The poultry processing industry in Europe plays a vital role in the food supply chain, encompassing a wide range of activities from slaughtering to packaging chicken, turkey, and other poultry products. Numerous companies, including major processors and small artisanal firms, cater to growing consumer demands for convenient and ethically sourced food. The industry is currently shifting towards sustainable practices, incorporating technology to improve efficiency and reduce waste. With increasing attention on animal welfare and alternative proteins, innovations like lab-grown chicken are gaining traction. This evolution reflects a broader movement within food production towards healthier and more sustainable options.


The European list of poultry processing investors showcases a mix of private equity and venture capital firms. These investors hail from key cities like Paris and London, with firm sizes ranging from small teams to large firms employing thousands. Many were founded in the 2000s, reflecting responsive investment strategies amid industrial transformation. Notably, the investment activity in 2024 included significant deal counts, indicating a robust interest in the poultry sector. Their diverse portfolios signify a commitment to supporting innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the food industry, particularly in alternatives to traditional poultry processing.


Top 16 Poultry Processing Investors in Europe


1. 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, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Among its notable transactions, Unigrains has invested in companies such as Cooperl, a major player in the meat industry, and Triskalia, which operates in the agricultural sector. These investments highlight Unigrains' commitment to supporting businesses that are integral to food production, including poultry processing. Their strategic support helps these companies adapt to market changes and enhance their operational capabilities, making them a relevant investor in the poultry processing landscape.


2. 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 focuses on supporting mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy, providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions in the food sector. Notably, Blue Horizon has been involved in several significant transactions related to alternative proteins, including SuperMeat, which is developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products and has partnered with a traditional poultry producer. Other investments include Rebellyous Foods, which aims to create plant-based chicken products, and Impossible Foods, known for its plant-based meat alternatives. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to transforming the food industry towards more sustainable practices, including within the poultry processing context.


3. 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 within the alternative protein sector, partnering with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support aimed at revolutionizing food and materials technology. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address the challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notable transactions include participation in UPSIDE Foods, which raised significant funding to develop cultivated meat products, and Memphis Meats, which is also focused on alternative meat production. These investments highlight CPT Capital's commitment to supporting companies that are redefining the future of protein, including poultry alternatives.


4. Agronomics Limited

  • Website: agronomics.im
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: agronomics-limited

Agronomics Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in biotechnology investments, particularly in cellular agriculture, aiming to provide investors with exposure to companies that are developing sustainable food production technologies. Agronomics addresses the challenges of traditional animal agriculture by promoting innovative solutions that enhance sustainability and animal welfare. Notably, Agronomics has invested in companies like Rebellyous Foods, which focuses on replicable food production systems, and Meatly, which is involved in alternative protein production. These investments indicate Agronomics' commitment to supporting advancements in food technology that could impact the poultry industry and beyond.


5. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg that provides financial services, including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services, to support sustainable projects across various sectors. Founded in 1958, the EIB aims to promote growth and job creation through its funding initiatives. Among its notable transactions, the EIB has invested in In Ovo, a Dutch company that has secured €40 million to stop the killing of male chicks in the egg industry, thereby addressing a critical issue in poultry processing. Additionally, the EIB provided €40 million to Devenish Nutrition, an agri-technology company focused on animal nutrition and sustainability, which also plays a role in the poultry sector. These investments highlight the EIB's commitment to supporting innovations and sustainable practices within the poultry processing industry.


6. 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. Among their notable transactions, Ardian acquired Solina Group in 2015, a company that operates in the food processing sector, which includes poultry products. Additionally, they acquired a majority stake in Florida Food Products in 2021, further demonstrating their commitment to investing in the food industry. These transactions highlight Ardian's strategic interest in sectors related to food processing, including poultry, aligning with their broader investment strategy.


7. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the firm offers a diverse range of services, including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a variety of clients, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau Capital has been involved in several transactions within the food sector, such as providing debt financing to Kersia, Isla Délice, and Labeyrie Fine Foods, which are companies that operate in the poultry and broader food processing industries. These investments highlight Tikehau's engagement with the food sector, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in poultry processing.


8. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Notably, Beyond Impact VC has been involved in significant transactions within the poultry processing context, such as their investment in SuperMeat, an Israeli start-up that is developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, which highlights their interest in innovative poultry alternatives. Additionally, they have invested in GOURMEY, a company that also operates in the alternative protein space, and The EVERY Company, which focuses on animal-free egg proteins. These transactions reflect Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting companies that are redefining the poultry industry through sustainable practices.


9. 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 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 a diverse portfolio, with significant investments in various sectors, including food and agriculture. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Provimi in 2002, a company that plays a crucial role in animal nutrition, which is essential for poultry farming. Additionally, CVC acquired QSR Brands in 2013, a company that operates in the food service industry, further linking them to the poultry sector. Their investment in Heiploeg Beheer, a company involved in seafood processing, also reflects their broader interest in food processing. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic focus on delivering sustainable value and growth through investments in the food industry, including poultry processing.


10. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT has acquired Færch Plast A/S, a leader in rigid plastic packaging for ready meals and protein food trays, which aligns with the poultry processing industry. Additionally, EQT has made investments in companies like Classic Fine Foods, which operates in the food sector, and Formo, an animal-free cheese producer, showcasing their interest in food-related investments. These transactions highlight EQT's strategic focus on sectors that intersect with food processing, including poultry.


11. Naxicap Partners

  • Website: naxicap.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: naxicap-partners

Naxicap Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, focusing on mid-cap and small-cap companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and real estate. Notably, Naxicap has made several investments in the food processing industry, particularly in companies like CA Traiteur Et Salaisons SAS and Pierre SCHMIDT Charcutier-Traiteur, which are involved in meat processing. These transactions highlight Naxicap's engagement in the poultry processing context, as they support businesses that contribute to the broader meat and poultry supply chain. By providing financial resources and strategic support, Naxicap Partners aims to help these businesses scale and enhance their market presence.


12. 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 shown a keen interest in the food sector, particularly through its venture capital arm, DSM Venturing. Notably, they have invested in Meatable, a cultivated meat company, which raised significant funding to scale its processes and commercialize its products. Additionally, their investment in Paleo, a startup focused on producing GMO-free products, and Phytolon, which specializes in food colorants, further demonstrates their engagement in the food industry. These transactions highlight dsm-firmenich's commitment to innovation in food production, including areas relevant to poultry processing.


13. Seventure Partners

  • Website: seventure.fr
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: seventure-partners

Seventure Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in managing funds for innovative companies primarily in the digital technology and life sciences sectors. They focus on supporting startups and growth-stage companies through strategic funding. Notably, Seventure has participated in several transactions that intersect with the poultry processing industry, such as their investment in Proteon Pharmaceuticals, which aims to reduce antibiotic use in animal agriculture, and String Bio, which develops next-generation proteins for the food and feed industries. These investments reflect Seventure's commitment to enhancing animal health and sustainable protein production, which are critical components of the poultry processing sector.


14. 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 participated in several transactions relevant to the poultry processing context, including a seed funding round for SuperMeat, an Israeli startup developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, which highlights their commitment to innovative poultry solutions. Additionally, they have invested in other alternative protein companies like Chunk Foods and Meatable, which, while not exclusively focused on poultry, contribute to the broader landscape of sustainable meat alternatives, including poultry products.


15. Cerea Partners

  • Website: cerea.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Neuilly-Sur-Seine, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: cerea-capital

Cerea Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Neuilly-Sur-Seine, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in the agro-food sector, providing capital investment and debt financing to small and medium-sized enterprises aiming for growth and transformation. Their mission emphasizes sustainable development, aiming to improve food production and living standards. Cerea Partners has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Solina Group, a company that operates in the food processing sector, and Organic Alliance, which focuses on organic food products. These transactions highlight their active role in the food industry, which may encompass poultry processing as part of their broader investment strategy.


16. 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, assisting them in growth and transformation while integrating economic and ESG considerations into their strategies. Their clientele spans various sectors, including food processing. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the poultry processing industry, such as their investment in Groupe Grimaud La Corbière, which raised over $70 million in 2011 and is recognized for its role in poultry genetics. Other transactions include investments in companies like Etablissements Berni Et Cie and Norac Foods, which, while not exclusively poultry-focused, contribute to the broader food processing landscape.



Poultry Processing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
Agronomics LimitedLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020184
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Naxicap PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-20020050
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
Seventure PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France11-50199721
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
Cerea PartnersNeuilly-Sur-Seine, Île-De-France, France11-5020040
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882


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