The food supply chain industry in Europe is vital for connecting agriculture, manufacturing, and distribution of food products to consumers. It includes a variety of companies, such as farmers, processors, and logistics providers, all working to ensure the flow of food from source to plate. With growing concerns over sustainability and food security, the sector is increasingly prioritizing innovation, focusing on alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Europe is also witnessing a shift towards digital solutions to enhance efficiency, indicating a promising trajectory toward more integrated and resilient food systems in the face of global challenges.


The list features 18 prominent investors actively shaping the European food supply chain. These include venture capital firms, private equity players, and corporate investors, located in major cities like Paris, London, and Luxembourg. Established between 1980 and 2017, these firms vary in size, with most managing substantial assets. Notably, investors facilitated numerous deals in 2024, showcasing their influence in funding initiatives aimed at sustainability and innovation within the food industry. This collective effort highlights a critical engagement with emerging trends and technologies in food production and distribution.


Top 18 Food Supply Chain Investors in Europe


1. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the food supply chain, including Modern Milkman, which raised $677,806 for its sustainable milk delivery service, and Zero Carbon Farms, which secured $5,704,109 to develop sustainable farming solutions. Other relevant investments include Cuyna, a meal delivery service that raised $1,195,680, and The Real Olive, which raised $369,798 for its olive products. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative food supply chain businesses.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in significant food supply chain ventures such as Ynsect, which raised substantial funding across multiple rounds (Series B, C, and D) to develop insect farming for food ingredients and pet food. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in the funding of Gourmey, a cultivated meat startup that raised a record Series A round, indicating its commitment to innovative food production technologies. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in the food supply chain sector.


3. 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. Notable transactions include a substantial post-IPO equity investment in Stef, which raised over $3.3 billion, and private equity rounds for Agrial, Axereal, and Triskalia, showcasing their active involvement in the food supply chain. These investments reflect Unigrains' commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities and market adaptability of businesses within the food supply chain.


4. 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 leading investment firm specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. Founded in 2005 and based in Luxembourg, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notable 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 in 2014, a major Spanish olive oil producer, further emphasizing their commitment to the food sector. These investments highlight CVC's active role in the food supply chain industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


5. 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 multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT has acquired BLOOM FRESH International, a global breeding entity focused on table grape and cherry genetics, showcasing their commitment to agricultural innovation. They also acquired Constellation Cold Logistics, which plays a vital role in the logistics of food supply, and Koole Tanktransport B.V., a leading operator in the storage of edible oils and fats. These investments reflect EQT's strategic focus on enhancing the food supply chain, making them a significant player in this industry.


6. 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 provides funding and resources to entrepreneurs in the bioeconomy, focusing on innovative solutions that promote sustainability in food production. Notable transactions include investments in companies like SuperMeat, which is developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, and Apparo, which specializes in sunflower protein ingredients. Their portfolio also includes investments in Fora Foods and Tomorrow Foods, both of which are involved in alternative protein development. Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting impactful change in the food supply chain makes them a significant player in this sector.


7. 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 across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the food supply chain, such as funding Connecting Food, which raised over $4 million in a venture round, 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 company focused on mycelium production, which has implications for sustainable food production. These investments highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the food supply chain.


8. 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.


9. Bunzl UK and Ireland

  • Website: bunzl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1854
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bunzl

Bunzl UK and Ireland, a corporate investor based in London, England, is a distribution and outsourcing company founded in 1854. The company specializes in providing essential items necessary for businesses to operate across various industries, including foodservice. Bunzl has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its operations in the food supply chain. Notably, the acquisition of Destiny Packaging, which generates significant revenue, and Bursa Pazarı, a Turkish plastics packaging firm focused on foodservice, highlight Bunzl's commitment to expanding its footprint in the food supply chain. These transactions demonstrate Bunzl's role in ensuring reliable sourcing and delivery of packaging solutions that are vital for food businesses.


10. 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 London-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, specializing in investments in the alternative protein sector. The firm partners with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support, aiming to revolutionize food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address the challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notable transactions include their participation in Aleph Farms' Series B funding round, which raised $105 million to develop cultured meat products, and their co-lead role in ENOUGH's €40 million growth funding round, aimed at expanding operations in mycoprotein production. These investments underscore CPT Capital's commitment to advancing sustainable food technologies within the supply chain.


11. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is an investment management firm based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in providing investment management services and strategic guidance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies (ETIs) to support their growth. IDIA Capital Investissement focuses on various sectors, including agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions within the food supply chain, including investments in Agrial, which raised approximately $64.2 million in 2014; Triskalia, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2013; Axereal, which raised about $170.2 million in 2017; Compagnie Fruitiere, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2015; and Sodiaal, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2021. These investments highlight IDIA Capital Investissement's commitment to supporting companies that play a crucial role in the food supply chain.


12. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, UK, founded in 2017. The fund primarily invests in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. However, its portfolio is diverse, encompassing various sectors, including health tech, fintech, and notably, the food supply chain. Among their significant transactions, SoftBank led a $225 million Series C funding round for Misfits Market, a company dedicated to reducing food waste by selling 'imperfect' produce. Additionally, they participated in a $425 million Series E funding round for Weee!, a platform that expands grocery and food delivery services, particularly for ethnic communities. These investments reflect SoftBank's strategy to support growth-stage companies that are transforming the food supply chain through technology and innovation.


13. 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 across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several significant transactions within the food supply chain, including investments in Stef, a leading player in food logistics, Seafrigo, a company specializing in temperature-controlled logistics for food products, Norac Foods, which operates in the food production sector, and Sill Entreprises, a company involved in the distribution of food products. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting growth and transformation in the food industry, making them a valuable partner for businesses in this sector.


14. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting 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 company involved in the food supply chain. These investments highlight EIB's active role in supporting the food supply chain, alongside its broader investment strategy.


15. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable investments in the food supply chain sector are Collectiv Food, which raised $4.4 million in a seed round to enhance food distribution, and La Ruche qui dit Oui, which raised $65,677 in its seed round to connect consumers with local food producers. They also invested in nextProtein, which secured €1.3 million for its innovative bioconversion process to produce feedstock protein, and Supli, a B2B food marketplace that raised $2.4 million to strengthen its market position. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the food supply chain.


16. 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 in the food supply chain sector, Ardian acquired Frulact, a supplier of natural food ingredients, for approximately €200 million, highlighting their investment in food production. Additionally, they acquired a minority stake in Nutripack Group, which provides packaging solutions for the food industry, further emphasizing their engagement in the food supply chain. Other investments, such as in the Solina Group and Frostkrone, also reflect their strategy of supporting companies that contribute to food processing and distribution.


17. FoodLabs

  • Website: foodlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-food-labs

FoodLabs is an investment firm and food technology incubator based in Berlin, founded in 2016. They focus on supporting innovative startups in the food tech sector, providing investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. Notably, FoodLabs has led investments in several relevant transactions, including Terraa, a Moroccan B2B tech-enabled food distribution platform, which raised $1.5M to strengthen its logistics infrastructure. They also invested in Barakah, an online marketplace tackling commercial food waste in the MENA region, highlighting their commitment to sustainability in the food supply chain. Additionally, their involvement with Torg, a B2B startup aiming to enhance supplier databases, further illustrates their focus on improving food supply chain efficiencies. Overall, FoodLabs is dedicated to fostering innovation that directly impacts the food supply chain.


18. 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 focused on food ingredients and nutraceuticals, to strengthen their position in Poland's Food & Nutrition market. Additionally, they acquired Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives, further enhancing their presence in the Turkish food market. These transactions reflect Azelis' commitment to the food supply chain, alongside their broader focus on specialty chemicals and innovation services.



Food Supply Chain Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
FoodLabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201611
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015


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