The food processing machinery industry in the Nordics is vital for enhancing food production efficiency. This sector includes companies developing equipment for the meat, fish, and dairy processing industries, focusing on automation and sustainability. Innovations here aim to improve food safety, reduce waste, and increase throughput, meeting rising consumer demands for quality and variety. Interestingly, Nordic firms are notable for their commitment to eco-friendly solutions, tackling challenges like energy consumption and resource shortages. The industry's trajectory suggests substantial growth, driven by technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and a push for enchanting food experiences through superior processing techniques.


The investors in the food processing machinery sector reveal an interesting mix of corporate entities and private equity firms predominantly headquartered in Sweden and Norway. Their sizes vary widely from small investment microfunds to large companies with thousands of employees. With foundations ranging from the 1880s to the 2010s, these investors collectively made over 70 transactions in 2024, underscoring recent active engagement and strategic interest in the industry. As the market evolves, their varying backgrounds and investment styles shape a dynamic investment landscape.


Top 14 Food Processing Machinery Investors in the Nordics


1. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company operates as part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various technology and industrial sectors. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. In recent years, Indutrade has made several strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of ATLINE ApS in 2024, which specializes in in-line sampling and quality assurance for the pet food and feed industries. This acquisition highlights Indutrade's commitment to expanding its footprint in the food processing machinery sector. Other notable acquisitions include Tebra Messenindustrie and the Typhoon Group, which, while not directly related to food processing, demonstrate Indutrade's focus on companies that provide innovative industrial solutions. Overall, Indutrade Life Science is positioned as a significant player in the industrial sector with a growing interest in food processing technologies.


2. 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 founded in 1994, based in Stockholm, Sweden. It specializes in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital, serving institutional investors with expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the food processing machinery context, including the acquisition of Cimbria, which provides equipment for the agricultural and food processing industries. Additionally, their acquisition of Færch Plast A/S, a leader in rigid plastic packaging for ready meals and protein food trays, further highlights their engagement in the food sector. These strategic investments reflect EQT's commitment to supporting growth and innovation in industries that intersect with food processing.


3. Altor Equity Partners

  • Website: altor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: altor

Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in providing consulting services across various sectors, including technology and consumer products, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Notably, Altor has made significant investments in the food processing machinery industry, including the acquisition of Meyn Food Processing Technology in 2005 and Haarslev Industries in 2012. These transactions highlight Altor's strategic focus on enhancing capabilities within the food processing sector, alongside other investments in companies like Euro Cater and Piab Group Holding, which further demonstrate their active role in the food processing machinery market.


4. Orkla ASA

  • Website: orkla.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: orkla-asa

Orkla ASA is a leading industrial investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. It operates across various sectors, including branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, and financial investments. Orkla offers a diverse range of products, particularly in food, snacks, health, and personal care. The company serves both consumers and businesses, providing high-quality branded goods and solutions. Notably, Orkla has made significant acquisitions in the food processing sector, including:1. **Igos**: Acquired through its subsidiary Odense Marcipan, Igos specializes in fruit fillings and bakery products, enhancing Orkla's product assortment in Scandinavia and Northern Europe.2. **Hamé**: A leading branded food company in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this acquisition significantly increased Orkla's presence in Central Europe.3. **Kanakis**: A Greek ingredients business, this acquisition reflects Orkla's strategy to expand its portfolio in food ingredients.4. **Zeelandia Sweden AB**: A bakery ingredients supplier, this acquisition aims to strengthen Orkla's position in the Nordic market.These transactions highlight Orkla's active role in the food processing industry, making it a relevant player in the food processing machinery sector.


5. Marel

  • Website: marel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Garðabær, Garðabær, Iceland
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: marel

Marel is a leading corporate investor based in Garðabær, Iceland, specializing in the development and manufacturing of advanced food processing equipment. Founded in 1983, Marel focuses on providing innovative solutions for the poultry, meat, fish, and prepared foods industries. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, including processing machinery, software solutions, and maintenance services, aimed at improving efficiency and product quality through automation. Marel has made significant investments in the food processing machinery sector, including the acquisition of Wenger Manufacturing LLC for USD 540 million, which expands its reach into pet food and plant-based proteins. Additionally, Marel acquired PMJ, enhancing its position in the duck processing market, and Sulmaq, which strengthens its presence in Central and South America for hog and cattle processing. Other notable acquisitions include AEW Thurne and Sleegers Technique, both of which contribute to Marel's extensive portfolio in food processing solutions. These strategic moves underline Marel's commitment to advancing technology and efficiency in the food processing industry.


6. Mudcake

  • Website: mudcake.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: trellisroad

Mudcake is an investment microfund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in supporting startups within the food industry, providing capital and resources primarily in pre-seed and seed rounds. Their investment strategy aims to foster innovation in food production, distribution, and consumption. Notable transactions include investments in NuCicer, an agri-food technology company focused on enhancing chickpea protein production, and Project Eaden, which raised funds for innovative food solutions. Although Mudcake's primary focus is not explicitly on food processing machinery, their involvement in the food sector and related technologies positions them as a potential investor in this area.


7. Kale United

  • Website: kaleunited.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: kaleunited

Kale United is an investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in sustainable food production through impact investments in plant-based and foodtech companies. They cater to both individual and institutional investors who are interested in supporting the transition to a plant-based lifestyle while achieving financial returns. Notable transactions include a $2 million investment in Cultimate Foods in 2024, which focuses on innovative food solutions, and participation in funding rounds for companies like Nordic SeaFarm, which aims to produce plant-based crops from the sea. Their investments in companies like De Novo Foodlabs and Fermify further demonstrate their commitment to advancing food technology and sustainability in the food industry.


8. Indutrade AB

  • Website: indutrade.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-ab

Indutrade AB is a technology and industrial group based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company operates through over 200 subsidiaries, providing a wide range of industrial and technological products across various sectors, including infrastructure, medical technology, and energy. Indutrade emphasizes decentralized leadership and long-term relationships with its customers and partners. Notably, Indutrade has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its presence in the food processing machinery sector, such as the acquisition of Alflow Scandinavia A/S, which specializes in flow components for the pharmaceutical, food, and industrial markets. This acquisition, along with others like CKJ Steel AS, which supplies engineering solutions to the pharmaceutical industry, showcases Indutrade's commitment to expanding its capabilities in sectors that intersect with food processing machinery.


9. Lagercrantz Group AB

  • Website: lagercrantz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: lagercrantz

Lagercrantz Group AB is a technology group based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2001. The company operates approximately 80 subsidiaries that provide specialized technical solutions across various sectors, focusing on niche markets. Their business model emphasizes acquisitions and organic growth, catering primarily to business customers seeking tailored technology solutions. Notably, Lagercrantz has made significant acquisitions in the food processing machinery sector, including Asept International AB, which specializes in dispensing systems for liquidized foods, and Nikodan Conveyor Systems A/S, known for high-quality belt conveyors and product handling solutions. These strategic acquisitions enhance Lagercrantz's capabilities in the food processing machinery industry, contributing positively to their earnings and expanding their market presence.


10. Lifeline Ventures


Lifeline Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and advisory services to entrepreneurs. Lifeline Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Solar Foods, which raised significant funding to develop its air protein factory. This aligns with the food processing machinery industry as it represents innovative food production technology. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Altum Technologies, which, while not directly related to food processing machinery, showcases their interest in technology-driven companies. Overall, Lifeline Ventures supports resilient founders and innovative solutions, making them a potential player in the food processing machinery sector.


11. Alfa Laval

  • Website: alfalaval.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lund, Skåne, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1883
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: alfa-laval

Alfa Laval is a manufacturing and engineering company founded in 1883, based in Lund, Skåne, Sweden. The company specializes in heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling solutions, serving various industries including food processing, marine, and pharmaceuticals. Alfa Laval's extensive product range and global service network support businesses in optimizing operations and meeting environmental standards. Notably, in August 2022, Alfa Laval acquired Desmet, a Belgian company recognized for its engineering and supply of processing plants specifically for the edible oils sector, which had a turnover of approximately EUR 300 million in 2021. This acquisition underscores Alfa Laval's strategic focus on enhancing its offerings in the food processing machinery domain. Other acquisitions, such as Hutchison Hayes Separation and Sandymount Technologies, further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their technological capabilities, although these are more aligned with energy and separation equipment. Overall, Alfa Laval's activities in the food processing sector, particularly through the Desmet acquisition, position them as a relevant investor in food processing machinery.


12. Finnfund

  • Website: finnfund.fi
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: finnfund

Finnfund is a not-for-profit development financier and impact investor based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1980. Their mission is to create sustainable futures by investing in companies that address global development challenges, primarily in developing countries. Finnfund provides investment and advisory services to promote economic growth and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, they have invested in Nafoods Group, a Vietnamese food processor, through a $5 million senior loan, highlighting their commitment to the food processing industry. Additionally, they have been involved in other transactions such as Twiga Foods and Yalelo Limited, which, while not directly related to food processing machinery, indicate their broader engagement in the food sector.


13. Norvestor

  • Website: norvestor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: norvestor-equity-as

Norvestor is a private equity firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on partnering with medium-sized Nordic businesses to support their growth and development. Norvestor emphasizes sustainability in its investments and has a diverse portfolio that includes various sectors. Notably, they have made significant acquisitions in the food processing machinery context, including MMC First Process in 1997 and Aalesundfisk in 1996, both of which are relevant to the food industry. Their acquisition of PG Group (dba PG Flow Solutions) in 2014 further showcases their interest in companies that may intersect with food processing technologies. Overall, Norvestor's strategic investments reflect a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and market presence in the sectors they engage with.


14. Procuritas

  • Website: procuritas.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: procuritas-ab

Procuritas is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1986. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, partnering with entrepreneurs and business owners to provide capital and strategic guidance aimed at achieving market leadership. Procuritas has a diverse portfolio that includes various industries, notably e-commerce and healthcare. Among their significant transactions, they acquired Gram Equipment AS, a prominent Danish supplier of advanced ice cream machines, in 2010, highlighting their involvement in the food processing machinery sector. In 2017, they also acquired DSI Freezing Solutions A/S, which provides freezing solutions essential for food processing. These transactions reflect Procuritas's commitment to fostering long-term growth in sectors that include food processing machinery.



Food Processing Machinery Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
Orkla ASAOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20171
MarelGarðabær, Garðabær, Iceland5001-1000019830
MudcakeStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020203
Kale UnitedStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020182
Indutrade ABStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden5001-1000019781
Lagercrantz Group ABStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-500020016
Lifeline VenturesHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-10200914
Alfa LavalLund, Skåne, Sweden10001+18830
FinnfundHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland51-20019807
NorvestorOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5019893
ProcuritasStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019860


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