The gourmet food and beverage industry in Europe thrives on quality, creativity, and culinary tradition. It features artisanal producers, organic farms, and innovative startups that craft premium products, from specialty cheeses to boutique wines. This dynamic sector is seeing a shift towards sustainability, with increasing consumer interest in ethical sourcing and health-conscious alternatives. Trends like plant-based diets and gourmet snacks are shaping the market's future, highlighting the region's culinary richness and commitment to innovation. As consumers seek authentic experiences, companies are finding new ways to blend heritage with modernity, driving exciting growth within this gourmet scene.


The top investors in Europe's gourmet food and beverage sector include venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate entities. They are primarily located in key cities like Paris and London, showing a strong concentration in France and the UK. Most investors range from small teams to larger operations, with varying strategies aimed at fostering growth in innovative food companies. In 2024, these investors actively made 400 remarkable deals, indicating their commitment to dynamic startups and established brands in the gourmet arena, showcasing a growing interest in sustainable and high-quality food solutions.


Top 15 Gourmet Food and Beverage Investors in Europe


1. 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. Crowdcube has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has participated in several significant transactions within the gourmet food and beverage industry, including cheesegeek, which raised $520,187 in November 2023, Serious Pig, which raised $1,098,150 in April 2021, and PNY BURGER, which raised $476,825 in December 2023. Other relevant investments include Roqberry, which raised $193,784 in November 2019, and Minor Figures, which raised $228,696 in February 2015. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative food and beverage startups.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Among its notable transactions in the gourmet food and beverage sector, Bpifrance invested in GOURMEY, a French cultivated meat startup that raised €48 million in a Series A round, marking a significant investment in innovative food technology. Additionally, they have invested in Grain de Sail, a company focused on gourmet food products, and L'Angélys, which raised over $12 million in a venture round. These investments reflect Bpifrance's commitment to supporting the gourmet food and beverage industry alongside its broader investment strategy.


3. Blue Horizon

  • Website: bluehorizon.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bluehorizoncorp

Blue Horizon is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems. The firm supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Their investment portfolio includes notable transactions in the gourmet food and beverage sector, such as YES CACAO, which focuses on high-quality chocolate products, and LIVEKINDLY, which raised $200 million to promote plant-based foods. Other investments include Jay&Joy, known for its gourmet plant-based cheeses, and Hail Merry Snacks, which offers healthy snack options. Blue Horizon primarily targets entrepreneurs in the sustainable food sector, aiming to create impactful change in the industry.


4. 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 Paris-based private equity firm founded in 1963, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains has supported more than 1,000 companies, providing financial and strategic support to help them adapt to market changes. The firm manages significant assets aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notable transactions include investments in Stoeffler, a company involved in gourmet food products, La Tourangelle, which raised $38,903,024 and is recognized for its high-quality gourmet oils, and L'Angélys, which raised $12,256,795 and operates in the gourmet food sector. These investments highlight Unigrains' commitment to the gourmet food and beverage industry.


5. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items. The company has made notable acquisitions in the gourmet food and beverage sector, enhancing its presence in premium markets. In 2017, Nestlé acquired a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee for approximately USD $425 million, strengthening its position in the specialty coffee market. In 2021, it acquired the Chilean premium chocolate company La Fête Chocolat, aiming to enhance its luxury chocolate offerings. Additionally, Nestlé acquired Ankerkraut, a spice manufacturer, in 2022, further diversifying its gourmet product range. These strategic investments reflect Nestlé's commitment to providing high-quality, gourmet food options while maintaining a focus on sustainability.


6. 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 private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made notable investments in the gourmet food and beverage sector, including the acquisition of Deoleo, a leading Spanish olive oil producer, for €438 million in 2014, and the acquisition of Dodoni, a Greek dairy brand known for its specialty cheese, in 2021. Additionally, CVC acquired Lipton, a well-known beverage brand, for over $5 billion in 2021, further solidifying their presence in the food and beverage market. Their recent acquisition of Berlys in 2024 also highlights their ongoing strategy to invest in food-related companies, reinforcing their commitment to delivering sustainable value and growth in the gourmet food and beverage industry.


7. Pernod Ricard

  • Website: pernod-ricard.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1975
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: pernod-ricard

Pernod Ricard, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France, is a leading corporate investor in the spirits industry, known for its extensive portfolio of premium alcoholic beverages. The company operates globally in 73 countries and is dedicated to sustainability and responsible hosting. Pernod Ricard has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the gourmet food and beverage market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of the Italian premium gin brand Malfy, which aims to capitalize on the growing demand for premium and flavored gins. They also acquired a majority stake in La Hechicera, an ultra-premium Colombian rum brand, further diversifying their high-end offerings. Additionally, their acquisition of a 59% stake in Jan Becher, a leading bitters supplier, positions them as a key player in the bitters market. These transactions reflect Pernod Ricard's strategy to strengthen its portfolio in the gourmet beverage sector.


8. CPT Capital

  • Website: cptcap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cpt-capital

CPT Capital is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, specializing in investments in the alternative protein sector. The firm partners with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support, aiming to revolutionize food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products with sustainable alternatives. Notable transactions include a $25 million Series A investment in New Culture, a company producing animal-free mozzarella, and participation in a $52 million Series C funding round for Miyoko's Creamery, known for its plant-based dairy products. Additionally, CPT Capital has invested in Good Catch, a brand focused on plant-based seafood, and THIS, a London-based alternative meat brand, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting gourmet food innovations that prioritize sustainability and health.


9. 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 in the gourmet food and beverage context, they acquired a minority stake in Dammann Frères, a historic French tea company with a revenue of 40 million euros in 2022, reflecting their commitment to sustainable and ethical food systems. Other relevant investments include Comtesse Du Barry, Cafés Merling, and Olives & Co, all of which contribute to their portfolio in the gourmet food and beverage industry. By providing financial support and expertise, IDIA Capital Investissement helps its clients navigate the complexities of investment and achieve sustainable growth in the gourmet food sector.


10. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their strategies. Notably, they have made several investments in the gourmet food and beverage industry, including Grain de Sail, which specializes in gourmet food products, La Fraiseraie, known for its high-quality fruit products, Pierre SCHMIDT Charcutier-Traiteur, a gourmet charcuterie brand, Pomone, which offers gourmet fruit and vegetable products, and La Compagnie des Desserts, a company that produces gourmet desserts. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting growth and transformation in the gourmet food and beverage sector.


11. Diageo

  • Website: diageo.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: diageo

Diageo plc is a prominent alcoholic beverage company based in London, England, founded in 1886. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Diageo specializes in the production and distribution of a wide range of spirits and beer, boasting a portfolio of over 200 brands. The company operates in nearly 180 countries and emphasizes responsible drinking and sustainability. Diageo has made significant investments in the gourmet food and beverage sector, including the acquisition of Rosenblum Cellars, a leading Zinfandel producer, for $105 million, which enhances their presence in the premium wine market. They also acquired Belsazar GmbH, a premium aperitif brand, and Mr Black cold brew coffee liqueur, showcasing their strategy to invest in innovative and high-quality beverage brands. Most recently, Diageo reached an agreement to acquire Don Papa Rum for an initial €260 million, further solidifying their commitment to high-growth, super-premium brands. These transactions highlight Diageo's active role in the gourmet food and beverage industry.


12. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Champagne EPC, which raised over $5.5 million in Series A funding in September 2022, and previously in a Seed round in May 2019. They also invested in Cuvée Privée, which raised approximately $2.4 million in Series A funding in October 2022. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' active role in the gourmet food and beverage industry, particularly in the premium beverage segment.


13. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several gourmet food and beverage companies, including Filmore & Union, which raised approximately $4.5 million in 2017, and Crêpeaffaire, which secured £2 million in 2018 to expand its operations. Additionally, BGF invested £6.4 million in Giggling Squid to facilitate its significant expansion plans and provided £3.6 million to Barburrito to support its growth. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in the gourmet food and beverage sector, showcasing their commitment to helping these businesses scale and thrive.


14. The HEINEKEN Company

  • Website: theheinekencompany.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1863
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: heineken

The HEINEKEN Company, founded in 1863 and based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a leading brewery known for its diverse range of beers and beverages, including the iconic Heineken® brand. With over 10,000 employees, the company has a strong focus on quality and brand reputation in the brewing industry. In 2023, Heineken made notable investments in the gourmet beverage sector, acquiring a minority stake in Served® Hard Seltzer, a brand that offers hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails, reflecting the growing demand for premium and innovative beverage options. Additionally, they participated in a venture round for Double Dutch Drinks, a brand known for its premium mixers, further showcasing their commitment to enhancing their portfolio with gourmet beverage offerings. Their acquisition of Texelse Bierbrouwerij, a prominent specialty craft brewery in the Netherlands, highlights their strategy to invest in quality craft products, reinforcing their position in the gourmet beverage market.


15. 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. 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 funding for Phytolon, which raised an undisclosed amount in a venture round, and previously secured $4.1 million in a seed round. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovative food solutions, which is relevant to the gourmet food and beverage industry. Additionally, they provided non-equity assistance to startups like Neggst and MATR Foods, further demonstrating their active role in fostering innovation within the food sector.



Gourmet Food and Beverage Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Pernod RicardParis, Île-De-France, France10001+19751
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
DiageoLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18861
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
The HEINEKEN CompanyAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+18634
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637


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