The fruit and vegetable processing industry in Benelux plays a crucial role in the region’s agribusiness sector. Companies in this market focus on refining raw produce into products like canned veggies, juices, and frozen items. This industry is benefiting from increasing consumer demand for healthy, sustainable options, spurring growth in innovative processing techniques. Moreover, advancements in technology are facilitating better shelf life, reducing waste, and allowing for greater traceability in the supply chain. The upsurge in plant-based eating is prompting companies to diversify their offerings, making the sector ripe for investment opportunities and sustainable practices.


The investment scene for fruit and vegetable processing in Benelux features a mix of venture capital, corporate, and private equity players. These investors, including Astanor and EIT Food, span various sizes, from small firms to large entities with thousands of employees. Founded between 1958 and 2019, they have collectively completed over 300 investments in 2024 alone, highlighting a significant commitment to support this growing industry. Many are strategically located in key cities like Luxembourg and Brussels, gathering momentum through collaboration with innovative companies seeking to enhance sustainability in food production.


Top 14 Fruit and Vegetable Processing Investors in Benelux


1. 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 also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the fruit and vegetable processing industry, such as providing grants to AgroSustain and Green Spot Technologies, which focus on innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, the EIC participated in a funding round for Kern Tec, a company that specializes in developing products from stone fruit seeds, highlighting its commitment to supporting advancements in the fruit processing sector.


2. 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. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector. In 2024, EIT Food was involved in several transactions, including grants and funding rounds for companies like AgroGrIN Tech and MATR Foods, which are focused on innovative solutions in the agrifood space. Notably, they also supported Phytolon, which raised significant funding in both seed and venture rounds, indicating their commitment to fostering innovation that could impact fruit and vegetable processing.


3. Astanor

  • Website: astanor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: astanor-venture

Astanor is an impact investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that specializes in the agrifood tech sector. They aim to support innovative companies that are creating sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions, including significant investments in Infarm, a Berlin-based startup focused on vertical farming, which raised $170 million in a Series C round to expand its global farming network. They also invested in Apeel Sciences, which raised $30 million to develop solutions that enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing waste and improving food sustainability. Additionally, Astanor led a Series A funding round for Stockeld Dreamery, an alt-dairy startup, indicating their broader interest in sustainable food innovations. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to driving growth and sustainability in the agrifood sector, making them a key player in the fruit and vegetable processing landscape.


4. 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, 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, CVC acquired UNIVEG in 2006 and Rungis in 1997, both of which are significant players in the fruit and vegetable processing and distribution sectors. Additionally, their acquisition of Heiploeg Beheer in 1995 further emphasizes their involvement in the food industry. While CVC also invests in various other sectors, their history of investments in companies related to fruit and vegetable processing highlights their relevance in this category.


5. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In recent years, EIB has been involved in several transactions relevant to the fruit and vegetable processing industry, such as the debt financing of Oliva AD, MATR Foods, and CrowdFarming, which focus on food production and distribution. Additionally, EIB has supported companies like Chika's WholeFoods Africa and InspiraFarms, which are engaged in food-related ventures, further demonstrating its involvement in the sector.


6. dsm-firmenich

  • Website: dsm-firmenich.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: dsmfirmenich

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, operating primarily in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, serving various industries with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges. Notably, dsm-firmenich has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the fruit and vegetable processing sector. For instance, they led a $14.5 million Series A funding round for Phytolon, an Israeli startup focused on natural colors for food and beverage applications, which is directly applicable to fruit and vegetable processing. Additionally, they co-led a $6 million Series A funding round for Chinova Bioworks, a company that develops natural preservatives, further emphasizing their commitment to innovations that can benefit the food industry. These investments highlight dsm-firmenich's strategic interest in enhancing food products through sustainable and innovative solutions.


7. Azelis

  • Website: azelis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: azelis

Azelis is a specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. Founded in 2001, the company caters to over 63,000 customers across the life sciences and industrial sectors, providing high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations. In recent years, Azelis has made significant strides in the food and nutrition market through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Hortimex Sp. z o.o., a Polish specialty chemicals distributor focused on food ingredients and nutraceuticals, to strengthen their position in Poland's Food & Nutrition market. Additionally, their acquisition of Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives, further enhances their footprint in the food sector. Azelis also acquired Agspec Australia Pty Ltd, which aims to bolster their presence in agricultural and horticultural markets, indicating a broader commitment to sectors that include fruit and vegetable processing. These transactions highlight Azelis' strategic focus on expanding its capabilities and offerings in the food ingredients space.


8. PeakBridge


PeakBridge VC is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, that specializes in FoodTech investments. The firm supports early-stage founders and businesses in the food industry by providing investment, consulting services, and access to a vast network of industry experts. Their focus is on innovative solutions that address significant challenges in the global food system, making them a key player in the FoodTech sector. Notably, PeakBridge has been involved in several transactions relevant to fruit and vegetable processing, such as Kern Tec, which raised funding to develop products from stone fruit seeds, and Rival Foods, which is expanding operations to create new protein sources. These investments highlight PeakBridge's commitment to advancing the food industry, including areas related to fruit and vegetable processing.


9. Rockstart

  • Website: rockstart.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In the AgriFood sector, Rockstart has been involved in several notable transactions. For instance, they participated in the funding rounds for Reduced, a foodtech startup that is developing plant-based flavor enhancers, which is relevant to the processing of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, they led a pre-seed round for Willicroft, an alternative cheese startup that focuses on sustainability and innovative food production methods. These transactions highlight Rockstart's active role in supporting startups that contribute to the evolution of food processing and sustainability in the AgriFood industry.


10. Verlinvest

  • Website: verlinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: verlinvest

Verlinvest is a Brussels-based venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. The firm provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has made significant investments in the fruit and vegetable processing industry, including a 24.5% stake in Mutti S.p.A., a prominent Italian tomato processing company with a strong market presence. This investment aims to enhance Mutti's international presence and product development. Additionally, Verlinvest has invested in Sambazon, a company known for its premium acai products, further showcasing their interest in the food sector. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and consumer needs, making them a relevant player in the fruit and vegetable processing investment landscape.


11. SHIFT Invest

  • Website: shiftinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: shift-invest

SHIFT Invest is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in impact investing, targeting innovative enterprises with significant potential for environmental impact. They provide funding and support to early-stage companies across various sectors, including energy transition, smart food & agriculture, and sustainable mobility. Notably, SHIFT Invest has participated in transactions such as OneThird, a Dutch-based AI-powered foodtech startup that aims to enhance fresh produce supply chains in North America and Europe. Their involvement in this startup, which raised funds in multiple rounds, highlights their commitment to supporting advancements in the food sector, particularly in areas that can improve the efficiency and sustainability of fruit and vegetable processing.


12. Prosus Group

  • Website: prosus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: prosus-group

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology. In the context of fruit and vegetable processing, Prosus has made significant investments in agtech firms like Vegrow, which raised $46 million in Series C funding in December 2023 and $25 million in Series B funding in July 2022. These investments aim to improve agricultural practices and supply chain efficiencies, which are crucial for the processing of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, Prosus has invested in companies like Prime Roots, a plant-based food company, indicating a broader interest in food innovation and sustainability.


13. Louis Dreyfus Company

  • Website: ldc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1851
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: louis-dreyfus-company

Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. is a for-profit agricultural merchant and processor founded in 1851, headquartered in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands. With over 10,000 employees, LDC operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation. The company is known for supplying a wide range of agricultural products to businesses in the food and beverage industry, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain. In recent years, LDC has been involved in several notable transactions that highlight its focus on food processing. For example, they announced the acquisition of Cacique, the largest exporter of soluble coffee in Brazil, which is part of their strategy to expand their food processing capabilities. Additionally, LDC has invested in Gathered Foods, a company focused on plant-based seafood, and Good Catch, which aims to develop innovative food products. These transactions demonstrate LDC's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in the food processing sector, including areas relevant to fruit and vegetable processing.


14. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm founded in 1997, based in Luxembourg. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the food processing sector, including the acquisition of Geia Food in 2021, which highlights their engagement in the food industry. Additionally, their past acquisitions, such as Frigoscandia Distribution and COMPO Expert GmbH, further demonstrate their capability and interest in sectors that may intersect with food processing, including logistics and agricultural products.



Fruit and Vegetable Processing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
VerlinvestBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019955
SHIFT InvestAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020094
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
Louis Dreyfus CompanyRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+18515
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976


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