The fish processing industry in Benelux is vital for supporting consumer demand for sustainable seafood. Companies here range from small artisanal processors to large multinationals, all committed to quality and safety in production. This sector offers a variety of products, including fresh and frozen fish, seafood snacks, and processed meal solutions. As sustainability trends shape market preferences, many businesses are investing in championing eco-friendly practices and innovative technologies. The industry is expected to grow, driven by increasing global consumption of seafood and persistent advancements in processing methods, ensuring a bright future for the fish processing sector in the region.


The investor landscape in Benelux's fish processing sector illustrates a rich mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate firms. These investors vary in size and age, with many having established themselves for over a decade. With historical headquarters in strategic locations across the Netherlands and Luxembourg, they actively engage in deals to fuel industry innovation. In 2024 alone, these investors collectively participated in over 60 deals, reflecting their commitment to boosting growth in fish processing. Their involvement indicates a promising future for both investment and sustainable development in aquaculture and seafood offerings.


Top 18 Fish Processing Investors in Benelux


1. Aqua-Spark

  • Website: aqua-spark.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: aquaspark

Aqua-Spark is a Utrecht-based venture capital firm founded in 2013, dedicated to investing in innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry. With a focus on promoting sustainable practices and improving production efficiency, Aqua-Spark collaborates with a global community of investors to address environmental challenges through research and development. The firm has made significant investments in various aquaculture-related companies, including Matorka, which produces Icelandic Arctic char, and AquaRech, a fish farming platform in Kenya. In 2020, Aqua-Spark led a $12.6 million Series A funding round for Shiok Meats, a company focused on cell-based shrimp production, showcasing their commitment to innovative and sustainable seafood solutions. Their portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on enhancing the aquaculture sector, making them a relevant player in the fish processing industry.


2. 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, specializing in innovative feed solutions for both livestock and aquaculture. Founded in 1994, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is dedicated to sustainable practices to meet the growing global demand for food. Nutreco's involvement in the fish processing context is highlighted by its acquisition of Skretting Nigeria, which aims to strengthen its presence in the Nigerian aquaculture industry, and the acquisition of Shihai Co Ltd., a fish and shrimp feed company in China, for approximately EUR 40 million. These transactions underscore Nutreco's commitment to enhancing its aquaculture feed business, which is integral to the fish processing industry. Additionally, Nutreco has participated in funding rounds for companies like BlueNalu and West Coast Salmon, further indicating its engagement in the broader fish processing and aquaculture sectors.


3. 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 based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. Founded in 2005, the firm manages approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a diverse investment portfolio, with notable transactions including the acquisition of Heiploeg Beheer in 1995, which is directly related to the fish processing industry. Additionally, they acquired Continental Foods Belgium SA in 2013, further showcasing their capability in the food sector. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic approach to delivering sustainable value and growth through investments in various industries, including fish processing.


4. 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 prominent corporate investor based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, with a history dating back to 1851. As a for-profit agricultural merchant and processor, the company operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation. In recent years, Louis Dreyfus Company has made significant investments in the seafood sector, notably leading a $26.35 million funding round for Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand, aimed at product development and market expansion. Additionally, the company participated in a Series A funding round for Aquaconnect, which focuses on aquaculture, further emphasizing its commitment to the fish processing industry. These transactions highlight Louis Dreyfus Company's strategic interest in sustainable seafood alternatives and aquaculture, reinforcing its role as an investor in the fish processing space.


5. PeakBridge


PeakBridge VC is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, 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. Notably, PeakBridge has participated in transactions such as Forsea Foods, which raised $5.2M to develop cultivated eel meat, directly linking them to the fish processing industry. They also led a €6 million Series A funding round for Rival Foods, which is working on new protein sources, potentially including fish alternatives. These investments highlight PeakBridge's commitment to advancing technologies and solutions within the food and fish processing sectors.


6. Rabo Ventures


Rabo Ventures, founded in 2002 and based in Utrecht, Netherlands, is a venture capital firm that specializes in providing equity capital to transformative companies and top-tier funds, primarily within the Food & Agri and Sustainability sectors. The firm aims to support significant transitions that positively impact society and the environment through strategic partnerships and investment management. Notably, Rabo Ventures has been involved in key transactions within the fish processing industry, such as their strategic funding for Kingfish Zeeland, which focuses on expanding its production capacity for Yellowtail Kingfish. Additionally, they participated in a post-IPO equity round for The Kingfish Company, further solidifying their commitment to the aquaculture sector. These investments highlight Rabo Ventures' active role in supporting innovative companies within the fish processing industry.


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. Notably, Prosus has made significant investments in the fish processing industry, including a $35 million Series A investment in Aruna, an Indonesia-based fisheries and marine platform, aimed at expanding its national footprint and improving its supply chain. Additionally, they invested in Captain Fresh, raising $57.3 million in a Series C round in 2022, which further emphasizes their commitment to the seafood supply chain and fish processing sector. These transactions highlight Prosus's strategy of partnering with local entrepreneurs to foster growth and innovation in the fish processing industry.


8. 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. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the food sector, including the acquisition of Geia Food in April 2021, which highlights their engagement in the fish processing industry. Additionally, their earlier acquisitions, such as Tetra and Stenqvist, showcase their diverse investment strategy, although these are not directly related to fish processing. Overall, Triton Partners' involvement in Geia Food positions them as a relevant player in the fish processing investment landscape.


9. Xenon Private Equity

  • Website: xenonpe.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Strassen, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: xenon-private-equity

Xenon Private Equity is a private equity firm based in Strassen, Luxembourg, specializing in investment management and advisory services. Founded in 2009, the firm focuses on partnering with small to medium-sized enterprises to enhance their growth and competitiveness through strategic investments and operational support. Their investment strategy emphasizes sustainable practices and responsible investing, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and waste management. Notably, Xenon Private Equity has made significant strides in the fish processing sector, acquiring PanaPesca, a producer of refrigerated and frozen seafood, in January 2019. This acquisition highlights their commitment to the fish processing industry, alongside their other investments, such as Solana spa, an industrial tomato processing company, and Tecnopool, which further showcases their diverse investment portfolio.


10. H2 Equity Partners

  • Website: h2ep.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: h2-equity-partners

H2 Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in private equity investments in mid-sized companies across various sectors, providing hands-on support and consulting services to help management teams achieve growth and operational improvements. Notably, H2 Equity Partners has made significant investments in the fish processing sector, including the acquisition of a controlling stake in Klaas Puul, a Dutch shrimp processor, in August 2016. This partnership aims to enhance the company's growth and innovation in the seafood market. Additionally, they entered into an agreement to acquire the Oerlemans Foods division from the Dutch food group Vion in March 2014, which may also encompass fish processing operations. These transactions highlight H2 Equity Partners' commitment to investing in and supporting the fish processing industry.


11. Gilde Buy Out Partners


Gilde Buy Out Partners is a private equity firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in investment management and business transformation services, focusing on providing growth solutions to mid-market businesses across Europe. One of their notable transactions includes the acquisition of Heiploeg Beheer, a company involved in the fish processing industry, which they acquired in February 2006. This acquisition highlights Gilde's capability and interest in the fish processing sector, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing operations and market presence in this industry through strategic investments.


12. Inter IKEA Group

  • Website: inter.ikea.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Delft, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: interikeagroup

Inter IKEA Group is a corporate investor based in Delft, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1989. The company primarily operates in the home furnishings sector, connecting IKEA franchisees with suppliers and providing range development services. In 2024, Inter IKEA Group was involved in several investments, including a notable transaction with Nordic SeaFarm, which raised $2,462,194 in a venture round. This investment highlights Inter IKEA Group's interest in the aquaculture industry, which is integral to fish processing. Additionally, they participated in a seed round for New School Foods, raising $5,935,898, although this transaction is less directly related to fish processing. Overall, Inter IKEA Group's engagement in Nordic SeaFarm positions them as a relevant investor in the fish processing sector.


13. Bencis


Bencis is a private equity investment company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic support to business owners and management teams across various sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare. Notably, Bencis has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Morubel, a leading European shrimp company, which highlights their engagement in the fish processing sector. Through such investments, Bencis aims to help businesses achieve their growth ambitions and enhance their market presence, showcasing their commitment to supporting diverse industries, including fish processing.


14. Rabo Corporate Investments


Rabo Corporate Investments is an investment firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to established and transformative companies, as well as top-tier funds, primarily in the Food & Agri and Sustainability sectors. They leverage their global network and industry expertise to build strong partnerships and support major societal transitions. Notably, Rabo Corporate Investments participated in a significant funding round for The Kingfish Company, which raised approximately $59.6 million in November 2020, highlighting their commitment to sustainable aquaculture and fish processing. Additionally, they were involved in the growth funding round for LIVEKINDLY Collective, which focuses on plant-based innovations, further demonstrating their engagement in the broader food sector.


15. Hendrix Genetics


Hendrix Genetics is a corporate investor based in Boxmeer, North Brabant, Netherlands, specializing in animal breeding solutions across various species, including poultry, swine, and fish. Founded in 1991, the company has established itself as a leader in providing high-quality breeding programs aimed at enhancing productivity and meeting the global demand for animal protein. Notably, Hendrix Genetics made a significant move into the aquaculture sector with the acquisition of UK-based Landcatch and Landcatch Natural Selection in June 2011, marking its entry into fish breeding. This acquisition underscores the company's commitment to sustainable practices in aquaculture. Additionally, Hendrix Genetics acquired Euribrid, Nutreco's animal breeding activity, in January 2007, further solidifying its position in the animal breeding industry. The company operates globally, focusing on innovative breeding solutions that cater to the evolving needs of farmers and producers.


16. Goodwell Investments

  • Website: goodwell.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: goodwell-investments

Goodwell Investments is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2004. The firm is dedicated to creating a more inclusive economy by financing motivated entrepreneurs in Africa. They provide private equity funding and business expertise to scalable companies across various sectors, including financial services, food and agriculture, and logistics. Notably, Goodwell has made significant investments in the aquaculture sector, particularly through their funding of Chicoa Fish Farm, a Mozambique-based agri-startup. In 2020, they led a Series A funding round of $1.5 million for Chicoa Fish Farm, which is focused on the processing and distribution of frozen tilapia products. This investment aims to develop the aquaculture sector in Southern Africa, highlighting Goodwell's commitment to supporting local businesses in the fish processing industry. Additionally, they have invested in Good Nature Agro, which operates in the food sector, further demonstrating their engagement in agriculture-related ventures.


17. Kharis Capital


Kharis Capital is a private equity firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in consumer businesses and technology, providing long-term capital and strategic guidance to help brands grow and innovate. Kharis Capital emphasizes active ownership and partnerships, enabling them to support companies in achieving their full potential. A notable transaction in their portfolio is the acquisition of Nordsee Holding GmbH, a prominent player in the Quick Service Restaurant market in Europe, particularly known for its seafood offerings. This acquisition highlights Kharis Capital's engagement in the fish processing industry, aligning with their investment strategy in consumer-focused sectors.


18. 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 multiple 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 acquired a 24.5% stake in Mutti S.p.A., a leading Italian tomato processing company, which highlights their involvement in the food processing industry. This investment aims to enhance Mutti's international presence and product development. Additionally, Verlinvest has invested in Sir Kensington's, a condiments company, further demonstrating their commitment to the food sector. Their diverse portfolio reflects a focus on consumer needs and sustainable practices, making them a potential player in the broader food processing landscape.



Fish Processing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Aqua-SparkUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020132
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Louis Dreyfus CompanyRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+18515
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188
Rabo VenturesUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands1-1020024
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Xenon Private EquityStrassen, Luxembourg, Luxembourg11-5020095
H2 Equity PartnersAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019910
Gilde Buy Out PartnersUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5019820
Inter IKEA GroupDelft, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19894
BencisAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019990
Rabo Corporate InvestmentsUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020020
Hendrix GeneticsBoxmeer, North Brabant, Netherlands1001-500019910
Goodwell InvestmentsAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020043
Kharis CapitalBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5020150
VerlinvestBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019955


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