The food supply chain industry in Benelux is a vibrant ecosystem that connects agriculture, processing, and distribution. Companies span from small local producers to large multinational corporations, engaging in everything from fresh produce to processed foods. Rising concerns about sustainability and food quality are driving innovations, with many entities exploring alternative proteins and efficient logistics. The emphasis is increasingly on technological integration, introducing automation and data analytics for enhanced transparency. As the demand for nutritious and sustainable food grows, this sector is poised for significant transformation, reinforcing Benelux’s role as a key player in global food supply networks.

This list features 16 prominent investors shaping the food supply chain in Benelux. They vary in type, including private equity, venture capital, and corporate investors, with headquarters in Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. These firms range widely in size, employing from small teams to thousands, and were founded between 1851 and 2019. In 2024, together, they executed over 330 transactions, indicating robust activity in the sector. Investors like CVC and EIT Food are setting the pace, proving the appetite for growth and innovation in this crucial industry.

Top 16 Food Supply Chain Investors in Benelux

1. 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, 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 supply chain include the acquisition of UNIVEG in 2006, which is a key player in the fresh produce supply chain, and Provimi in 2002, a global leader in animal nutrition. Additionally, CVC acquired Deoleo, a major Spanish olive oil producer, in 2014, further emphasizing their commitment to the food sector. These investments highlight CVC's active role in the food supply chain, making them a significant player in this industry.

2. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website: eic.ec.europa.eu
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn: 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. It 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 made significant investments in the food supply chain, such as in Connecting Food, which raised over $4 million to enhance food traceability, and Deep Branch Biotechnology, which secured £2.2 million to produce sustainable protein for animal feed. Additionally, the EIC led a $58 million Series B funding round for Infinite Roots, a mycelium company, further demonstrating its engagement in the food sector. These transactions highlight the EIC's role in promoting innovation within the food supply chain.

3. 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 grants to Kokomodo and Clean Food Group, which raised $216,309 and $324,464 respectively. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Phytolon, which raised $4,100,000 in a seed round and received grants totaling $467,420. These transactions highlight EIT Food's active role in supporting innovation and sustainability within the food supply chain.

4. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website: eib.org
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn: european-investment-bank

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 clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions, EIB has invested in companies such as InspiraFarms, which focuses on providing innovative solutions for food preservation and distribution, and Carbery Group, a dairy and food ingredients company. These investments highlight EIB's engagement in the food supply chain, showcasing its role in financing projects that enhance food security and sustainability.

5. 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 supply chain through several key acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Hortimex Sp. z o.o., a Polish specialty chemicals distributor in the food ingredients and nutraceuticals segments, enhancing their presence in Poland's Food & Nutrition market. Additionally, Azelis acquired Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives, further solidifying their position in the Turkish food market. These transactions reflect Azelis' commitment to strengthening its role in the food supply chain while continuing to serve a diverse range of industries.

6. 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. The firm is dedicated to supporting innovative companies that strive to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor's portfolio includes notable transactions such as their investment in La Ruche qui dit Oui, a platform that connects consumers with local food producers, and ProducePay, which focuses on financing and analytics for the fresh produce market, aiming to reduce economic and food waste in the supply chain. Additionally, Astanor led the Series A funding round for Plantible Foods, a company that produces duckweed protein, highlighting their commitment to alternative protein sources and sustainable food production. Astanor's expertise and focus on agrifood tech make them a key player in driving growth and sustainability within the food supply chain.

7. 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, serving over two billion customers worldwide. Notably, Prosus has made significant investments in the food supply chain sector, particularly through its involvement with Captain Fresh, which raised substantial funding across multiple rounds: $57.3 million in March 2022, $40 million in December 2021, $20 million in September 2023, and $28.9 million in January 2025. These investments highlight Prosus's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the food supply chain, fostering community growth and sustainable business practices.

8. PeakBridge

• Website: peakbridge.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: peak-bridge-partners

PeakBridge VC is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and based in Luxembourg, specializing 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 leading a €6 million Series A funding round for Rival Foods, which aims to develop new protein sources, and participating in a €12 million Series A round for Standing Ovation, a startup focused on animal-free casein and cheese substitutes. These investments demonstrate PeakBridge's commitment to enhancing the food supply chain through technological advancements and sustainable practices.

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 and a global presence across 62 countries, Eurofins specializes in a diverse array of analytical and testing services, particularly in the pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental sectors. In the context of the food supply chain, Eurofins has made significant strides, including the recent acquisition of ARS Probata, a German audit and certification company focused on the food industry, which enhances its portfolio in food assurance. This acquisition, along with previous transactions such as the acquisition of Eurofins Lab Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and Craft Technologies, demonstrates Eurofins' strategic focus on expanding its capabilities in food testing and compliance, making it a key player in ensuring the safety and quality of food products.

10. 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. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, serving various industries with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges. As an investor, dsm-firmenich has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the food supply chain. For instance, they led a $14.5 million Series A funding round for Phytolon, an Israeli startup focused on commercializing proprietary colors for food and beverage applications. Additionally, they participated in an €8 million Series A investment in Deep Branch Biotechnology, a UK-based producer of alternative feed ingredients, and co-led a $6 million Series A funding for Chinova Bioworks, which specializes in natural preservatives derived from mushrooms. These investments highlight dsm-firmenich's active role in supporting innovations that enhance food safety and sustainability.

11. 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 to help startups scale and succeed. In the food supply chain context, Rockstart has been involved in several notable transactions. For instance, they participated in the funding round for Orderlion, a Vienna-based startup that aims to enhance the ordering process between gastronomy and food wholesalers. Additionally, Rockstart has invested in Reduced, a foodtech company focused on creating plant-based flavor enhancers. These investments highlight Rockstart's commitment to fostering innovation in the food supply chain and supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs.

12. 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 serves farmers and feed producers, emphasizing sustainable practices to meet the increasing global food demand. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Bellman Nutriçao Animal Ltda., a Brazilian company specializing in farm minerals and supplements for ruminants, which strengthens Nutreco's position in Brazil's agricultural and aquaculture markets. Additionally, Nutreco led a funding round for Stellapps, a company focused on dairy technology, showcasing their commitment to advancing the food supply chain. Their investments in companies like ENOUGH and Mosa Meat further illustrate their engagement in innovative food production technologies.

13. 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 Brussels-based venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. The firm provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has made significant investments in the food supply chain, including a lead investment in Sambazon, which focuses on expanding its premium acai product lines. They also acquired a 24.5% stake in Mutti S.p.A., a prominent Italian tomato processing company, aiming to enhance its international presence and product development. Furthermore, Verlinvest led a Series B funding round for Epigamia, a Greek yogurt maker, which is focused on innovation and brand-building activities. These transactions highlight Verlinvest's active role in the food sector and its commitment to supporting sustainable practices within the food supply chain.

14. Louis Dreyfus Company

• Website: ldc.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 1851
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: louis-dreyfus-company

Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. is a corporate investor based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, with a rich history dating back to 1851. As a for-profit agricultural merchant and processor, LDC operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation. The company plays a crucial role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain for agricultural products, particularly in the food and beverage industry. In 2024, LDC announced its acquisition of Cacique, the largest exporter of soluble coffee in Brazil, as part of its strategy to enhance its soluble coffee business. This move underscores LDC's commitment to expanding its influence in the food supply chain. Additionally, LDC has been involved in several funding rounds, including a $26.35 million investment in Gathered Foods and an $11.2 million funding round for TRACT, further demonstrating its active role in supporting innovative food-related ventures.

15. Triton Partners

• Website: triton-partners.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: triton-partners

Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm founded in 1997, based in Luxembourg. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the food supply chain, including the acquisition of Geia Food in 2021, which highlights their commitment to this sector. They also acquired Frigoscandia Distribution in 2002, further demonstrating their involvement in food-related businesses. Triton partners with management teams to address challenges and drive growth, providing operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential.

16. DOB Equity

• Website: dobequity.nl
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Veessen, Gelderland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: dob-foundation

DOB Equity is an impact investment fund based in Veessen, Gelderland, Netherlands, founded in 1997. The fund focuses on supporting innovative and scalable companies in Eastern Africa, aiming to create social impact while ensuring long-term profitability for its portfolio companies. In the food supply chain context, DOB Equity has made significant investments, including a series of funding rounds for Twiga Foods, which raised a total of $70 million across Series A, B, and C rounds from 2016 to 2021. Twiga Foods is dedicated to improving food distribution by connecting farmers with vendors, thereby enhancing food accessibility. Additionally, DOB Equity invested in Kwanza Tukule, a last-mile distribution business that supplies staple foods to informal vendors in Nairobi, further expanding their portfolio in food distribution and logistics. Through these investments, DOB Equity demonstrates its commitment to supporting the food supply chain in East Africa.

Food Supply Chain Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Want to find more investors focusing on the food supply chain industry?

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!