The dairy processing industry in DACH, which includes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, plays a crucial role in the region's food supply chain. It features a mix of large corporate manufacturing giants and innovative startups alike. These companies are dedicated to the production of milk, cheese, yogurt, and alternative dairy products, with an increasing focus on sustainability and health. As consumer demand shifts towards plant-based alternatives and ethically sourced dairy, the industry is transitioning to incorporate more eco-friendly practices and technologies. Additionally, strategic investments are advancing product innovation, making dairy processing a quickly evolving sector.


In the current competitive landscape, 16 prominent investors in the dairy processing sector from the DACH region are listed. We see a mix of corporate giants and nimble venture capital firms operating from key cities like Zurich, Munich, and Berlin. Most investors were founded relatively recently, between 2014 and 2024, and heavily invested in 2024, with deal counts ranging from 1 to 18. This spectrum reflects an industry poised for rapid growth and innovation, especially as sustainability trends take center stage, along with increasing interest in dairy alternatives.


Top 16 Dairy Processing Investors in DACH


1. 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 an investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to supporting sustainable food systems and focuses on mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy. They provide funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in the realm of alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has been involved in several relevant transactions in the dairy processing context, including leading a $2 million Series A funding round for Heartbest Foods, a supplier of plant-based cheese and milk. Additionally, they participated in a significant seed extension round for Change Foods, which is focused on scaling cheese production and distribution capabilities. These investments highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to advancing sustainable dairy alternatives and their active role in the dairy processing industry.


2. 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 operates globally, providing a wide range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items. The company is committed to sustainability and offers nutritious and convenient food options. Notably, Nestlé has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the dairy processing industry, including the acquisition of Wyeth Nutrition's Malaysian unit in 2023, which enhances its presence in the nutrition category. Additionally, while the company has a diverse portfolio, its involvement in dairy processing is significant, making it a key player in this sector.


3. FoodLabs

  • Website: foodlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-food-labs

FoodLabs is a venture capital firm and food technology incubator based in Berlin, founded in 2016. The firm focuses on supporting innovative startups in the food tech sector, providing both investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. Notably, FoodLabs has invested in Formo, a company that raised $61 million in a Series B round in September 2024, which specializes in dairy alternatives. Additionally, they participated in Formo's earlier funding rounds, indicating a strong commitment to the dairy alternative space. While their portfolio includes a variety of food tech companies, their involvement with Formo highlights their relevance to the dairy processing industry.


4. Good Seed Ventures

  • Website: goodseedventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: good-seed-ventures

Good Seed Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in sustainable food solutions, investing in startups and businesses that aim to reduce the environmental impact of food production. Their services include financial support, strategic guidance, and fostering collaboration among industry players to innovate in the food sector. Notably, Good Seed Ventures has invested in Formo, a company focused on producing dairy alternatives, through multiple funding rounds including a Seed Round in December 2019 and Series A rounds in 2020 and 2021. They have also invested in Yofix, which is involved in plant-based dairy products. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the dairy processing context.


5. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading global chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers with users across various industries. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers, providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals along with value-added services. Notably, Brenntag has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the food sector, including the acquisition of JM Swank Co., a US-based food ingredients distributor, for USD 304 million. This acquisition is expected to significantly bolster Brenntag's Nutrition business in North America, potentially impacting the dairy processing market. Additionally, their acquisition of Zytex group and Y.S. Ashkenazi Agencies further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their portfolio in specialty chemicals, which can include dairy-related ingredients. Overall, Brenntag's activities in the food ingredients space position them as a relevant player in the dairy processing industry.


6. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has been active in various sectors, including food technology and sustainability. One of their notable investments is in Number 8 Bio, which raised $1.8 million in pre-seed funding to develop proprietary feed aimed at reducing methane emissions in cows, highlighting their interest in dairy-related innovations. Additionally, Possible Ventures has participated in funding rounds for companies like Farmless and Meatable, which, while not directly in dairy processing, are part of the broader food technology landscape. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative solutions that could impact the dairy industry indirectly.


7. AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance


AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, founded in 2024 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in and supporting startups within the AgriFoodTech sector. The firm collaborates with innovative businesses to promote sustainable technologies in food production. Their investment portfolio includes notable transactions such as Yofix, an Israeli startup focused on probiotics, and Amai Proteins, which raised $5.25 million in a venture round. Although these companies do not directly relate to dairy processing, they highlight the investor's interest in food technology that could have applications in the dairy industry. Additionally, their involvement with Greenforce, a Munich-based foodtech company, further emphasizes their commitment to advancing food production technologies, which may include dairy processing innovations in the future.


8. GEA Group

  • Website: gea.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1881
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: geagroup

GEA Group AG is an industrial technology supplier based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in machinery and systems for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Founded in 1881, GEA Group has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is committed to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of production processes for its business customers. In recent years, GEA has made significant strides in the dairy processing industry through several key acquisitions. Notably, in 2014, GEA acquired de Klokslag, a leading supplier of equipment for semi-hard cheese production in Europe, which was highlighted as a strategic fit to enhance their capabilities in the dairy sector. In 2023, GEA further strengthened its position by acquiring Venture Dairy Services, a family-owned dealership that has been serving dairy producers in Devon and Cornwall for over 35 years. Additionally, GEA's acquisition of South West Dairy Services in 2024 and Bellucci Orlando e c. S.r.l. in 2022, a supplier of dairy farming solutions in Italy, underscores its commitment to expanding its offerings and services in the dairy market. These transactions reflect GEA's strategic focus on the dairy processing industry, making it a relevant investor in this sector.


9. Emmi Group

  • Website: group.emmi.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: emmi-schweiz-ag

Emmi Group is a prominent Swiss dairy manufacturer founded in 1907, headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland. The company specializes in producing high-quality dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and lactose-free options, catering to both consumers and businesses. Emmi operates numerous production sites across multiple countries to meet the diverse demands of its customer base. In recent years, Emmi has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the dairy processing industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Verde Campo, a Brazilian dairy producer known for its yogurt and milk drinks, aimed at enhancing Emmi's presence in the Brazilian market. Additionally, Emmi acquired Trentinalatte SpA, an Italian yogurt maker, to bolster its market presence in Italy. Other key acquisitions include Cowgirl Creamery and the global brand rights for Onken yogurt, further solidifying Emmi's footprint in the dairy sector. In 2024, Emmi also entered the frozen-bakery market with the acquisition of Mademoiselle Desserts, which, while not strictly dairy, complements its premium product offerings. Overall, Emmi Group's strategic investments reflect its commitment to the dairy processing industry.


10. Döhler Ventures


Döhler Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on empowering early-stage startups in the Nutrition & Technology sectors, providing both investment and support to help these startups grow and overcome financial challenges. Their approach is long-term and entrepreneurial, aiming to foster innovation within these industries. Notably, Döhler Ventures has participated in several transactions that highlight their interest in the dairy processing context, such as their investment in Willicroft, a Netherlands-based alt cheese startup, which raised €2 million to expand its sustainable cheese alternatives in European markets. Additionally, they have invested in other food-related startups, indicating a broader interest in the food technology and nutrition sectors, which often intersect with dairy processing.


11. Green Generation Fund


Green Generation Fund is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2021, specializing in early-stage investments in Food Tech and Green Tech startups. The firm aims to drive significant positive impacts in sustainability by supporting innovative solutions that address climate change and resource challenges. In 2023, they participated in a $5.3 million convertible note for Change Foods, a company focused on developing alternative dairy products, specifically cheese. They also played a role in a record-breaking seed extension round for Change Foods, which raised over $15.3 million, highlighting their commitment to advancing dairy alternatives. Furthermore, they led a seed funding round for ProteinDistillery, which produces plant-based protein ingredients, further emphasizing their interest in sustainable food production. Their investments reflect a strategic focus on companies that are innovating within the dairy processing sector, particularly in the realm of alternative dairy products.


12. redalpine


Redalpine is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology and science sectors, providing funding and strategic support to startups that address significant global challenges. In recent years, Redalpine has made notable investments in the foodtech space, including Better Dairy, which raised $24.7 million in a Series A round in February 2022, focusing on innovative dairy alternatives. Additionally, they invested in Luya Foods, which raised $5.9 million in September 2024, and Umiami, a company that has raised substantial funding for plant-based food products. These transactions highlight Redalpine's engagement in the dairy processing context, particularly in companies that are innovating within the sector.


13. Krones

  • Website: krones.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1951
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: krones-ag

Krones AG, founded in 1951 and based in Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in technology solutions for the beverage and food industries. With over 10,000 employees and reported revenues of €4.7 billion, Krones provides a comprehensive range of products, including process technology, filling and packaging machines, and digital services. Their clientele primarily consists of manufacturers and bottlers aiming to enhance production efficiency and sustainability. Krones has made significant strides in the dairy processing sector, particularly through its acquisition of Javlyn, a US-based company that specializes in food, dairy, and beverage process systems, which enhances Krones' process integration capabilities for North American customers. Additionally, Krones acquired a 25% stake in Perfinox, focusing on improving research and development in food production, which includes dairy. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Krones' commitment to expanding its offerings and capabilities in the dairy processing industry.


14. Amcor

  • Website: amcor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: amcor

Amcor is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in innovative and responsible packaging solutions across various industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. Founded in 1864, Amcor has a strong commitment to sustainability, aiming to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. In recent years, Amcor has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the packaging sector. Notably, in May 2023, Amcor signed a definitive agreement to acquire Moda Systems, a New Zealand-based manufacturer of automated protein packaging machines, which is expected to bolster their offerings in the meat, poultry, and dairy industries. This acquisition highlights Amcor's active role in the dairy processing sector, as they seek to provide end-to-end packaging solutions that meet the specific needs of dairy producers. Other acquisitions, such as Detmold Flexibles and Zhongshan Tian Cai Packaging, further demonstrate Amcor's commitment to expanding its packaging capabilities across various markets.


15. Oyster Bay Venture Capital

  • Website: oysterbay.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: oysterbayvc

Oyster Bay Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the food and beverage technology sector, providing financial resources and strategic support to founders aiming to innovate along the food value chain. They focus on impact-driven startups that address societal challenges related to food production and consumption. Notably, Oyster Bay has invested in Oatly, a leader in the dairy alternatives market, which raised funds in a venture round in September 2018. This investment highlights their interest in companies that are innovating within the dairy processing context. Additionally, they have participated in several seed rounds for companies like Peas of Heaven, Nukoko, and Hooked Foods, which, while not directly related to dairy processing, indicate their broader commitment to food technology and innovation.


16. BackBone Ventures

  • Website: backbone.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: backbone-ventures

BackBone Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, particularly focusing on underrepresented founders in Germany and Switzerland. They provide funding and support across various industries, including HealthTech and B2B SaaS. Notably, BackBone Ventures has participated in significant transactions within the food technology sector, including investments in Fermify, an Austrian biotech startup that produces animal-free cheese, and the nu company, a German foodtech startup. These investments highlight their engagement in the food industry, particularly in innovative dairy alternatives, showcasing their commitment to supporting startups that are transforming traditional food processing methods.



Dairy Processing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
FoodLabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201611
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
AgriFoodTech Venture AllianceMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020241
GEA GroupNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18811
Emmi GroupLucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland5001-1000019074
Döhler VenturesDarmstadt, Hesse, Germany1-1020143
Green Generation FundBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020218
redalpineZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50200618
KronesNeutraubling, Bavaria, Germany10001+19512
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
Oyster Bay Venture CapitalHamburg, Hamburg, Germany1-1020183
BackBone VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-10201810


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