Top 18 Seafood Distributors Investors in the Nordics
Top 18 Seafood Distributors Investors in the Nordics
The seafood distributors industry in the Nordics plays a crucial role in providing a sustainable supply chain for seafood products, driven by a demand for freshness and quality. Companies range from large distribution firms handling bulk supply to smaller, specialized operations catering to local markets. Offerings include fish and shellfish, along with value-added products like ready-to-cook meals. As sustainability and health-conscious eating trends rise, the industry is focusing on environmentally friendly practices, innovations in aquaculture, and transparency in sourcing. The Nordic region, known for its rich marine resources, positions itself as a hub for seafood innovation and distribution.
This list presents a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity investors located in the Nordics, highlighting their reach within the seafood distributors industry. Headquarters for these firms are scattered across key cities such as Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki. The investors' sizes vary, with some operations boasting thousands of employees while others are quite small. Collectively, they engaged in 56 deals in 2024, showcasing significant activity in this sector. Founded between 1820 and 2018, these investors reflect a centennial shift towards sustainability, enhancing the industry's efficiency and future viability.
Top 18 Seafood Distributors Investors in the Nordics
1. Katapult
- Website: katapult.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 8
- LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator
Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They specialize in supporting tech startups that tackle global challenges, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Katapult has been involved in several relevant transactions in the seafood sector, including: 1) UMAMI Bioworks, which focuses on cultivated seafood and secured $2.4 million in pre-seed funding, highlighting their commitment to innovative seafood solutions. 2) Oregon Seaweed, which raised funding to support its operations in the seafood industry. 3) Ocean's Balance, which also received funding to further its seafood-related initiatives. These transactions demonstrate Katapult's active role in promoting sustainable seafood practices and technologies.
2. Orkla ASA
- Website: orkla.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: orkla-asa
Orkla ASA is a leading industrial investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. The company operates across various sectors, including branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, and financial investments. Orkla offers a diverse range of products, including food, snacks, health, and personal care items. Notably, Orkla has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the food industry. In 2022, Orkla Health acquired 95% of Vesterålen Marine Olje AS, which produces residual raw materials from white fish, enhancing its health and sustainability initiatives, particularly for its Möller’s Tran cod liver oil brand. This acquisition reflects Orkla's commitment to the seafood sector. Additionally, Orkla Food Ingredients has made several acquisitions to bolster its growth platform in the food industry, including the acquisition of Arne B. Corneliussen, which further supports its operations in food ingredients. Overall, Orkla serves both consumers and businesses, providing high-quality branded goods and solutions across various markets, including seafood.
3. Almi
- Website: almi.se
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: almi-ab
Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the seafood industry, including Gårdsfisk, which raised $1,231,100 in a venture round in 2018, and Ostrea Aquaculture, which also secured funding in 2016. More recently, Almi participated in funding rounds for Big Akwa, a Swedish land-based trout producer, contributing both equity and loans in multiple rounds throughout 2022 and 2023. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to supporting the seafood sector and its potential for growth.
4. Altor Equity Partners
- Website: altor.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2003
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: altor
Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in providing consulting services across various sectors, including technology and consumer products, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners. Altor has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the seafood industry, including the acquisition of Nova Austral, a key player in the farmed salmon market, and EWOS, a major supplier of aquaculture feed. These strategic investments reflect Altor's commitment to the seafood sector and its aim to drive digital transformation and operational improvements within this industry.
5. AKVA group
- Website: akvagroup.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Norway
- Founded year: 1974
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: akva-group-asa
AKVA group is a corporate investor based in Norway, founded in 1974, specializing in aquaculture technology and services. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, they provide comprehensive solutions for both sea-based and land-based fish farming, including infrastructure, feeding systems, and advisory services. Their primary customers are fish farmers looking to enhance sustainability and efficiency in their operations. In 2023, AKVA group acquired a 51% majority stake in Submerged AS, a firm focused on precision fish farming technology, which aims to bolster their digital offerings in aquaculture. Additionally, they signed an agreement to acquire at least 70% of Newfoundland Aqua Service, a leading supplier of fish farming services in Canada, further expanding their footprint in the seafood industry. These strategic investments underscore AKVA group's commitment to advancing the aquaculture sector and enhancing the seafood distribution network.
6. Nordea
- Website: nordea.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1820
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: nordea
Nordea Bank Abp is a prominent financial services company based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 1820. It provides a comprehensive range of banking and investment management services to individual and corporate clients, particularly in the Nordic region. In 2023, Nordea was involved in several notable transactions, including a significant investment in Salmon Evolution, which raised $148,758,067 in post-IPO debt on March 29, 2023. This investment highlights Nordea's engagement in the seafood industry, particularly in sustainable aquaculture. Additionally, Nordea participated in the financing of Brim, which raised $241,917,748 in post-IPO debt, although Brim's primary focus is not on seafood. Overall, Nordea's activities reflect a diverse investment strategy, with a clear interest in the seafood sector through its support of companies like Salmon Evolution.
7. Norvestor
- Website: norvestor.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 1989
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: norvestor-equity-as
Norvestor is a private equity firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on partnering with medium-sized Nordic businesses to support their growth and development. Norvestor emphasizes sustainability in its investment strategy and has a diverse portfolio that includes sectors such as IT services and property maintenance. Notably, Norvestor has been involved in several acquisitions, including Aalesundfisk in 1996, which is a seafood distributor, highlighting their engagement in the seafood industry. Other acquisitions include MMC First Process, PG Group (dba PG Flow Solutions), Future Production AS, and iSURVEY, showcasing their broad investment approach while maintaining a significant interest in the seafood sector through Aalesundfisk.
8. Beijer Ref
- Website: beijerref.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1866
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: beijerref
Beijer Ref AB is a corporate wholesaler and manufacturer based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in refrigeration and HVAC solutions. Founded in 1866, the company has established a strong presence in the food retail and commercial sectors, providing essential products such as refrigeration systems, air conditioning solutions, and heat pumps. Beijer Ref operates through a vast network of subsidiaries and branches across multiple regions, emphasizing environmentally friendly technologies. In recent years, Beijer Ref has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position, including the acquisition of Young Supply Company, a North American distributor of commercial refrigeration, and Chaud Froid Distribution in France, which further solidifies its footprint in the refrigeration market. These transactions highlight Beijer Ref's commitment to expanding its capabilities in sectors that are critical for food distribution, including seafood, making them a relevant player in the seafood distribution industry.
9. Marel
- Website: marel.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Garðabær, Garðabær, Iceland
- Founded year: 1983
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- LinkedIn: marel
Marel is a corporate investor based in Garðabær, Iceland, specializing in food processing equipment. Founded in 1983, the company provides advanced solutions for the poultry, meat, fish, and prepared foods industries. Marel's product offerings include processing machinery, software solutions, and maintenance services aimed at improving efficiency and product quality through automation. Notably, Marel has made significant acquisitions in the seafood processing sector, including a 50 percent stake in Curio, a whitefish processing equipment manufacturer, which generates approximately EUR 10 million in annual revenue. This acquisition, along with others like PMJ, which focuses on duck processing, showcases Marel's commitment to expanding its capabilities in the seafood and broader food processing markets. Through these strategic moves, Marel aims to enhance its market presence and provide comprehensive solutions to its customers in the food processing industry.
10. Summa Equity
- Website: summaequity.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: summa-equity
Summa Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in thematic investments that address global challenges, focusing on sustainable investment solutions across various sectors, including resource efficiency and technology. Their clientele includes institutional investors and companies seeking capital for growth, emphasizing a commitment to aligning financial returns with positive societal impact. Notably, Summa Equity has been involved in significant transactions within the seafood sector, including the acquisition of STIM in March 2024, a supplier of fish health products and services for the aquaculture industry, which reported gross revenues exceeding €150 million. This acquisition aims to enhance STIM's growth and product development capabilities, showcasing Summa's strategic interest in the seafood distribution ecosystem. Additionally, their past involvement with Rockfish Seafood Grill, although not a direct seafood distributor, indicates a broader interest in the food and restaurant sector, further supporting their relevance in the seafood industry context.
11. Dfds
- Website: dfds.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Founded year: 1866
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: dfds
DFDS, founded in 1866 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a leading logistics and ferry operator providing passenger and freight transportation services across Europe. The company operates a network of ferry routes and offers logistics solutions tailored for various sectors. Notably, DFDS has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its logistics capabilities, including the acquisition of McBurney Transport for nearly £138 million, which enhances its cold chain logistics and expands its operations in the food sector. Additionally, DFDS acquired HSF Logistics Nijmegen B.V. for DKK 2.2 billion, further strengthening its logistics network. These transactions highlight DFDS's commitment to improving its logistics services, particularly in the food sector, which includes seafood distribution.
12. Kesko - K-Group
- Website: kesko.fi
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1940
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: kesko
Kesko Oyj, founded in 1940 and based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, is a prominent retail company operating across various sectors, including grocery, construction, and automotive. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Kesko has established a strong market presence in Finland and other countries, ensuring the quality and accessibility of essential goods. In recent years, Kesko has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the foodservice market, including the acquisition of Heinon Tukku Oy, a Finnish foodservice wholesaler, which is part of their growth strategy in the food distribution sector. This move highlights their commitment to expanding their offerings in the foodservice industry, which includes seafood distribution. Other notable acquisitions include Rautakesko and Davidsens Tømmerhandel, although these are more focused on construction materials. Overall, Kesko's activities in the foodservice sector, particularly with Heinon Tukku, position them as a relevant player in the seafood distribution market.
13. Novo Holdings
- Website: novoholdings.dk
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
- Founded year: 1999
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 45
- LinkedIn: novo-a-s
Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, focused on managing the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Founded in 1999, it primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development, providing capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. In 2024, Novo Holdings has been particularly active, with 45 investments. Notably, they entered into a binding agreement to acquire the genetics business of Benchmark Holdings plc for up to £260 million, which includes a focus on the salmon sub-segment. This acquisition highlights their involvement in the seafood industry, specifically in improving salmon genetics, which is crucial for seafood distributors. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Chromologics, which, while primarily focused on food technology, indicates their broader interest in the food sector.
14. Investinor
- Website: investinor.no
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway
- Founded year: 2008
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: investinor
Investinor AS is a venture capital investment company based in Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway, founded in 2008. It specializes in providing funding to promising startups and companies, helping them grow and achieve market leadership. Investinor manages state interests in seed and venture funds and collaborates with entrepreneurs and other investors. Notably, Investinor has invested in Nordic Halibut, which raised funds in 2010, indicating a direct involvement in the seafood industry. Additionally, they have participated in various other transactions, such as Planktonic AS and Xeneta, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio while maintaining a foothold in sectors that may intersect with seafood distribution.
15. Novax
- Website: novax.se
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1999
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: novax-ab
Novax is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in supporting and developing small and medium-sized growth companies across various sectors, including health, technical security, sustainable food, and digital retail infrastructure. In 2024, Novax was involved in several significant transactions relevant to the food industry. Notably, they acquired MSK Ingredients, a UK-based leader in specialty ingredients for the food industry, which aims to enhance the Ingå Group's position in food ingredient innovation with a focus on sustainability and quality. Additionally, Novax participated in Series A funding rounds for Gårdsfisk, which raised approximately $4.99 million, and Foodtel, which raised around $1.46 million. These transactions highlight Novax's active role in the food sector, particularly in areas that can intersect with seafood distribution.
16. NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/S
- Website: ntg.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Hvidovre, Denmark
- Founded year: 2011
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: nordic-transport-group-a-s
NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/S is a logistics company based in Hvidovre, Denmark, specializing in freight forwarding and transportation services. Founded in 2011, NTG operates with a decentralized business model, providing tailored logistics solutions across various industries. In recent years, NTG has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence and capabilities. Notably, the acquisition of Combino East in September 2018, which focuses on the transport of frozen and cooled goods, positions NTG to cater to the seafood distribution sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Aries Global Logistics, a significant player in the logistics market, further strengthens their operational capacity. These transactions highlight NTG's commitment to expanding its logistics services, including those relevant to seafood distribution.
17. Fabricom AS
- Website: endur.no
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
- Founded year: 1992
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: fabricomas
Fabricom AS, based in Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway, is a corporate investor specializing in marine infrastructure and aquaculture solutions. Founded in 1992, the company has a workforce of 501-1000 employees and focuses on constructing and maintaining marine structures, as well as providing innovative solutions for land-based fish farming. Fabricom AS is a part of Endúr ASA, which has made significant investments in the seafood sector. Notably, they participated in a financing round for GeoSalmo, an Icelandic company that is developing a hybrid flow-through salmon farm, highlighting their commitment to advancing aquaculture. Additionally, Endúr ASA's acquisition of Marcon, a Swedish marine infrastructure group, further emphasizes their strategic positioning within the marine and aquaculture industries, making them a relevant player in the seafood distribution landscape.
18. Kale United
- Website: kaleunited.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: kaleunited
Kale United is a corporate investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in sustainable food production through impact investments, primarily targeting plant-based and foodtech companies. Kale United serves both individual and institutional investors who are interested in supporting the transition to a plant-based lifestyle while achieving financial returns. Notably, Kale United has participated in significant transactions such as the funding of Nordic SeaFarm, which aims to become the largest producer of plant-based crops from the sea in Europe, indicating their commitment to innovative seafood alternatives. Additionally, they have invested in Hooked Foods, a company focused on plant-based seafood products, further demonstrating their engagement in the seafood distributors space. Their acquisition of Lily & Hanna's, a vegan ice cream brand, showcases their broader interest in plant-based food products, but their specific investments in companies related to seafood alternatives solidify their relevance in this sector.
Seafood Distributors Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katapult | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 11-50 | 2017 | 8 |
| Orkla ASA | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 10001+ | 2017 | 1 |
| Almi | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 201-500 | 1994 | 7 |
| Altor Equity Partners | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2003 | 6 |
| AKVA group | Norway | 1001-5000 | 1974 | 2 |
| Nordea | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 10001+ | 1820 | 6 |
| Norvestor | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 11-50 | 1989 | 3 |
| Beijer Ref | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 5001-10000 | 1866 | 6 |
| Marel | Garðabær, Garðabær, Iceland | 5001-10000 | 1983 | 0 |
| Summa Equity | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2016 | 6 |
| Dfds | Copenhagen, Denmark | 10001+ | 1866 | 2 |
| Kesko - K-Group | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 10001+ | 1940 | 1 |
| Novo Holdings | Hellerup, Denmark | 51-200 | 1999 | 45 |
| Investinor | Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway | 11-50 | 2008 | 4 |
| Novax | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 1999 | 3 |
| NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/S | Hvidovre, Denmark | 1001-5000 | 2011 | 3 |
| Fabricom AS | Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway | 501-1000 | 1992 | 1 |
| Kale United | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1-10 | 2018 | 2 |
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