Food Processing

Hunger and food insecurity are on the rise worldwide, fueled by conflict and inefficient practices. But will the push for greater sustainability in agriculture end up taking the rap?

Consultancy Bain & Company found the sector was among a select quartet to register growth in 2023 by passing on price increases to consumers as input costs rose.

The firm has followed up its inaugural $423m fund with a successor that will continue its food and consumer strategy.

Roc Food Fund II will follow a similar strategy to the first fund, with an increased target and greater emphasis on an own-and-operate model.

The company behind novel food products such as the mammoth meatball and quail parfait appeals to investors because it has no intention of replacing conventional meat.

Centuria has acquired Katunga Fresh’s glasshouse in Victoria through the unlisted Centuria Agriculture Fund.

Aqua Capital partner Gustavo Eiben says an active pipeline and the €532m Biotrop exit were key to helping the firm to surpass its $400m target for its Fund III.

The firm had wanted an olive oil business in its portfolio since 2017 but could never find an asset with the right combination of attributes until last year’s acquisition.

The company is a grower and packer of conventional and organic fresh produce such as potatoes, herbs and citrus fruits.

Mandalay Venture Partners hopes a commitment from Queensland Investment Corporation will help to attract more investors ahead of a final close.