Biotope Group welcomes The Nest as a new shareholder to further grow the organic food market together

Brussels, 15 May 2025 - Biotope Group is the holding company behind several successful businesses active in the wholesale and retail of organic food in the Benelux. In wholesale, Biotope Group operates through Udea (Netherlands) and Biofresh (Belgium). As a retailer, it is active with its brands Ekoplaza (85 stores in the Netherlands and 7 in Flanders), Färm (24 stores in Brussels and Wallonia), and Sequoia (11 stores, mainly in Brussels and the surrounding area).With the arrival of The Nest Family Office as a minority shareholder, Biotope Group reaffirms its ambitions for the future and its focus on sustainability and quality.

The family office of Els Thermote shares Biotope Group’s long-term vision on the importance of food for a healthier world. The current family shareholders of Biotope Group remain on board, a clear sign of their continued commitment, conviction, and engagement. Together, the shareholders aim to continue the success story of Biotope Group’s companies and further expand the organic food market.

Partners for sustainable growth and societal impact

The food system faces several challenges, including increasing pressure on natural resources, the need for more sustainable agricultural practices, climate change, etc. Biotope Group sees organic food as part of the solution. The group aims to make high-quality organic food accessible to as many consumers as possible across Belgium and the Netherlands by building a sustainable, transparent, and reliable supply chain.

The vision of The Nest aligns seamlessly with that of Biotope Group. Their shared conviction, focus and expertise provide the perfect foundation for a long-term collaboration. The Nest team will support Biotope Group’s management in developing and implementing the group’s continued growth strategy.

Erik Does, CEO of Biotope: “We see that more and more people value organic food. That calls for strong players in the market. In recent years, we have achieved a strong growth trajectory and we are proud of what we have accomplished so far. The Nest is the ideal partner to continue this success story. Together, we can further strengthen our position and reach even more consumers.”

Els Thermote, founder and CEO of The Nest : “We are deeply committed to the relationship between food, health, and sustainability, with organic food being a key component. Our goal is to increase awareness in these areas and support the expansion of both the organic food market and Biotope Group, which exemplifies family entrepreneurship. This marks the start of a lasting partnership.”

Ready for the future

The integration of The Nest into Biotope Group will not affect daily operations. With The Nest joining and the current management remaining in place, the focus is on maintaining stability while pursuing ambitious goals. The group plans to leverage its existing economies of scale and the successful integration of its various companies. Both Biotope Group and The Nest recognize numerous opportunities for growth, both within the domestic market and internationally. To support this, Biotope Group will continue to enhance its leadership role in the industry.

About Biotope Group

Biotope Group consists of several companies involved in the wholesale and retail of organic food within the Benelux region. In recent years, the group has experienced significant growth, including wholesale entities like Udea and Biofresh, and retail brands such as Färm, Sequoia, and Ekoplaza. With over 1,500 employees, the company generates annual revenues exceeding 400 million euros. Biotope Group takes pride in the societal impact of its business model, emphasizing the importance of agriculture and fostering a strong connection between growers and end customers. More than 200,000 Ekovrienden, members of Ekoplaza's loyalty program, contribute to creating a more transparent food system.

For more information: biotopegroup.com

About The Nest

Founded in 2021 by Belgian entrepreneur Els Thermote, The Nest is a family office rooted in the belief that food is medicine, for both people and planet. Guided by this principle, The Nest invests in and partners with businesses that are building a healthier, more sustainable food system. Through a diverse portfolio, The Nest supports solutions that produce real, nutrient-dense food with respect for farmers, ecosystems, and future generations. The Nest also leads by example through Domaine de Graux, a 120-hectare organic, regenerative farm in Tournai (Hainaut), which demonstrates large-scale agroecology in action. Complementing the work of The Nest, Els Thermote also founded the Food As Medicine Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about sustainable food systems.

For more information: www.thenestfo.com