The food processing industry in Benelux is vital, showcasing a rich blend of companies optimizing raw materials into essential and innovative food products. A mix of multinational corporations and agile startups fuels this industry, offering a broad spectrum of processed foods, ranging from dairy to plant-based items. This sector emphasizes sustainability and efficiency, encouraging the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and practices. With a growing focus on healthier options and environmental responsibility, industry players are increasingly investing in advanced manufacturing processes, positioning themselves for future growth as consumer preferences evolve.


The list of investors in the Benelux food processing sector varies greatly, spanning corporate giants and venture capital upstarts. The majority of investors have headquarters in Belgium, Luxembourg, or the Netherlands, indicating a strong regional commitment to the industry. Their sizes range from small firms to industry behemoths, with investments made predominantly in recent years. In 2024, they completed a significant number of deals, showcasing their appetite for innovation and growth within food processing.


Top 15 Food 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 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 leading a $58 million Series B funding round for Infinite Roots, a Hamburg-based mycelium company, which has potential applications in food processing. Additionally, the EIC has provided grants and venture funding to companies like MOA, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovative solutions that may intersect with the food processing industry.


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 founded in 2016, based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. 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. In 2024 alone, EIT Food was involved in 37 investments, including notable transactions such as a grant to Esencia Foods and multiple funding rounds for Phytolon, which raised significant amounts in both seed and grant funding. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector, particularly in food processing and innovation.


3. 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, based in Luxembourg, 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. Noteworthy transactions in the food processing sector include the acquisition of Deoleo, a leading Spanish olive oil producer, for €438 million in 2014, and the acquisition of Continental Foods Belgium SA for $528 million in 2013. Additionally, CVC has invested in Dodoni, a Greek dairy brand, aiming to leverage its growth potential in the specialty cheese sector. These investments highlight CVC's commitment to the food processing industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


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. They are dedicated to supporting innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions in the food processing context, including a €32.5 million financing round for Umiami, a Paris-based foodtech company, and a $30 million Series B funding for Plantible Foods, which focuses on duckweed protein. Additionally, they led a €12 million Series A round for Standing Ovation, a startup developing animal-free casein and cheese substitutes. These investments demonstrate Astanor's commitment to advancing food technology and sustainability in the food processing industry.


5. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In recent years, the EIB has been involved in several significant transactions within the food processing industry, such as providing debt financing to MATR Foods, which raised approximately $22.2 million in September 2024, and Oliva AD, which secured about $54.8 million in June 2023. Additionally, the EIB supported Carbery Group with $38.8 million in debt financing in December 2019, and participated in a venture round for Chika's WholeFoods Africa in December 2021. These investments highlight the EIB's commitment to promoting growth and job creation in the food processing sector, making it a relevant player in this industry.


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. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the company provides a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. As an investor, dsm-firmenich has shown a keen interest in the food processing industry through its venture capital arm, DSM Venturing. Notable transactions include a $14.5 million investment in Phytolon, an Israeli startup focused on natural colors for food and beverage applications, and a €12 million investment in Paleo, a Brussels-based startup aiming to produce GMO-free products. Additionally, their investment in Chinova Bioworks, which raised $6 million to enhance food preservation technologies, highlights their commitment to innovation in food processing. These investments reflect dsm-firmenich's strategy to support sustainable and health-oriented advancements in the food sector.


7. 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. Notable transactions include a €6 million Series A funding round for Rival Foods, aimed at expanding operations and developing new protein sources, and participation in the €12 million Series A round for Standing Ovation, a startup focused on microbial casein, which is relevant to the production of animal-free cheese substitutes. These investments demonstrate PeakBridge's commitment to advancing food processing technologies and solutions.


8. 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 corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in the distribution of specialty chemicals and providing innovation services. Founded in 2001, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial applications. In recent years, Azelis has strategically expanded its footprint in the food processing industry through several key acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Hortimex, a Polish 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 solidifies their commitment to the food sector. They also acquired Ingredi AB, a distributor for the Swedish food and health industry, showcasing their ongoing investment in food-related businesses. These transactions highlight Azelis's dedication to enhancing their capabilities and offerings within the food processing industry.


9. 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 prominent laboratory testing company founded in 1987, headquartered in Luxembourg, with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees. The company specializes in providing a comprehensive array of analytical and testing services across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, environmental, and notably, food. Eurofins operates over 900 laboratories in 62 countries, showcasing its global reach and expertise in compliance and quality assurance. Recently, Eurofins has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the food processing industry, including the acquisition of ARS Probata, a German audit and certification company in the food sector, announced on September 29, 2023. This acquisition aims to enhance Eurofins' Assurance portfolio and market presence in Europe, demonstrating its commitment to food safety and quality. Additionally, Eurofins has engaged in other relevant transactions, such as acquiring Craft Technologies and Eurofins Lab Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, which further expand its capabilities in testing and diagnostics, including those pertinent to food processing.


10. Nutreco

  • Website: nutreco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: nutreco

Nutreco is a leading animal nutrition company based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 1994. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Nutreco specializes in providing innovative feed solutions for livestock and aquaculture, focusing on enhancing productivity and supporting animal health. The company is committed to sustainable practices to meet the growing global demand for food. Nutreco has been actively investing in the food processing sector, particularly in alternative protein sources. Notable transactions include investments in Mosa Meat, which focuses on cultured meat production, and BlueNalu, an innovative food company working on cell-based seafood products. These investments reflect Nutreco's strategy to support sustainable food production and processing technologies, making them a relevant player in the food processing industry.


11. Aqua-Spark

  • Website: aqua-spark.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: aquaspark

Aqua-Spark is a holding company based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2013, that specializes in investing in innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry. With a focus on sustainable practices, Aqua-Spark invests in fish farms, feed mills, and hatcheries to enhance production efficiency and address environmental challenges. Notable transactions include leading a $12.6 million Series A funding round for Shiok Meats, which aims to produce cell-based shrimp, and participating in multiple funding rounds for Calysta, a company that develops sustainable protein sources for fish and livestock feed. Their recent investment in Wanda Fish Technologies, which secured $7 million in seed funding, further highlights their commitment to advancing food technology within the aquaculture sector. Aqua-Spark collaborates with a global community of investors to promote research and development in aquaculture, making them a key player in the food processing landscape.


12. 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. The firm empowers early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In the food processing context, Rockstart has been involved in notable transactions such as the funding of Reduced, a Copenhagen-based foodtech startup that raised €2.9 million to develop plant-based flavor enhancers, and Willicroft, a Netherlands alt cheese startup that secured €2 million to expand its sustainable product offerings. These investments highlight Rockstart's focus on supporting innovative solutions in the food processing industry, particularly those that emphasize sustainability and technological advancement.


13. 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. With a commitment to partnering with local entrepreneurs, Prosus aims to create valuable products and services that foster community growth and sustainable business practices. Notably, Prosus has invested in several food processing-related companies, such as Prime Roots, a plant-based deli and charcuterie company that raised $30 million in Series B funding, and The EVERY Company, which raised $175 million in Series C funding for its alternative protein products. Additionally, Prosus has shown interest in Captain Fresh, a company involved in the seafood supply chain, with multiple funding rounds totaling over $57 million. These transactions highlight Prosus's active role in the food processing industry, particularly in innovative and sustainable food solutions.


14. 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 investing 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 made significant investments in the food processing sector, including a 24.5% stake in Mutti S.p.A., an Italian leader in tomato processing, which aims to enhance its international presence and product development. Additionally, Verlinvest led a funding round for Sir Kensington's, a New York-based condiments company, to expand its market reach. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to consumer needs and sustainable practices, making them a relevant player in the food processing industry.


15. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm founded in 1997, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses. The firm focuses on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare, but has also made significant investments in the food processing industry. Notably, Triton acquired Geia Food from Norwegian private equity firm Credo Partners in April 2021, marking a strategic move into the food sector. Additionally, their past acquisitions include Semper, Stenqvist, and Frigoscandia Distribution, all of which are relevant to food processing. Triton partners with management teams to address challenges and drive growth, providing operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, including those in the food processing sector.



Food Processing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
EurofinsLuxembourg10001+19878
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
Aqua-SparkUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020132
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
VerlinvestBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019955
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976


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

If you want to find more investors that are active in the food 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!