The citrus orchard industry in Europe is a vibrant sector contributing significantly to agricultural output and exports. It includes growers of oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, along with companies specializing in processing, marketing, and distribution. The industry is currently embracing innovative practices through technology, such as precision agriculture and sustainable farming techniques. European citrus growers are adapting to climate change, optimizing water usage, and enhancing product quality to meet consumer demands. This transformation is backed by financial investments and research aimed at increasing yield efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts, positioning the sector for sustainable future growth.


The list features 18 investors in the citrus orchard sector, spanning venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate investors primarily based across Europe. Originating from locations like Ireland, Belgium, and Germany, these firms vary in size, from small teams of less than 50 to giants with thousands of employees. Founded between 1980 and 2021, these investors actively participated in numerous deals in 2024, supporting agricultural innovation and sustainability within the citrus industry, making them vital players in enhancing growth prospects for citrus orchards.


Top 18 Citrus Orchard Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports 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 also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in transactions relevant to the agricultural sector, such as funding for Clarifruit, a startup focused on fresh produce quality analysis, which received a $2.5 million grant from the EIC program. Other transactions include grants to AgroSustain and Cascade, which are also involved in agricultural innovations. These activities highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting advancements that can benefit industries like citrus orchards.


2. The Yield Lab

  • Website: theyieldlab.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Killiney, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: theyieldlab

The Yield Lab is a venture capital firm based in Killiney, Dublin, Ireland, founded in 2014. It specializes in agrifood technology investments, providing early-stage companies with venture capital funding, access to a global network of experts, and educational resources. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Terviva, which raised significant funding in Series B and Series D rounds, focusing on innovative agricultural solutions. They also invested in Agerpoint, which raised funds in Series A and Convertible Note rounds, indicating their commitment to supporting technology-driven agricultural advancements. Although their specific transactions do not highlight citrus orchards, their overarching focus on agrifood technology positions them as a potential investor in the citrus sector, especially for innovative approaches within that space.


3. 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, offering investment management services and strategic guidance. IDIA Capital Investissement focuses on sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notably, the firm has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agro-food sector, including investments in Compagnie Fruitiere, a company engaged in the fruit industry, and Agrial, which raised over $64 million in a private equity round. These transactions highlight IDIA's commitment to the agro-food sector, making it a potential investor in citrus orchards and related agricultural ventures.


4. 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. They focus on supporting innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions, including leading a $23 million Series A funding round for Source.ag, a company that provides AI-powered solutions to greenhouse growers, which could be applicable to citrus orchards. They also participated in significant funding rounds for Infarm, a startup focused on vertical farming, and Smallhold, which specializes in decentralized mushroom farming. These investments reflect Astanor's commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, making them a potential ally for citrus orchard development.


5. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a focus on mutuality and social responsibility. In recent years, Crédit Agricole has been involved in several transactions that align with agricultural innovation and sustainability. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Omie & Cie, a sustainable food startup, and Elicit Plant, an agtech company focused on solutions for climate change challenges in agriculture. These investments reflect their commitment to supporting advancements in the agricultural sector, which could extend to citrus orchards and related industries.


6. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in biotechnology and agriculture, focusing on early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. Leaps by Bayer provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, they have invested in Pairwise Plants, which raised $40 million in a Series C round in September 2024, and is working on agricultural gene modification technology to enhance fresh produce. They also participated in the Series A and B funding rounds for Apollo Agriculture, which raised a total of $46 million to improve agricultural practices. These transactions highlight Leaps by Bayer's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that could benefit the citrus orchard industry.


7. Navus Ventures

  • Website: navusventures.nl
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Navus Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies that focus on sustainable food and energy solutions. With a team that boasts over 75 years of experience in technological innovation and market deployment, Navus Ventures provides active support and guidance to its portfolio companies. In 2024, they made three investments, including a significant funding round for Blue Radix, a company specializing in autonomous growing and AI-driven greenhouse technology, which could have applications in citrus orchards. Additionally, their investment in Saia Agrobotics, which focuses on agricultural robotics, further emphasizes their commitment to advancing agricultural technology. These transactions highlight Navus Ventures' strategic focus on innovative solutions that could enhance productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector, including potential relevance to citrus orchards.


8. BASF Venture Capital

  • Website: basf.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is a corporate investor that specializes in the chemical manufacturing sector, providing a wide range of products and solutions across various industries, including agriculture. The firm emphasizes innovation and sustainability, aiming to help businesses improve product performance while addressing environmental challenges. Notable transactions include participation in the Series B funding round of Groundwork BioAg, which focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, and investments in Arcadia Biosciences, a company dedicated to developing products that enhance agronomic performance and product quality traits. Additionally, their involvement in Hummingbird Technologies, which utilizes advanced technologies to assist farmers in optimizing crop management, further demonstrates their commitment to agricultural innovation that could benefit citrus orchards.


9. CDP Venture Capital SGR


CDP Venture Capital SGR is a venture capital firm based in Rome, Lazio, Italy, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on supporting startups and innovative companies across various sectors in Italy, providing financial backing and strategic resources for growth. They have been involved in several transactions, including investments in agritech startups like Evja, which raised €4.2M in a pre-series A round to expand its services and international presence. Additionally, their investment in Babaco Market, which operates in the food sector, showcases their interest in companies that may intersect with agricultural supply chains. Their diverse portfolio and focus on innovation position them as a potential investor in the citrus orchard industry, particularly through agritech advancements.


10. NPM Capital

  • Website: npm-capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1948
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: npm-capital

NPM Capital is a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1948. The firm specializes in supporting medium-sized and large family-owned enterprises in the Benelux region, providing capital and strategic advisory services to foster growth and sustainability. NPM Capital operates across various sectors, including technology, education, and agriculture. Notably, they have made significant investments in the agricultural sector, such as acquiring a minority stake in KUBO, a leading developer of advanced horticultural greenhouses, which could be beneficial for citrus orchard operations. Additionally, their acquisition of Agro Care, Europe's largest tomato producer, highlights their commitment to the agricultural industry, further indicating their potential interest in citrus orchards and related agricultural investments.


11. AgDevCo

  • Website: agdevco.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: agdevco

AgDevCo is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in developing sustainable agribusinesses in Africa by providing long-term risk capital and technical assistance. Their mission is to create positive impacts on food security and economic development in the region. Notable transactions include a €5.5 million mezzanine debt investment in Afrique Phyto Plus, which focuses on agricultural inputs, and investments in companies like Victory Farms and DekelOil Public Ltd, which, while not directly related to citrus, indicate their active involvement in the agricultural sector. Their approach to supporting agribusinesses aligns with the potential for investing in citrus orchards, as they aim to enhance agricultural productivity and market access for smallholder farmers.


12. Anterra Capital

  • Website: anterracapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: anterra-capital

Anterra Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in agrifood technology investments, focusing on startups that leverage biotechnology and digital solutions to enhance food production and sustainability. Anterra Capital operates primarily in North America and Europe, supporting innovative companies in the agrifood sector. Notable transactions include their participation in ProducePay, a startup that focuses on the global fresh produce market, which raised significant funding rounds to advance technology and reduce food waste. Their involvement in such companies indicates a commitment to improving the fresh produce supply chain, which is relevant to the citrus orchard industry.


13. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired a 53.69% majority stake in Brazilian food retailer Hortifruti Hortigil, which connects them to the food sector. Furthermore, they acquired a majority stake in Rovensa, a Portuguese producer of agricultural products, for €1 billion, indicating their active role in the agricultural industry. These transactions highlight Partners Group's engagement in sectors that could intersect with citrus orchards, making them a relevant investor in this context.


14. Yara Growth Ventures


Yara Growth Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups and funds within the agriculture and clean hydrogen sectors. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to help businesses develop and scale their solutions, aiming to facilitate significant advancements in sustainable agriculture and energy. Notable transactions include their investment in Tarfin, an agritech company that supports farmers in Turkey, and Apollo Agriculture, which raised substantial funding to enhance agricultural practices. Their involvement in these companies reflects a commitment to improving agricultural productivity, which could extend to citrus orchards as part of their broader agricultural focus.


15. European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)


The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2020. It focuses on sustainable investments in the bioeconomy, providing funding and expertise to growth-stage companies that aim to transition to a circular bio-based economy. ECBF operates primarily within the EU and supports innovations in sectors such as agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has invested in PeelPioneers, a startup that processes orange peels, raising 10 million euros to build a factory with a capacity of 120,000 kilos of orange peels per day. This investment highlights their commitment to the citrus industry. Additionally, their investment in RED Horticulture, which focuses on high-performance lighting for agricultural applications, further underscores their interest in enhancing agricultural practices that could benefit citrus orchards. Overall, ECBF's portfolio reflects a strong alignment with sustainable agricultural innovations.


16. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


The Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a development agency based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM focuses on supporting startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to enhance business growth. They are particularly active in sectors such as sustainable food and energy. Among their notable transactions, BOM invested in PeelPioneers, a company that repurposes citrus peels into useful raw materials, raising over 1 million euros to build a recycling plant for citrus peels. This plant aims to process significant quantities of citrus waste, producing essential oils and citrus pulp. This investment highlights BOM's engagement with the citrus industry, particularly in sustainability and innovation.


17. Incofin Investment Management


Incofin Investment Management is an impact investment firm based in Antwerp, Belgium, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in financing and supporting organizations in emerging markets, with a strong emphasis on promoting financial inclusion and sustainable development. They provide a variety of services, including equity investments, debt financing, and technical assistance. Notably, Incofin has made significant investments in the agricultural sector, including a leading role in funding Sahyadri Farms, which raised substantial capital to expand its warehousing and processing facilities for fruits. This investment highlights their commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. Additionally, their involvement with Unnati, an agri-fintech startup, indicates their interest in leveraging technology to support farmers, which can also benefit citrus orchard operations. Overall, Incofin's focus on impactful investments in agriculture makes them a relevant player in the citrus orchard industry.


18. ICL Group

  • Website: icl-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: icl-group

ICL Group Ltd. is a leading global specialty minerals company founded in 2021, headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal. The company develops, produces, and markets a wide range of fertilizers and chemical products that cater to agriculture, food, energy, and industrial sectors. ICL Group has made significant acquisitions to enhance its position in the agricultural market, including the acquisition of Fertiláqua, a leading Brazilian specialty plant nutrition company, for approximately $120 million in 2020. This acquisition aims to expand ICL's product portfolio in the growing Brazilian market, which is relevant for citrus production. Additionally, ICL's establishment of Everris, following the acquisition of the Scotts Miracle Gro Company's Professional Division, focuses on enhancing technologies and products for horticulture and agriculture, further demonstrating their commitment to agricultural innovation. Other acquisitions, such as Nitro 1000 and Growers Holdings, also reflect their strategic focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.



Citrus Orchard Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
The Yield LabKilliney, Dublin, Ireland11-5020142
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
CDP Venture Capital SGRRome, Lazio, Italy51-200201541
NPM CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019481
AgDevCoLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020095
Anterra CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020139
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Yara Growth VenturesOslo, Oslo, Norway1-1020214
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-50202011
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
Incofin Investment ManagementAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20020099
ICL GroupLisbon, Lisbon, Portugal10001+20215


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