Arabfields, Ingrid Anker, Correspondent, Norway — Dutch fruit and vegetable technology company Aweta is set for a change of ownership after Standard Investment agreed to sell the business to Cibus Capital, as investors increase their focus on automation and efficiency across the global food supply chain.

The transaction, announced on September 24, 2026, is expected to close in the coming weeks, according to Aweta. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Based in Pijnacker, the Netherlands, Aweta develops machinery used to sort, grade and pack fresh produce. Its systems help growers and packing facilities assess the quality, size and appearance of fruits and vegetables before they reach retailers and consumers.

The company generates annual revenue of 85 million euros and employs more than 250 people. Its equipment is installed in more than 50 countries, making it a significant supplier in a market where food producers are increasingly turning to technology to improve productivity and reduce waste.

For workers on packing lines, the technology is becoming an increasingly familiar part of daily operations. Automated sorting systems can process large volumes of produce while allowing employees to focus on quality control, machine operation and other tasks requiring human judgement.

Aweta has operated for more than 60 years and has established a particularly strong position in greenhouse vegetables, including cucumbers and peppers. The company also has teams in Italy and the United States, supporting its international customer base.

Cibus Capital, a London-based investment firm established in 2016, specialises in food and sustainable agriculture. The firm manages more than $1 billion in assets and invests in businesses operating at the intersection of technology, agriculture and food production.

The acquisition fits into Cibus’ broader investment strategy, which includes backing companies developing robotics and automation technologies for the food sector. Aweta will become part of Cibus Fund II’s portfolio.

Rob Appleby, investment director at Cibus Capital, said labour shortages and pressure on already narrow profit margins were among the main challenges facing food producers worldwide.

He said Aweta’s automated sorting and packing systems could help customers increase productivity throughout the supply chain while preserving jobs that require human care and judgement.

For Cibus, the investment also comes with an existing commercial connection. One of the fund’s portfolio companies already uses Aweta machinery at its sorting and packing facilities, giving the investor direct experience of the company’s technology.

Standard Investment has owned Aweta since 2013. During that period, the Dutch investment firm supported operational improvements, product development and international expansion, with growth in markets including the United States, Canada, Europe and South America.

The company enters its next ownership phase as one of the three largest global players in its market, according to Standard Investment.

Guido Grobbink, a partner at Standard Investment, said the company had strengthened its organisation and built a platform for further growth during the investment firm’s ownership.

The change in ownership comes as food producers face pressure to deliver consistent quality while managing labour costs, supply chain disruptions and food waste. Sorting and packing technology has become an important part of efforts to improve efficiency from farms to distribution centres.

Aweta’s existing international footprint provides a base for further expansion, particularly as growers and packing companies seek to modernise their facilities. However, the pace of future growth will depend on customer investment, operating conditions and the company’s ability to deliver new technology.

Under Cibus, Aweta plans to expand internationally and increase spending on research and development, with a particular focus on software and artificial intelligence.

The company is expected to retain its existing management team, which will continue to lead its operations and growth strategy.

Cibus’ investment could therefore bring further development of automated systems and digital tools designed to improve sorting accuracy, reduce losses and support customers facing labour constraints.

While the company has not disclosed financial targets or projected revenue following the acquisition, its existing 85 million euros in annual sales and presence in more than 50 countries provide a foundation for its next phase of expansion.

For Aweta’s employees and customers, the immediate focus will be on maintaining operations while the transaction moves towards completion. The longer-term direction will depend on how quickly the new owner converts its investment plans into commercial growth and technological development.