Cibus buys Dutch food-tech firm Aweta, backing AI and automation
What's the deal? Cibus CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, adviser to the Cibus funds, is acquiring Dutch machine builder AwetaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → from Standard InvestmentDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. Terms were not disclosed, and the deal is expected to close in the coming weeks.
What does Aweta do? The Pijnacker-based company has spent more than 60 years developing, assembling, and maintaining automated sorting and packaging systems for fruit and vegetables. It has a strong position in greenhouse crops such as cucumbers and peppers, and ranks among the three biggest players in its market worldwide.
Aweta posts annual revenue of €85 million and employs more than 250 people. From its head office in Pijnacker and teams in Italy and the US, it serves growers, packers, and cooperatives in over 50 countries.
Why now? Labour shortages, rising wages, and thin margins are pushing food producers toward automation. "The lack of workers is one of the biggest challenges for the global food and agriculture sector," said Rob Appleby, chief investment officer at Cibus Capital (translated from Dutch).
What's the endgame? Under Cibus, Aweta plans to strengthen its international position and invest in R&D, product innovation, and further software and AI features. These technologies could raise the automation level of sorting and packaging, while expanding service to its large existing customer base.
A familiar bet: Cibus already knows Aweta's technology — a company in its Cibus Fund IIDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → portfolio has used the machine builder's sorting and packaging systems for years. With this deal, Cibus now backs six robotics and automation companies reshaping how food is produced.
The signal: The acquisition reflects a wider push to automate the food supply chain as producers grapple with staffing gaps and margin pressure. For investors, machine builders with a global installed base and room to grow aftermarket and AI services are becoming prized targets.
Read more: linkmagazine.nl
Image credit: Aweta
