The food processing industry in Latin America plays a vital role in transforming raw ingredients into consumables for various markets. This sector includes companies of all sizes, ranging from established giants like JBS and Grupo Bimbo to emerging startups focused on health-conscious and plant-based foods. The industry offers a wide array of products, from meat and dairy to snacks and beverages. As tastes evolve and sustainability becomes a priority, innovations such as plant-based proteins and clean label products are gaining traction, driving substantial growth opportunities in the region. Investments are increasingly directed towards technology-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce waste.


This article highlights 16 notable food processing investors, with a mix of corporate and venture capital firms active in Latin America. Headquartered primarily in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, these investors vary in size, from small firms to large enterprises. Most were established in the early 2000s or earlier, showing a trend of enduring presence in the market. Collectively, they engaged in 94 investments in 2024, demonstrating their commitment to the food processing sector. Some, like JBS and BRF, are top-tier players shaping the industry, while others focus on innovative startups transforming food tech.


Top 16 Food Processing Investors in Latin America


1. bossa invest

  • Website: bossainvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 56
  • LinkedIn: bossainvest

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in the technology sector, while also supporting entrepreneurs with capital, strategic guidance, and access to a network of co-investors. In addition to their focus on technology, Bossa Invest has participated in several transactions relevant to the food processing industry. Notable investments include Banza, which raised $20 million to enhance its food service and brand development, and The Better Meat Co., which closed an $8.1 million seed round to develop hybrid protein products. These investments highlight Bossa Invest's engagement in the food sector, showcasing their commitment to fostering growth in diverse industries, including food processing.


2. Jbs

  • Website: jbs.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1953
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: jbs

JBS S.A. is a prominent corporate investor based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 1953. As a leading food processing company, JBS specializes in the production of beef, pork, poultry, fish, and plant-based products. The company serves a diverse range of customers, including food retailers and restaurants, by providing high-quality meat and food products. JBS operates globally and is committed to sustainability and responsible practices in its operations. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Pilgrims Pride for $800 million in 2009, Seara Alimentos for $2.5 billion in 2013, and Cargill's US-based pork business for $1.45 billion in 2015, which positioned JBS as the second largest pork producer in the United States. Additionally, JBS acquired Primo Smallgoods in 2015 and announced plans to acquire Empire Packing Co. LP for $238 million in 2020, further expanding its footprint in the food processing industry.


3. Grupo Bimbo

  • Website: grupobimbo.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: grupobimbo

Grupo Bimbo is a prominent corporate investor based in Mexico City, Mexico, and is recognized as a leading manufacturer of baked goods, including bread, pastries, and snacks. Founded in 1945, the company has established a global presence, serving consumers with convenient and nutritious options. Grupo Bimbo has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions in the food processing sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Canada Bread Company for $1.83 billion in 2014, which significantly enhanced their market position in North America. In 2022, they acquired St. Pierre Groupe, a UK-based baker of premium brioche-style products, further diversifying their offerings. Most recently, in 2024, Grupo Bimbo acquired Pagnifique, a Latin American producer of baked goods, aligning with their strategic expansion goals. These acquisitions reflect Grupo Bimbo's commitment to growth within the food processing industry, making them a key player in this sector.


4. Semillero Partners LLC


Semillero Partners LLC is a venture capital firm based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in empowering entrepreneurs within the Food & Beverage, Food Tech, and Wellness industries by providing investment capital and strategic guidance to foster sustainable growth. Notable transactions include a $5 million Series A investment in The Jackfruit Company, which focuses on producing jackfruit-based food products, and a $3 million Series A investment in Afia, a Mediterranean food company aiming to scale its product line and expand manufacturing capabilities. These investments highlight Semillero Partners' commitment to supporting innovative food processing companies and contributing to the growth of the food industry.


5. Enfini Investments


Enfini Investments is an investment firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in the food tech sector, focusing on fostering technology initiatives that promote sustainable food production. Enfini Investments collaborates closely with its portfolio companies to enhance their business plans and operational strategies. Notable transactions include participation in Series B funding rounds for Aleph Farms, a company known for its cultured meat products, and UPSIDE Foods, which focuses on lab-grown meat. They also invested in BlueNalu, a company developing cell-cultured seafood, and Mission Barns, which specializes in cellular agriculture. Additionally, they were involved in the funding of Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand. These investments reflect Enfini's commitment to advancing innovative solutions in the food industry, particularly in areas that intersect with food processing.


6. Femsa

  • Website: femsa.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
  • Founded year: 1890
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: femsa

Fomento Económico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. (Femsa) is a multinational corporation based in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, primarily operating in the beverage and retail sectors. As the largest Coca-Cola bottler globally, Femsa has a significant presence in the beverage industry. However, the company has also diversified its portfolio through strategic acquisitions in the food processing and restaurant sectors. Notable transactions include the acquisition of a minority stake in Jetro Restaurant Depot, a U.S.-based wholesale cash and carry business, which allows Femsa to expand its footprint in the food supply chain. Additionally, Femsa acquired Grupo Torrey, a leading commercial kitchen equipment company, and Doña Tota, a quick-service restaurant operator, further solidifying its involvement in the food processing industry. These investments reflect Femsa's commitment to enhancing its offerings and leveraging its retail expertise to create value in the food sector.


7. Kptl

  • Website: kptl.com.br
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: inseed-investimentos

KPTL is a venture capital firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2020. With over 15 years of experience, KPTL has made more than 124 investments, focusing on innovative startups across various sectors. Among their notable transactions, KPTL invested in Raizs, a Brazilian foodtech that raised BRL 20 million to expand its offerings in the food sector, including dairy and grains. Additionally, they supported Ecotrace Solutions, which specializes in blockchain-based traceability for the agrifood value chain, securing funding to enhance transparency in food processing. These investments highlight KPTL's strategic focus on the food industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


8. Brf

  • Website: brf-global.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1934
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: brf

BRF is a corporate investor based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 1934. As a leading food manufacturing company, BRF specializes in the production and distribution of meat and poultry products, serving a diverse customer base that includes both consumers and businesses in the food industry. The company emphasizes quality and sustainability in its operations. BRF has been actively expanding its footprint in the food processing sector through various strategic acquisitions, such as a 70% stake in FFM Further Processing in Malaysia and the full acquisition of Alimentos Calchaquí Productos in Argentina, which owns the Bocatti cold-cut brand. Additionally, BRF's investment in Aleph Farms, a company focused on innovative meat production, showcases its commitment to advancing food technology. With a total of 52 plants globally, including nine in Argentina, BRF continues to enhance its operations and market presence in the food processing industry.


9. SP Ventures

  • Website: spventures.com.br
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sp-ventures

SP Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments in technology-driven solutions for the agriculture and food sectors, supporting early-stage startups with capital and consulting services to foster innovation and growth. SP Ventures has been actively involved in several relevant transactions, including a R$2 million investment in Pink Farms, an agrotech startup, and participation in a $6 million Series A funding round for ZoomAgri, a startup focused on Ag&Food technology. These investments demonstrate SP Ventures' commitment to enhancing the AgFood value chain and addressing challenges within the food processing industry, particularly in the Latin American context.


10. Monashees

  • Website: monashees.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: monashees-capital

Monashees is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in technology-based companies across Latin America, providing not only funding but also support in areas such as talent acquisition and fundraising. Notably, Monashees has been active in the food processing industry, particularly through their investments in Fazenda Futuro, a Brazilian foodtech company that produces plant-based meat alternatives. They led Fazenda Futuro's Series A round in 2019, contributing $8.5 million, and participated in subsequent funding rounds, including a Series B round of $21.3 million in 2020 and a Series C round of $42 million in 2021. These transactions highlight Monashees' strategic focus on innovative food processing solutions, particularly in the growing plant-based market.


11. Marfrig Global Foods


Marfrig Global Foods is a leading meat producer based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, specializing in beef and processed meat products. Founded in 2000, the company has grown to operate in multiple countries, providing high-quality meat to food service and retail customers globally. Marfrig's strategic acquisitions have significantly enhanced its position in the food processing industry. Notably, in 2018, Marfrig acquired a 51% stake in National Beef Packing Company for $969 million, positioning itself as the world's second-largest beef processor with consolidated sales of $13 billion. Additionally, in 2019, Marfrig acquired U.S.-based Iowa Premium from Sysco in a deal valued at $150 million, further strengthening its foothold in the U.S. beef market. These transactions highlight Marfrig's focus on expanding its production capacity and international presence in the food processing sector.


12. Santatera Capital

  • Website: santatera.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: santatera-capital

Santatera Capital is a venture capital firm based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in investments within the Food & Beverage industry, targeting early-stage startups that are innovating in food products and technologies. Santatera Capital aims to provide both capital and strategic support to help these businesses thrive in a competitive market. Notable transactions include leading a $2.6 million seed funding round for Tia Lupita Foods, a brand focused on Mexican-inspired food products, and participating in the seed round for BeanVIVO, which emphasizes innovative food solutions. Additionally, they invested in Mezcla, a company recognized for its innovative nutrition bars, which raised $4 million in Series A funding. These investments highlight Santatera Capital's active role in the food processing sector.


13. Grupo Lala


Grupo Lala, S.A.B. de C.V. is a leading food manufacturer based in Rancho Playa, Veracruz, Mexico, specializing in dairy and meat products. Founded in 1950, the company has established a strong presence in the food processing industry, offering a diverse range of products including milk, yogurt, cheese, and processed meats. Grupo Lala has been actively expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Vigor Alimentos, a Brazilian dairy company, for approximately $1.83 billion, which significantly enhances their footprint in the dairy market. Additionally, their acquisition of Laguna Dairy's U.S. branded business for $246 million aims to strengthen their presence in the U.S. Hispanic market. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of Farmland Dairies in New Jersey and National Dairy from Dairy Farmers of America, both of which have expanded their distribution capabilities in the U.S. market. Furthermore, their acquisition of Eskimo in Nicaragua allows them to enter the ice cream category, showcasing their commitment to growth in the food processing sector.


14. Moriah Asset

  • Website: moriahasset.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: moriahasset

Moriah Asset is a corporate investor based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in technology and wellness, offering innovative tech solutions and health-related products aimed at health-conscious consumers and businesses. Moriah Asset has been actively investing in the food processing sector, with notable transactions including a Series A investment in Naturanic, which focuses on health-oriented food products, and an investment in Haoma, a Brazilian chocolate company that is expanding its geographic reach. They also invested in Oakberry, which is known for its healthy food offerings. These transactions highlight Moriah Asset's commitment to supporting companies that align with their focus on wellness and healthy eating, making them a significant player in the food processing investment landscape.


15. Crescera Capital

  • Website: crescera.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: bozano-investimentos

Crescera Capital is a private equity and venture capital investment firm based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and strategic guidance to mid-sized companies across various sectors, including education, technology, health, and notably, food processing. Crescera has made several investments in the food processing industry, including notable transactions such as Villa Germania Alimentos, Forno de Minas, Laticinios Sao Vincente, Rede Oba Hortifruti, and Hortifruti. These investments reflect Crescera's commitment to enhancing operational performance and preparing food processing companies for market opportunities, showcasing their active role in this sector.


16. Veronorte

  • Website: veronorte.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: veronorte

Veronorte is a venture capital firm based in Sabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia, founded in 2012. The firm is dedicated to sustainable development in Latin America, investing in early and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and healthcare. Veronorte aims to facilitate access to sustainable opportunities, helping businesses navigate the regional market effectively. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies relevant to the food processing industry, such as Jumbotail, which raised $25 million in a Series B3 round, and Nuritas, a biotechnology company that closed a $45 million Series B funding round. Their investment in these companies highlights their engagement in the food processing sector, aligning with their mission of driving value and innovation.



Food Processing Insights: Key Investors in Latin America


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
bossa investSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201156
JbsSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil10001+19531
Grupo BimboMexico City, Mexico City, Mexico10001+19454
Semillero Partners LLCSan Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico1-1020161
Enfini InvestmentsSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020200
FemsaMonterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico10001+18903
KptlSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-5020205
BrfSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil10001+19344
SP VenturesSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020073
MonasheesSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50200518
Marfrig Global FoodsSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil10001+20000
Santatera CapitalGuadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico1-1020222
Grupo LalaRancho Playa, Veracruz, Mexico10001+19500
Moriah AssetSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-5020195
Crescera CapitalRio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil11-5020087
VeronorteSabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia1-1020120


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