Triodos launches Organic Growth sustainable investment fund

The investment management arm of the sustainable bank Triodos has launched a €25.3m (£20.8m) fund focused on organic food companies and sustainable consumer brands across Europe.

The Organic Growth fund is backed by private and institutional impact investors and aims to grow further to €150m (£123m) in size. Triodos will build up a portfolio of leading later-stage organic and sustainable consumer businesses, with a focus on food and beverage, natural textiles and personal care.

The investment manager added that the frontrunners in this sector were hampered in their growth by the lack of long-term capital that was aligned with their companies’ missions and values. By providing private equity that has a long-term focus, not driven by exits, Triodos aims to close this gap.

Marilou van Golstein Brouwers, managing director at Triodos Investment Management, said, “Triodos Organic Growth fund will invest in values-driven and profitable businesses with a solid and growing market position. These are privately held companies seeking capital for further growth that will not compromise in their core values and social or environmental objectives.”

Triodos currently manages 18 investment funds that each invests in different sustainability themes, ranging from renewable energy to culture and sustainable real estate. The funds offer sustainable and ethical investors opportunities to align their investment with their own values and interests by selecting what areas they put their money into.

The Organic Growth fund is open to qualified and professional investors across Europe. One of the investors, Netherlands-based insurance company Achmea, said investing in the fund was an important step in its own socially responsible investment policy.

Harry van den Heuvel, who is responsible for alternative investment within Achmea, said, “The fund offers us unparalleled access to leading European organic and sustainable consumer brands and retailers and the opportunity to participate in a fast-growing sector.”

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