The dairy processing industry in Benelux is a dynamic sector encompassing companies that transform milk into various products, including cheese, yogurt, and dairy alternatives. With a growing consumer focus on sustainability and healthy living, firms in this industry embrace innovation to meet the demand for organic, plant-based, and functional foods. Technological advancements have enabled smarter production methods that optimize efficiency and enhance product quality. Furthermore, the push towards reducing environmental impact is leading many companies to explore alternatives such as lab-grown dairies and non-dairy substitutes, indicating a notable shift in offerings that reflects changing consumer preferences.


The investors in this list are primarily headquartered in Luxembourg, Amsterdam, and Brussels, varying from private equity to venture capital firms. Founded between 1995 and 2021, they showcase an engaging mix of sizes, with several firms operating with fewer than fifty employees while others boast thousands. In 2024, these investors collectively launched numerous deals focused on the dairy processing sector, underscoring their commitment to advancing innovative ventures in this 먹기공식 marketplace.


Top 15 Dairy Processing Investors in Benelux


1. 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. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in the dairy processing industry, exemplified by their acquisition of Dodoni, a leading Greek dairy brand, in April 2021. This acquisition aims to position Dodoni as a platform for growth in the specialty cheese sector. Additionally, CVC's diverse investment strategy includes other sectors, but their involvement in dairy processing through Dodoni highlights their capability and interest in this industry.


2. 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 customers include public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, EIB has been involved in several transactions relevant to the dairy processing industry, such as providing debt financing to Carbery Group, which raised approximately $38 million in December 2019 for its dairy processing operations. Additionally, EIB has also supported MATR Foods, which raised over $22 million in September 2024, further indicating its engagement in the food sector, including dairy. These transactions highlight EIB's active role in financing companies that contribute to the dairy processing industry, aligning with its mission to support sustainable growth.


3. 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 founded in 2001, headquartered in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across the life sciences and industrial sectors, providing high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to specific market needs. In recent years, Azelis has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the food ingredients market, particularly relevant to dairy processing. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hortimex, a Polish specialty chemicals distributor focused on food ingredients and nutraceuticals, and Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives. These strategic moves enhance Azelis' capabilities in the food and nutrition sectors, which are critical for dairy processing.


4. 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. The firm supports innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions within the dairy processing context, including leading a €16.5 million Series A funding round for Stockeld Dreamery, a Swedish alt-dairy startup focused on creating ambitious cheese alternatives. Additionally, Astanor led a €12 million Series A financing round for Standing Ovation, a startup developing animal-free casein and cheese substitutes. These investments highlight Astanor's commitment to supporting advancements in the dairy processing industry, particularly in the realm of sustainable and alternative dairy products.


5. 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 participated in funding rounds for companies like Standing Ovation, which is developing animal-free casein and cheese substitutes, and Imagindairy, which focuses on dairy alternatives. These transactions highlight their engagement in the dairy processing context, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovations that could transform the dairy industry.


6. 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 to help startups scale and succeed. Notably, Rockstart has invested in MoooFarm, a dairytech startup, participating in several funding rounds including a Pre-Seed round in 2020, a Seed round in 2021, and a Series A round in 2022, which raised a total of $13 million. This involvement highlights Rockstart's commitment to fostering innovation in the dairy processing sector, particularly through technology-driven solutions.


7. 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 venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, they have invested in Epigamia, a Greek yogurt maker, through multiple funding rounds, including Series A, B, and C, which highlights their active role in the dairy processing industry. Their portfolio also includes Oatly, a company known for its oat-based dairy alternatives, further emphasizing their engagement in the dairy sector. Verlinvest's focus on consumer needs and sustainable practices positions them as a relevant investor in the dairy processing landscape.


8. Eurofins

  • Website: eurofins.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: eurofins

Eurofins Scientific SE is a corporate investor based in Luxembourg, founded in 1987. The company operates over 900 laboratories in 62 countries, providing a wide range of analytical and testing services across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental industries. Eurofins has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in testing and diagnostics. Notably, their acquisition of Agro-Analyses in June 2016 indicates a focus on agricultural and food testing, which is pertinent to the dairy processing sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Craft Technologies in January 2018 and other laboratories further strengthens their position in the testing market, potentially including dairy products. Eurofins aims to ensure compliance and quality assurance in the products they test, making them a significant player in the food industry, including dairy.


9. Royal FrieslandCampina


Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. is a leading dairy company based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, with a history dating back to 1871. The company specializes in producing a diverse range of dairy products, including fluid milk, cheese, and infant nutrition, catering to both consumers and businesses in the food service and manufacturing sectors. FrieslandCampina is committed to sustainable practices and high-quality nutrition. The company has made significant strides in the dairy processing industry through various acquisitions, such as the acquisition of Milcobel in December 2024, which aims to strengthen its market presence. In 2012, FrieslandCampina signed a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire Imlek and Mlekara Subotica, enhancing its brand portfolio in South-East Europe. Additionally, the company increased its stake in Alaska Milk Corporation to 68.9%, making it the controlling stakeholder of one of the largest dairy companies in the Philippines. These strategic acquisitions reflect FrieslandCampina's focus on expanding its operations and enhancing its offerings in the dairy processing sector.


10. Navus Ventures

  • Website: navusventures.nl
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Navus Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies focused on sustainable food and energy solutions. With a team that boasts over 75 years of experience in technological innovation and market deployment, Navus Ventures provides active support and guidance to its portfolio companies. Notably, they have participated in several funding rounds for MoooFarm, a dairytech startup, including a $13 million Series A round in November 2022, a $2.87 million seed round in December 2021, and a $588,100 pre-seed round in November 2020. This involvement highlights their interest in the dairy processing industry, alongside their broader focus on sustainable food solutions.


11. Icos Capital


Icos Capital is a venture capital firm based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in ClimateTech investments, partnering with startups and corporations to accelerate sustainability through innovative technologies. Their focus includes sectors such as Food Systems and Circular Economy, providing funding and strategic support to help clients achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Notable transactions include their investment in PEF Technologies, a company specializing in non-thermal, energy-efficient food preservation, which could have applications in dairy processing. They also invested in MOA Foodtech, which may have relevance in food technology innovations. Their commitment to sustainability and food systems positions them as a potential investor in the dairy processing industry, particularly as the sector seeks to adopt more sustainable practices.


12. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. 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 acquisitions in the food sector, including Geia Food, which they acquired from Norwegian private equity firm Credo Partners in April 2021. This acquisition highlights Triton's engagement in the food industry, which includes dairy processing. Additionally, their past acquisitions, such as Semper and Frigoscandia Distribution, further demonstrate their active role in sectors that may intersect with dairy processing, showcasing their versatility and interest in food-related investments.


13. Wessanen Benelux (B Corp)


Wessanen Benelux (B Corp) is a corporate investor based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, specializing in organic and plant-based food products. Founded in 1765, the company has a long history of promoting sustainability and biodiversity through its diverse offerings, which include dairy-free drinks, breakfast cereals, and vegetarian spreads. Notably, Wessanen has made significant acquisitions in the dairy-alternative sector, such as the acquisition of Abbot Kinney's in 2018, a leading brand in organic almond and coconut yogurts and ice creams. This acquisition aimed to enhance Wessanen's plant-based food offerings and accelerate growth in its core categories. Additionally, Wessanen's acquisition of Abafoods, which specializes in organic vegetal drinks, further demonstrates its commitment to expanding its portfolio in the organic and plant-based market, including dairy alternatives. These transactions highlight Wessanen's strategic focus on health-conscious consumers and its role in the evolving dairy processing landscape.


14. 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 Time-Travelling Milkman, which raised funds in both 2021 and 2024, focusing on innovative dairy delivery solutions. This involvement highlights their commitment to the dairy sector. Additionally, they have invested in ChainCraft, a company that, while primarily focused on sustainable food production, reflects their interest in innovative agricultural practices. Overall, SHIFT Invest's mission to contribute to sustainability aligns well with the goals of the dairy processing industry, particularly in the context of innovation and environmental impact.


15. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, was founded in 2021 and specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition. The firm provides operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made significant strides in the dairy processing industry with its acquisition of Gläserne Molkerei from Emmi Group, which generated sales of approximately €100 million in 2022. This acquisition reflects Mutares' strategic focus on turnaround management and operational improvement in its portfolio companies, particularly in the dairy sector. Additionally, Mutares has been involved in various other transactions, but the Gläserne Molkerei acquisition stands out as a clear commitment to the dairy processing industry.



Dairy Processing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
VerlinvestBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019955
EurofinsLuxembourg10001+19878
Royal FrieslandCampinaAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+18711
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
Icos CapitalRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020054
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Wessanen Benelux (B Corp)Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-20017650
SHIFT InvestAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020094
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116


Want to find more investors focusing on the dairy processing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the dairy processingindustry, 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!