The fruit farming industry in Europe is vital for food production and local economies. It includes a broad range of companies, from small family farms to large agribusinesses, specializing in various fruits like apples, grapes, and berries. The industry is increasingly focused on sustainable practices, with many firms adopting eco-friendly farming techniques and innovating in technology for better yield and quality. As consumer demands grow for organic and locally sourced produce, the market is shifting towards sustainability-driven strategies. Europe leads in agri-tech advancements, showing promising trends toward a more efficient and environmentally responsible farming future.


The list includes a mix of 14 investors specializing in fruit farming, comprised of corporate and venture capital firms. Headquartered across significant cities like London, Paris, and Brussels, these investors vary in size, with most managing between 11 to 200 employees. Founded between 1963 and 2017, they have collectively completed numerous deals in 2024, with notable participation from EIT Food and Bpifrance French Tech Accélération. Their diverse investment strategies reflect a strong interest in supporting sustainable agricultural innovations.


Top 14 Fruit Farming Investors in Europe


1. Unigrains

  • Website: unigrains.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1963
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: unigrains

Unigrains is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1963. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains specializes in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors, providing financial and strategic support to businesses to help them adapt to market changes. The firm has supported more than 1,000 companies and manages significant assets aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notably, Unigrains has been involved in several transactions relevant to the fruit farming industry, including investments in Compagnie Fruitiere, a company focused on fruit production, and Vegafruits, which also operates within the fruit sector. These transactions highlight Unigrains' commitment to supporting businesses that are integral to the fruit farming landscape.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They focus on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agricultural sector, including Babylone Growers, which raised $2,409,340 in Series A funding for its operations in fruit farming. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Champerché, which also has ties to agriculture. However, their portfolio includes diverse sectors, such as aquaculture with Lisaqua, indicating a broader investment strategy beyond just fruit farming.


3. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It 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. Among its notable transactions, the EIC has supported AgroSustain with a grant of $2,891,688 in 2021, which focuses on sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, it provided a $2.5 million grant to Clarifruit, a startup specializing in fresh produce quality analysis, as part of a $6 million seed round. These investments highlight the EIC's engagement in the agricultural and fruit farming sectors, showcasing its role in promoting innovative solutions within these industries.


4. The Yield Lab

  • Website: theyieldlab.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Killiney, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: theyieldlab

The Yield Lab is a venture capital firm based in Killiney, Dublin, Ireland, founded in 2014. It specializes in agrifood technology investments, providing early-stage companies with venture capital funding, access to a global network of experts, and educational resources. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Terviva, which raised $20 million in a Series D funding round and $3.7 million in a Series B round, indicating a strong focus on agricultural innovation. Additionally, they have invested in Foodshed.io and Covercress, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting advancements in the agrifood sector. These transactions highlight The Yield Lab's active role in fostering innovations that can positively impact fruit farming and the broader agricultural landscape.


5. 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 relevant to the fruit farming industry, such as Zero Carbon Farms, which raised over $5.7 million for sustainable farming initiatives, and Freshis, which raised approximately $350,000. Additionally, Yasai, which focuses on fresh produce, raised around $1.7 million through a convertible note. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative agricultural ventures.


6. 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 to startups like Kokomodo, which raised $216,309, and AgroGrIN Tech, which also received funding. These transactions highlight EIT Food's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the agrifood sector, which can include fruit farming initiatives. Their focus on grants and non-equity assistance suggests a strategy to empower startups without taking ownership stakes, allowing for a diverse range of projects, including those in fruit farming.


7. Cibus Capital

  • Website: cibusfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cibus-fund

Cibus Capital LLP is a London-based investment advisory firm founded in 2017, specializing in sustainable food and agriculture. They focus on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to improve food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital's clients are primarily businesses in the food and agriculture sectors seeking to innovate and enhance their operations. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Duijvestijn Tomaten, a tomato producer, as part of their initiative to establish The Flavour Farm, which aims to create a network of premium cultivation locations in Europe. Additionally, they have invested in AeroFarms, a company that is expanding its product range to include berries, showcasing their commitment to fruit farming. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their active role in the fruit farming industry.


8. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity investment management firm based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies (ETIs) in their growth, offering investment management services and strategic guidance. IDIA Capital Investissement focuses on various sectors, including agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Compagnie Fruitiere, a key player in the fruit industry, which raised funds in 2015. They also participated in funding Agrial, a cooperative that operates in the agro-food sector, raising over $64 million in 2014. Other investments include Triskalia and Océalia, both of which are involved in the food supply chain. These transactions highlight IDIA's commitment to the agro-food sector, making them a relevant investor in the fruit farming industry.


9. 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 focused on creating sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the fruit farming industry, including Infarm, a Berlin-based startup that raised substantial funding to expand its vertical farming network, and Apeel Sciences, which raised $30 million to develop solutions that extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Their portfolio also includes Smallhold, which focuses on decentralized mushroom farming, and La Ruche qui dit Oui, a platform that connects consumers with local food producers. These investments highlight Astanor's commitment to enhancing sustainability and innovation within the agrifood sector, making them a key player in the fruit farming landscape.


10. Katapult

  • Website: katapult.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They focus on tech startups that address global challenges, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. In 2022, Katapult made significant investments in the agricultural sector, including Johannas Stadsodlingar, which raised $374,037, and Complete Farmer, which secured funding in a seed round. These investments highlight Katapult's interest in supporting innovative solutions in food production and urban farming, which are crucial for the fruit farming industry. Additionally, their portfolio includes companies like Legendary Foods Africa and Afrikamart, which, while not exclusively focused on fruit farming, contribute to the broader agricultural ecosystem.


11. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a strong commitment to mutuality and social responsibility. In recent years, Crédit Agricole has shown a growing interest in the agricultural sector, participating in several funding rounds for startups focused on sustainable farming practices. Notably, they supported Les Nouvelles Fermes, which is developing one of Europe's largest urban aquaponics farms, and La Ferme Intégrale, which is expanding its aquaponics concept. Additionally, their investment in Omie & Cie, a sustainable food startup, highlights their focus on agricultural partnerships and innovation. These transactions reflect their engagement in the agricultural landscape, including potential fruit farming initiatives.


12. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that pursue scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. The firm provides funding and active incubation to support innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has invested in Pairwise Plants, which raised $40 million in a Series C round in September 2024 and is dedicated to developing genetically enhanced fresh produce in North America using CRISPR technology. They also participated in Pairwise's earlier funding rounds, including a $90 million Series B in 2021 and a $25 million Series A in 2018, both aimed at advancing agricultural gene modification technology. Additionally, Leaps by Bayer invested in Apollo Agriculture, which raised $40 million in Series B funding in March 2022, focusing on improving agricultural practices and food production. These transactions highlight Leaps by Bayer's active role in the fruit farming industry through its support of innovative agricultural technologies.


13. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agricultural sector, including Grönska, a startup focused on indoor vertical farming, which received financial support from Almi to scale its GrowOff solution. Additionally, Almi invested in Spowdi, a company that manufactures energy-efficient, solar-powered water pumps designed for small-scale farming, highlighting their commitment to supporting innovations that can benefit fruit farming and agriculture as a whole. Other investments include Kloverbergsgarden and Saveggy, which further demonstrate Almi's engagement in the agricultural industry.


14. Grosvenor

  • Website: grosvenor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1677
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: grosvenor

Grosvenor Group Limited is a corporate investor based in London, England, with a rich history dating back to 1677. The firm specializes in property development and investment, but it has also made significant strides in the food and agtech sectors. Notably, Grosvenor has been involved in several transactions that highlight their commitment to sustainable agriculture and food production. They played a key role in the restructuring of AeroFarms, a leading indoor farming company, which has plans to expand its product offerings to include berries, thus directly engaging in fruit farming. Additionally, Grosvenor's recent investment in The Jackfruit Company further emphasizes their focus on the fruit sector. Their diverse portfolio and commitment to enhancing community wellbeing through sustainable practices position them as a notable investor in the fruit farming industry.



Fruit Farming Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
The Yield LabKilliney, Dublin, Ireland11-5020142
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
Cibus CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020172
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
GrosvenorLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100016775


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