The dairy processing industry in Europe is a vital sector that transforms raw milk into a variety of products like cheese, yogurt, and butter. This industry involves companies ranging from large multinationals to niche artisan producers, who are increasingly focusing on sustainability and the health of their offerings. With growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives and organic products, the sector is rapidly evolving. Innovations in processing techniques and a push for environmentally friendly practices are shaping future directions. The increasing emphasis on traceability and quality assurance ensures that the industry keeps pace with consumer trends while maintaining high regulatory standards.


This list features 16 noteworthy investors deeply involved in the European dairy processing sector. They include corporate giants like Nestlé and venture capital powerhouses such as Blue Horizon. Headquartered primarily in financial hubs like Paris and London, these investors vary in size, with several managing numerous transactions. Founded over multiple decades, these firms reported a diverse array of investments in 2024, showcasing their profound engagement in the dairy processing landscape. Their capital is crucial for innovative startups and established firms alike, indicating strong support for growth and sustainability within the industry.


Top 16 Dairy Processing 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. 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 dairy processing industry, including Modern Milkman, which raised $677,806 in November 2022, and Minor Figures, which raised $228,696 in February 2015. Additionally, they have supported other food-related businesses such as Hackney Gelato and Snowflake Luxury Gelato, further demonstrating their engagement in sectors that intersect with dairy processing.


2. 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. Among its notable transactions in the dairy processing sector are investments in Eurial Group, a key player in the dairy industry, and Fromage Ermitage, which specializes in cheese production. Additionally, Unigrains has invested in other companies like Loyez Woessen, Sill Entreprises, and Agrial, further demonstrating its commitment to the dairy processing industry.


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 an investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in sustainable food systems and supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions. Blue Horizon primarily targets entrepreneurs in the sustainable food sector, aiming to create impactful change. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions within the dairy processing context, such as leading a $2 million Series A funding round for Heartbest Foods, a supplier of plant-based cheese and milk. Additionally, they were involved in the seed extension round for Change Foods, which focuses on scaling cheese production and distribution capabilities. These investments highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting sustainable practices in the dairy processing industry, particularly through alternative protein sources.


4. 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 venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in the alternative protein sector, partnering with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support aimed at revolutionizing food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address the challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notably, CPT Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Remilk, an Israeli cultivated dairy startup that raised $120 million in Series B funding to expand its production of animal-free protein, and Miyoko's Kitchen, which raised $52 million in Series C funding to advance its distribution and product innovation. These transactions highlight CPT Capital's commitment to supporting the development of alternative dairy products, reinforcing their relevance in the dairy processing industry.


5. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. In the dairy processing context, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several significant transactions, including grants to Dairygold Co-Operative Society, Dansko Foods, and Ingredient Solutions, all announced on June 28, 2023. Additionally, they have participated in venture funding rounds for Dairy Concepts and Irish Yogurts, indicating their active role in supporting the dairy sector.


6. 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, particularly in sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notably, IDIA Capital Investissement has been involved in several significant transactions within the dairy processing sector, including investments in major companies like Sodiaal, Eurial Group, Agrial, Axereal, and Triskalia. These investments highlight their commitment to the dairy industry and their role in facilitating the growth and development of key players in this market. By providing financial support and strategic guidance, IDIA Capital Investissement helps its clients navigate the complexities of investment and achieve sustainable growth, particularly in the dairy processing domain.


7. 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.


8. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients, which include institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Among its notable transactions, Ardian acquired Frulact, a natural food ingredients supplier, for approximately €200 million in January 2020, which highlights its interest in the food sector. Additionally, Ardian's acquisition of Florida Food Products, valued at over $1 billion, further demonstrates its strategy to invest in mid-and large-cap companies within the food industry. While Ardian has also invested in sectors like clean energy, its involvement in food-related companies positions it as a potential investor in dairy processing.


9. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Notable transactions include investments in Les Nouveaux Affineurs, which raised 2 million euros to expand its plant-based cheese alternatives, and Plant Veda Foods, which focuses on plant-based dairy products. These investments highlight Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models in the dairy processing context, particularly in the realm of plant-based alternatives.


10. 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 significant strides in the dairy processing sector, notably acquiring a majority interest in Dodoni, a well-known Greek dairy brand, in April 2021. This acquisition aims to enhance Dodoni's growth in the specialty cheese market. Additionally, CVC's diverse portfolio includes various other acquisitions, such as Berlys and Provimi, showcasing their broad investment strategy while maintaining a notable presence in the food and dairy sectors.


11. 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 significant transactions within the dairy processing context, such as providing debt financing to Carbery Group, which raised approximately $38 million for its operations. Additionally, EIB has also financed MATR Foods, which raised over $22 million, further indicating its engagement in the food sector, including dairy processing. These transactions highlight EIB's role in supporting the dairy industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.


12. Unilever

  • Website: unilever.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1872
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: unilever

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. It offers a diverse range of products, including food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, with a strong focus on sustainability. Unilever aims to make sustainable living commonplace through its extensive product offerings. In the dairy processing context, Unilever has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the frozen dessert market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Ben & Jerry's in 2000, which has become a leading brand in the ice cream sector. In 2008, Unilever acquired the Russian ice cream company Inmarko to strengthen its competitive position in Russia. Additionally, in 2017, Unilever acquired Weis Frozen Foods, known for its popular frozen treats. The acquisition of Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto in 2014 further solidified Unilever's presence in the premium ice cream market. Most recently, in 2023, Unilever agreed to acquire Yasso, a low-calorie frozen snacks company, to enhance its premium ice cream portfolio. These transactions highlight Unilever's active role in the dairy processing industry, particularly in the frozen dessert segment.


13. 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 investment strategies. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Sill Entreprises, a company involved in dairy processing, as well as Norac Foods, which operates in the food sector. Their investment in Grain de Sail, which also deals with food products, further demonstrates their engagement in the broader food industry. Crédit Mutuel Equity's clientele includes business leaders seeking to enhance operations and navigate market challenges, making them a valuable partner for companies in the dairy processing industry looking for growth and transformation.


14. 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 strides in the food ingredients sector, particularly with their acquisition of Hortimex, a Polish specialty chemicals distributor focused on food ingredients and nutraceuticals, which enhances their footprint in the Food & Nutrition market. Additionally, their acquisition of Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives, further solidifies their position in the food market, including dairy processing. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Azelis's commitment to expanding their capabilities in the food sector, making them a noteworthy player in the dairy processing industry.


15. Orkla ASA

  • Website: orkla.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: orkla-asa

Orkla ASA is a leading industrial investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. The company operates across various sectors, including branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, and financial investments. Orkla offers a diverse range of products, including food, snacks, health, and personal care items. Notably, Orkla Food Ingredients, a subsidiary of Orkla ASA, has made significant strides in the dairy processing industry through various acquisitions. These include a 70% stake in Hadecoup, a Belgian company specializing in ice cream ingredients, and a controlling stake in Kanakis, a Greek ingredients business. Additionally, Orkla has acquired Laan Heiloo, a supplier of ice cream ingredients in the Netherlands, and an 84% stake in Denali Ingredients, a leading supplier in the USA. These strategic acquisitions highlight Orkla's commitment to expanding its footprint in the dairy processing sector, particularly in ice cream and related products.


16. 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 several transactions relevant to the dairy processing industry, including Standing Ovation, a microbial casein startup that raised €12 million to develop animal-free casein and cheese substitutes, and Imagindairy, which secured funding for dairy alternative products. These investments highlight PeakBridge's commitment to advancing dairy processing innovations, particularly in the realm of alternative dairy products.



Dairy Processing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
UnileverLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18720
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
Orkla ASAOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20171
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188


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