Commodities

The acquisition of Gundaline by a Chinese textiles firm is a sign that Chinese investors are looking Down Under again, with more ‘big deals’ possible in the next 18 months.

The myriad challenges facing the world presents private markets with a lot of unanswered questions – the hunt to find their solutions promises to be a fascinating journey.

The influx of investors looking for ways to gain exposure to natural capital assets continued apace this year but the Russia-Ukraine war will remain the biggest influencer of trends and markets.

The firm’s natural capital vehicle has invested in a 400ha regenerative almond project in Spain, while its carbon strategy has backed the two million ha Restore Africa initiative.

Controlled environment agriculture has played a part in the Netherlands becoming the second-largest exporter of ag goods, with many new players inspired to replicate the country’s success.

Expansion of the industry in Australia has so far been measured but CEA is drawing more investors globally. What are the sector’s prospects Down Under and what is attracting capital to the space?

Bram Reijnen, regional head of food, agribusiness and water at the Dutch development bank, says the facility is designed to help the Moldovan agribusiness continue its 'important contribution to global food security.'

The real estate investor is eyeing the food production sector for its potential to mitigate climate change.

Partner Richard Boos says the direct and indirect impacts of issues such as inflation and the Russia-Ukraine war mean raw materials for food products through to packaging and logistics have been affected.

Fundraising in Q1 2022 rose to $3.3bn from $2.6bn in the previous quarter, as the sector built on a record year in 2021.