Amanda Cheesley

With UK timber prices up 30% and forest land values rising, the manager will continue investing in Britain and plans to expand in Ireland in 2019.

Head of Europe Yury Fedorov says the company was one of the first to use LED lighting on a commercial scale, touting its farms as up to 95% more efficient than conventional ones.

The seventh investment from the €450m Alantra Private Equity Fund III will enable the health-food firm to expand internationally and develop its product base.

The global market for organic food is estimated at over €80bn and forecast to grow, despite high production risks.

The vehicle, which closed on $322m with an extra $130m for co-investments, has backed food processing technology firm MycoTechnology.

The fund will follow the firm’s last two food funds, capitalizing on rising demand for quality food in emerging markets.

The private equity investment manager aims to capitalize on demand for higher-value food in China and other emerging economies.

Brussels will inject €45m as well as attract private and impact investors.

The firm will focus on developing artificial intelligence and drone technology to monitor citrus tree orchards health and productivity in California and Brazil.

The manager has closed the vehicle on $322m, garnering an additional $130m for co-investments.