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Our sectors

Food of the future

Novax supports food entrepreneurs who share our ambition to reduce waste, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, improve nutritional content, and enhance long-term land and resource efficiency.

Transforming the food industry toward a more sustainable and healthier future

The food industry is stable and generates millions of jobs every year. Its products provide us with sustenance, joy, and community, making it a cornerstone of our societies and the European economy.

However, today's food production and consumption also have significant negative impacts on the environment, climate, and human health. Challenges include issues such as eutrophication, soil depletion, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, resource waste, and more. Additionally, the global population is increasing, necessitating higher food production with better nutritional content.

To address these problems, a variety of initiatives with the potential to fundamentally transform the system are needed. We firmly believe that solutions will arise from the intersection of research and entrepreneurship. Novax contributes through partnerships and investments in innovative companies with ideas and technology that have the potential to revolutionize how we produce and consume food.

Novax and Axel Johnson have a long tradition in the food industry. Novax's sister companies include Axfood, with brands such as Hemköp, Willys, and Dagab, Bergendahls, Martin & Servera, Grönsakshallen, among others. Our shared industry networks extend across Europe, and our collective knowledge is both broad and deep.

Driving real change in the food sector requires patience, which suits us well. We have a long-term model that allows us to grow together with our companies over time.
Novax also operates a venture division called Foodbridge, focused on investing in high-potential early-stage companies in the food sector, with ticket sizes of up to 1 million EUR. Foodbridge empowers entrepreneurs to advance their companies to the next stage of growth by providing both capital and industry connections. Through this initiative, Novax strengthens its commitment to sustainable development and innovation in the food sector.
30%
The food system accounts for ~30% of greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activity (18 billion tons)
1/3
1/3of all food produced globally goes to waste/loss, of which a majority occurs at the consumer level (stores, restaurants, homes)
80%
100m hectares of forest have been lost during the last 20 years; agriculture is responsible for 80% of all deforestation
~20%
~80% of agricultural land is used for livestock, while only ~20% of calories we consume come from animal proteins

We are looking for innovative companies in Europe that are at the forefront of shaping the future of the food industry

We are investing in four key themes within the Future of Food:

Specialty Ingredients

Emphasizing the importance of tasty, healthy, and environmentally friendly components for food production

The Protein Shift  

Transitioning from traditional protein sources to more sustainable options to reduce climate impact while enhancing nutritional content

Food Waste Reduction

Focusing on technologies and services that minimize waste and loss throughout the entire value chain

AgTech

Encompassing technologies and solutions that enhance resource and land efficiency in the food system while improving nutritional yield

Perspectives from our companies

"We have the privilege of working with a partner who shares our values, vision, and forward-thinking strategy. Novax is helping us grow in Europe, thus accelerating the presence of plant-based ingredients in food."

Adrian Short, CEO Ulrik & Short

"As a small startup company, we are constantly evolving. Novax has been a great sparring partner, whether it's been practical matters like scaling up production capacity or more strategic issues regarding marketing and sales. Novax holds a lot of knowledge and experience internally but has also supplemented with external perspectives from its broad network."

Oddgeir Hole, CEO Färsodlarna

Our companies in Food of the future

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We want to make an impact together with you!

Do you have a unique and sustainable idea and operate a company within Food of the future? Are you seeking a flexible and fair investor who can support your company and grow with you in the long term?

With us, you will not only get a knowledgeable investor with deep expertise and a broad network within the security market. You will also get a committed and long-term partner to grow with.
pitch@novax.se

Head of sector
Food of the future

Pär Warnström
+46 (0) 73-052 24 52

Head of
Foodbridge

Fanny Nachemson
+46 (0) 73-640 00 99