The coffee equipment manufacturing industry in Europe is dynamic and innovative. It comprises a range of companies that design and produce machines, grinders, brewers, and accessories specifically for coffee. As consumer demand escalates for artisanal and professional-quality coffee experiences, manufacturers are prioritizing sustainability and advanced technology. New player startups are emerging alongside established brands, striving to meet changing market needs with eco-friendly solutions. Forecasts suggest accelerated growth driven by technological advancements and increased popularity of coffee consumption, especially in the specialty segment. This industry continues to evolve, making each sip tastier and more sustainable.


This list features a selection of 14 notable investors in the European coffee equipment manufacturing sector. They range from venture capital, corporate investors, and private equity firms to those of different sizes, such as large entities like Bunzl and specialized firms like Kima Ventures. With headquarters throughout Europe, including London, Paris, and Amsterdam, these investors have collectively made numerous deals in 2024, aimed at enhancing their portfolios in the coffee niche. Each investor, founded in varying decades, exhibits a commitment to nurturing innovation in this competitive marketplace.


Top 14 Coffee Equipment Manufacturing 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. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the coffee industry, including significant investments in Grind, a London coffee company that raised £22 million for international expansion, and Redemption Roasters, which raised $1,648,923 in equity crowdfunding. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting coffee-related businesses, making it a relevant player in the coffee equipment manufacturing sector.


2. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across 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 provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions, such as providing a $2.8 million grant to Kaffe Bueno, a Danish biotech startup focused on creating the world’s first coffee biorefinery. This initiative aims to enhance the sustainability of the coffee supply chain by repurposing used coffee grounds into valuable ingredients. This transaction highlights the EIC's engagement with the coffee industry, making it a relevant player in the coffee equipment manufacturing sector.


3. Groupe SEB

  • Website: groupeseb.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Écully, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
  • Founded year: 1857
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: groupe-seb

Groupe SEB is a consumer goods manufacturer specializing in small domestic equipment, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Écully, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. The company operates globally, focusing on innovation and quality in its product offerings. In recent years, Groupe SEB has made significant strides in the coffee equipment manufacturing sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in January 2019, they acquired Wilbur Curtis, a leading American manufacturer of professional coffee equipment, which generates over $90 million in sales. In February 2023, SEB further enhanced its position in the coffee market by acquiring La San Marco, an Italian company known for its professional coffee machines. These transactions highlight SEB's dedication to growing its presence in the coffee equipment industry, alongside its broader portfolio of culinary electrical appliances and home care products.


4. Bunzl UK and Ireland

  • Website: bunzl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1854
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bunzl

Bunzl Public Limited Company is a distribution and outsourcing company based in London, England, founded in 1854. The company specializes in providing essential items necessary for businesses to operate across various industries, including catering and hospitality. In 2024, Bunzl made a significant move by acquiring the C&C Group, which includes C&C Catering Equipment Ltd and its subsidiaries. This acquisition aims to enhance Bunzl's position in the catering equipment market, which is closely related to coffee equipment manufacturing. Additionally, Bunzl has a history of acquiring companies that serve the catering and hospitality sectors, further solidifying their relevance in this space. Their extensive distribution network allows them to effectively meet customer needs in the catering industry, including those related to coffee equipment.


5. 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 founded in 1996, headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds, with a strong emphasis on sustainable finance. In 2024, Ardian has already made 21 investments, showcasing their active role in the market. Notably, Ardian acquired a majority stake in Robot-Coupe and Magimix in July 2024, which are significant players in the coffee equipment sector. This acquisition aligns with their strategy to invest in high-quality companies with strong market positions. Additionally, their acquisition of Celli Group for €200 million in 2019 reflects their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the industrials and manufacturing sector, which may include coffee equipment manufacturing. Overall, Ardian's investment activities indicate a potential interest in the coffee equipment manufacturing industry.


6. Jab Holding Company LLC

  • Website: jabholco.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: jab-holding-company-llc

JAB Holding Company LLC is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in consumer goods and services, with a strong focus on the coffee sector. JAB has made notable investments in various coffee brands, including the acquisition of Peet's Coffee & Tea for approximately $1 billion in 2012 and the acquisition of Caribou Coffee Company for around $340 million in the same year. More recently, JAB increased its stake in JDE Peet's by acquiring shares from Mondelez for $2.3 billion in 2024. Additionally, JAB has participated in funding rounds for coffee-related services, such as Trade Coffee, a coffee subscription service. These transactions highlight JAB's commitment to the coffee industry and its potential relevance to coffee equipment manufacturing.


7. 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, while also focusing on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has made significant investments in the coffee equipment manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Kaffee Partner Holding GmbH, a coffee specialist, in 2010. This acquisition was part of their strategy to support growth in the SME coffee market. Additionally, Capvis acquired WMF Group in 2006, a company recognized for its premium kitchen and coffee equipment, further solidifying their presence in the coffee equipment industry. Their investment strategy typically involves majority holdings in mid-sized companies, and they partner with institutional investors to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities.


8. The FSE Group

  • Website: thefsegroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Fleet, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: the-fse-group

The FSE Group is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Fleet, England, established in 2002. It specializes in providing funding solutions, including business loans and equity investments, to support high-growth SMEs in the UK. The organization aims to promote economic prosperity through regional funding collaborations. Notably, The FSE Group participated in a £3.1 million investment in Origin Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster, which highlights their engagement in the coffee industry. This investment supports Origin Coffee's growth initiatives, including direct-to-consumer retail expansion and increased green coffee purchases from farmers. Although The FSE Group invests across various sectors, their involvement in coffee-related transactions positions them as a potential investor in the coffee equipment manufacturing industry.


9. BaltCap

  • Website: baltcap.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Tallinn, Harju, Estonia
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: baltcap

BaltCap is a private equity firm based in Tallinn, Harju, Estonia, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on building local businesses into internationally recognized entities through strategic investments across various sectors. Notably, BaltCap acquired Coffee Address on January 6, 2017, which indicates their engagement in the coffee industry. This acquisition highlights their capability and interest in investing in coffee-related businesses, aligning with their goal of fostering growth and sustainable development. Their diverse portfolio also includes investments in technology and healthcare, showcasing their broad investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in the coffee sector.


10. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Craft Coffee, which raised $200,000 in a seed round in September 2011, indicating their interest in the coffee industry. While they have also invested in other sectors, their involvement with Craft Coffee highlights their potential relevance to the coffee equipment manufacturing industry.


11. Waterlogic International


Waterlogic International is a corporate investor based in Maidenhead, England, specializing in hydration solutions. Founded in 1992, the company offers a range of products including water dispensers, coolers, and instant boilers, catering to businesses and organizations that require reliable hydration solutions. Waterlogic operates with a strong focus on sustainability and reducing single-use plastic waste. Notably, the company has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence, including the acquisition of Taylor Made Water Systems Inc. in 2012, which is significant as it includes coffee machines in its product offerings. Other acquisitions, such as Clear Water Group and Onesource Water, LLC, further demonstrate Waterlogic's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the beverage equipment sector. Their acquisition of Q water in 2021 and Tipperary Water Cooler in 2020 also reflects their growth strategy in related markets, reinforcing their relevance in the coffee equipment manufacturing industry.


12. PAI Partners

  • Website: paipartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1872
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: pai-partners

PAI Partners is a private equity firm based in Paris, founded in 1872, specializing in managing dedicated buyout funds and executing leveraged buyout transactions. The firm serves institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, providing access to private equity investment opportunities across various sectors. Notably, PAI Partners acquired a 67% stake in Saeco Group, a prominent Italian coffee machine manufacturer, for just over €500 million in 2004. This transaction highlights their commitment to the coffee equipment manufacturing industry. Additionally, PAI Partners has a strong track record in investment management, focusing on delivering financial returns through strategic investments, including their recent acquisitions in the food sector, which, while not directly related to coffee equipment, showcase their active investment strategy.


13. Coca-Cola HBC


Coca-Cola HBC AG is a beverage manufacturer and bottling company based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1951. The company specializes in producing and distributing a wide range of beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and ready-to-drink teas. In recent years, Coca-Cola HBC has expanded its portfolio to include coffee products, notably acquiring a 30% equity stake in the Italian coffee company Caffè Vergnano in October 2021. This acquisition not only enhances their coffee chain portfolio but also includes an exclusive distribution agreement for Caffè Vergnano’s products in territories outside of Italy. This strategic move reflects Coca-Cola HBC's commitment to diversifying its beverage offerings and tapping into the growing coffee market, although their primary focus remains on non-alcoholic beverages. The company operates in multiple countries, ensuring a steady supply of beverages to meet customer demand, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.


14. IMA Group

  • Website: ima.it
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Castenaso, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
  • Founded year: 1961
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: imagroup

IMA – Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A. is a machinery manufacturer based in Italy, founded in 1961. The company specializes in the design and production of automatic machines for processing and packaging across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and tobacco. Notably, IMA Group has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the coffee equipment manufacturing industry. In April 2019, IMA acquired a 70% stake in Spreafico Automation S.r.l., which specializes in automatic machines for filling single-serve capsules for coffee. This acquisition highlights IMA's commitment to expanding its capabilities in the coffee sector. Additionally, IMA has made other acquisitions in related fields, further solidifying its position as a key player in the machinery manufacturing landscape.



Coffee Equipment Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Groupe SEBÉcully, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France10001+18571
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Jab Holding Company LLCAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+20071
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900
The FSE GroupFleet, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200219
BaltCapTallinn, Harju, Estonia11-5019950
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Waterlogic InternationalMaidenhead, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019920
PAI PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-20018724
Coca-Cola HBCZug, Zug, Switzerland10001+19510
IMA GroupCastenaso, Emilia-Romagna, Italy5001-1000019612


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