapitalHamburg, Hamburg, Germany1-1020183
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
BackBone VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-10201810
ALPLA GroupHard, Vorarlberg, Austria10001+19552


Want to find more investors focusing on the soft drink manufacturing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the soft drink manufacturingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!