The food processing industry in the DACH region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—plays a pivotal role in feeding a diverse population. This dynamic sector includes companies ranging from multinational giants to innovative startups focused on nutrition, sustainability, and flavor enhancement. They provide a wide array of products, from snacks and beverages to high-quality ingredients for other food manufacturers. With growing consumer demand for healthier, plant-based, and ethically sourced items, the industry is increasingly turning toward sustainability and technology to drive advancements. The adoption of alternative proteins and new food technologies suggests that the future will be heavily influenced by health and environmental factors.

Among the top investors in DACH's food processing sector, there is a blend of corporate giants and venture capital firms actively shaping the landscape. With headquarters in key cities like Berlin and Zurich, these investors range in size from small, focused firms to multinational corporations. Established as early as the 1860s, they showcase their market expertise through consistent deal-making; the year 2024 alone saw them engaging in multiple investments aimed at innovative food tech solutions. This engagement reflects their commitment to driving the evolution of food processing while addressing current market needs.

Top 19 Food Processing Investors in DACH

1. 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 supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has been involved in significant transactions within the food processing context, including multiple funding rounds for Mosa Meat, a company focused on cultured meat production. They participated in Mosa Meat's Series B funding rounds, contributing to a total of $75 million raised in early 2021, and earlier rounds that raised $55 million and $20 million in 2020. Additionally, Blue Horizon invested in Impossible Foods, which raised $114 million in 2018, further solidifying their role as a key investor in the sustainable food sector. Their focus on entrepreneurs in the sustainable food sector seeking impactful change aligns perfectly with the goals of food processing innovation.

2. Nestlé

• Website: nestle.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1866
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items. The company is committed to sustainability and serves both consumers and businesses globally. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Gerber Products Company for $5.5 billion, enhancing its position in the nutrition sector, particularly in the US baby food market. Additionally, Nestlé acquired Ching’s Secret, a brand in the ready-to-cook category, for approximately $1 billion, reflecting its strategy to expand in the rapidly growing Indian FMCG market. Other significant acquisitions include Garoto, Dreyer's, and Yinlu, all of which further solidify Nestlé's presence in the food processing industry.

3. 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 a Berlin-based venture capital firm and food technology incubator founded in 2016. They specialize in supporting innovative startups in the food tech sector, providing both investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. In 2022, FoodLabs participated in the funding rounds for Project Eaden, which raised significant capital to develop proprietary technology for food products, indicating a focus on food processing innovation. Additionally, they were involved in the funding of Infinite Roots, a mycelium company, which suggests an interest in alternative food sources and sustainable production methods. With 11 investments in 2024 alone, FoodLabs is actively contributing to the evolution of the food processing landscape.

4. Beyond Impact VC

• Website: beyondimpact.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: beyond-impact-advisors

Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Notable transactions include investments in Mosa Meat, a company developing lab-grown meat, and GOURMEY, which focuses on gourmet plant-based products. These investments highlight Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models within the food processing industry.

5. Tet Ventures

• Website: tet.vc
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: tetvc

Tet Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm is dedicated to investing in teams that are focused on rebuilding the global food system, with a primary emphasis on the food technology sector. They provide both financial support and advisory services to startups, helping them tackle significant challenges within the industry. Notable transactions include their participation in the funding rounds for Kingdom Supercultures, a supplier of microbial cultures that raised $25 million in a Series A round, and Planet A Foods, which raised $6 million in a Seed round. These investments highlight Tet Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in food processing and technology.

6. Brenntag

• Website: brenntag.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1874
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers with users across various industries. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers globally, including those in the food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas sectors. In recent years, Brenntag has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the food processing industry. Notably, in June 2021, they acquired JM Swank Co., a U.S.-based food ingredients distributor, for USD 304 million, significantly boosting their Nutrition business in North America. Additionally, their acquisition of Trend Gida in December 2008 and the recent acquisition of Colony Gums in September 2023 further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the food sector. These transactions underscore Brenntag's role as a key player in the food processing supply chain, providing essential ingredients and services to meet the needs of the industry.

7. 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 is dedicated to investing in startups and businesses that focus on sustainable food solutions, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of food production. Their investment strategy includes providing financial support, strategic guidance, and fostering collaboration among industry players to drive innovation in the food sector. Notable transactions include investments in SuperMeat, which is developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products; Libre Foods, which is creating mycelium-based alt meats; and Chunk Foods, which utilizes fermentation technology to produce plant-based meat products. These investments highlight Good Seed Ventures' commitment to advancing sustainable food processing technologies.

8. Thia Ventures

• Website: thiaventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: thia-ventures

Thia Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies that operate at the intersection of food, biotech, and health. Thia Ventures provides funding and support to innovative startups that aim to transform food systems and improve health outcomes. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies specializing in enzyme engineering, cultivated meats, and biofertilizers. Notable transactions include their investment in Gourmey, a French cultivated meat startup that raised €48 million in a Series A round, making it the largest Series A for a cultivated meat startup. They also invested in Bond Pet Foods, which focuses on expanding its meat protein portfolio, and Chromologics, which is commercializing natural food colors. These investments highlight Thia Ventures' active role in the food processing sector.

9. 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 investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Hofmann Menu Manufaktur, a leading provider of customized 'cook & freeze' products, showcasing their engagement in the food processing sector. Additionally, they acquired a 53.69% majority stake in Hortifruti Hortigil, a Brazilian food retailer, further emphasizing their investment focus in the food industry. These transactions highlight Partners Group's capability and interest in the food processing market, alongside their broader investment portfolio.

10. Possible Ventures

• Website: possible.ventures
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, with a total of 9 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, Possible Ventures has invested in Fable Food, which raised $4.8 million in a seed round to develop plant-based food products. They also participated in the Pre-Seed funding of Farmless, a startup focused on innovative food solutions. Additionally, Possible Ventures was involved in the Series A funding of Meatable, a cultivated meat company that raised $47 million to advance its production capabilities. Their investment in Pow.bio, which focuses on sustainable food production, further highlights their commitment to the food processing sector. Overall, Possible Ventures is positioned as an investor interested in transformative food technologies and sustainable food production.

11. Amcor

• Website: amcor.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1864
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: amcor

Amcor is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1864. As a leading packaging manufacturer, Amcor specializes in providing innovative and responsible packaging solutions across various industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. The company is committed to sustainability, aiming to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. In recent years, Amcor has made significant investments in the food processing sector, including the acquisition of Moda Systems, a New Zealand-based manufacturer of automated protein packaging machines, which enhances their capabilities in providing end-to-end packaging solutions for the meat, poultry, and dairy industries. Additionally, their acquisition of Phoenix Flexibles in India aims to expand their production capabilities in sustainable packaging solutions for the high-growth Indian market. These strategic moves demonstrate Amcor's active involvement in the food processing industry, making them a relevant player in this sector.

12. Purple Orange Ventures

• Website: purpleorange.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: purpleorange

Purple Orange Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments in the food and biotechnology sectors. The firm focuses on alternative proteins and cellular agriculture, aiming to support startups that are innovating in sustainable food production. Notable transactions include a $3,485,000 seed round for Mission Barns, which is involved in cultured meat production, and a $3,592,931 seed round for Stockeld Dreamery, which focuses on dairy alternatives. Additionally, they invested $2,265,000 in Change Foods, a company working on cheese alternatives. These investments highlight Purple Orange Ventures' commitment to advancing food processing technologies that promote sustainability and innovation in the food industry.

13. Point Nine

• Website: pointnine.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn: point-nine-capital

Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. They provide funding at the seed stage and are committed to participating in subsequent funding rounds to help startups scale their operations. Notably, Point Nine has made significant investments in the food processing sector, including a €48 million Series A investment in Gourmey, a French cultivated meat startup, which is notable for being the largest Series A round for a cultivated meat company. Additionally, they participated in the seed round for Gourmey, as well as investments in Mission Barns, a cellular agriculture company. These transactions highlight Point Nine's engagement in innovative food production technologies, showcasing their interest in the food processing industry.

14. Barry Callebaut Group

• Website: barry-callebaut.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: barry-callebaut-group

Barry Callebaut Group is a leading chocolate manufacturer and cocoa processor based in Zurich, Switzerland. Founded in 1996, the company operates within the food and beverage industry, producing a diverse array of chocolate and cocoa products for various customers, including multinational manufacturers and artisanal users. Barry Callebaut emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing in its operations. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the food processing sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of AM Foods, which specializes in chocolate and cappuccino vending mix products, and American Almond, which expanded their portfolio in adjacent ingredients. Additionally, the acquisition of La Morella Nuts allowed Barry Callebaut to enhance its offerings in chocolate and nut products. Their acquisition of Stollwerck further solidified their presence in the German market, showcasing their commitment to growth in the food processing industry.

15. Demeter-Partners

• Website: demeter-partners.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: demeter-partners

Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments aimed at promoting energy and ecological transitions, supporting innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies with funding and strategic guidance. Demeter-Partners manages a diverse portfolio that includes significant investments in the food processing sector. Notably, they participated in the funding of Les Nouveaux Affineurs, a French startup that is accelerating its development of plant-based cheese alternatives, reflecting a commitment to sustainable food production. Additionally, they have invested in Ynsect, a company focused on producing insect protein, which represents a novel approach to food processing. These transactions highlight Demeter-Partners' engagement in the food processing industry, particularly in areas that align with sustainable practices.

16. AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance

• Website: venture.baywa.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2024
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: agrifoodtech-venture-alliance

AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, founded in 2024 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in and supporting startups in the AgriFoodTech sector. The firm collaborates with innovative businesses to promote sustainable technologies in food production. Notable transactions include Project Eaden, which raised over $15 million in Series A funding, and Planet A Foods, which secured $30 million in Series B funding, both of which are relevant to food processing. Additionally, their investment in Greenforce, a foodtech company focused on expanding its product range, further highlights their commitment to the food processing industry. With a small team and a focus on early-stage investments, AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance aims to empower startups seeking investment and expertise to develop and scale their solutions in the food sector.

17. Döhler Ventures

• Website: doehler-ventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: doehler-ventures

Döhler Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on empowering early-stage startups primarily in the Nutrition & Technology sectors. With a long-term and entrepreneurial approach, Döhler Ventures aims to foster innovation and support startups in overcoming financial challenges. Notable transactions include their investment in Willicroft, a Netherlands-based alternative cheese startup, which raised €2 million to expand its sustainable product offerings. They also invested in Chromologics, a biotech company that raised €12.6 million to commercialize a natural red food color, Natu.Red. Additionally, Döhler Ventures participated in funding rounds for Clean Food Group and Naughty Nuts, both of which are involved in the food sector, further solidifying their role as an active investor in food processing.

18. Dr. Oetker

• Website: oetker.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1891
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: dr--oetker

Dr. Oetker is a prominent food manufacturer based in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in a diverse range of baking and frozen food products. Founded in 1891, the company has established a strong presence in the global food market, catering to both consumers and businesses with quality ingredients and ready-to-eat meals. Dr. Oetker has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Galileo Lebensmittel KG, a frozen pizza snack manufacturer, and Kuppies, an Indian startup focused on ready-to-eat cakes and desserts. Additionally, the acquisition of Tag El Melouk Food Industries, a leader in baking products, and Coppenrath & Wiese, a German frozen bakery company, highlights their commitment to enhancing their food processing capabilities. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Dr. Oetker continues to adapt to consumer preferences while maintaining its leadership in the food processing industry.

19. 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 investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. In 2022, Leaps by Bayer led a seed investment in NuCicer, an agri-food technology company that is developing chickpea varieties with enhanced protein content, which is crucial for food processing. They also participated in the funding of Fork & Good, a company that raised capital in 2023, indicating their interest in innovative food solutions. Their investments reflect a commitment to supporting the development of innovative solutions in the food sector, making them a relevant player in the food processing industry.

Food Processing Insights: Key Investors in DACH

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