Probios, an Italian manufacturer of organic and gluten-free food products, is launching a venture-capital arm to back start-ups in the better-for-you area.

It is setting up Probios Ventures, with the support of its parent company Agreen Capital, to support “real game changers in the health food and nutrition sector”.

Florence-based Probios, which dates back to 1978, said the initiative is aimed at supporting start-ups, scale-ups and “all those emerging companies that want to improve the well-being of man and the planet through nutrition”.

Companies backed will have to operate in the healthy food, food-tech and wellness sectors.

Probios said it plans to offer “not only capital, but also strategic expertise, mentorship and access to the global network of partners and suppliers that Probios has built in over 45 years of experience in the healthy food sector”.

Andrea Rossi, president of Probios and managing partner of Agreen Capital, said: “Probios Ventures is the first Italian corporate venture capital initiative dedicated exclusively to innovative companies focused on healthy eating and food-tech.

“The project, which also has a strong social purpose, aims to support young visionary entrepreneurs by making available our network and expertise in research, development, marketing, sales and external growth. We believe that this tool is an excellent opportunity to foster the development of the healthy eating ecosystem in our country.”

Renato Calabrese, CEO of Probios, added: “Our vision is clear: the future of well-being passes through healthy and innovative nutrition. With Probios Ventures we want to become a strategic partner for those start-ups that share our values and are ready to revolutionise the food sector.”

Probios said it aslo aims to facilitate collaboration between companies, investors, industry experts and stakeholders, “creating a dynamic and fertile network for innovation in the food landscape”.

Applications can be made via a dedicated Probios Ventures website.

Probios has a wide product range encompassing more than 850 mostly branded lines with organic and allergen-free offerings to the fore. It also has milk-free products and keto-friendly products.

In July, Probios acquired Italian peer BiotoBio from local organic-foods business EcorNaturaSì for an undisclosed sum.

Agreen, a Italy- and Switzerland-based investor specialising in the healthy and sustainable agri-food sector, bought a majority stake in Probios last year.