Amsterdam-based Crisp, a digital-first supermarket app, has marked a significant milestone by partnering with ABN AMRO for a €28M credit facility. This partnership aims to bolster Crisp’s vision of providing a sustainable and efficient food delivery system across the Netherlands. The collaboration underscores Crisp’s commitment to sustainable business practices and its strategic growth plans. This funding will enable the tech-driven grocery service to enhance its offerings and broaden its reach, demonstrating the growing relevance of eco-conscious initiatives in the retail food sector.
In recent years, Crisp has established itself as a leader in the online grocery domain, emphasizing local and seasonal produce sourced from small-scale suppliers. The partnership with ABN AMRO reflects a strategic shift towards more localized financial support, replacing an earlier venture capital arrangement with a U.S. firm. Previously, ABN AMRO had pledged significant investment capacity through its collaborations, notably with the European Investment Bank (EIB), reflecting its commitment to fostering sustainable business models. This history of fostering innovative solutions adds another layer of significance to the recent Crisp financing deal.
Why Partner with ABN AMRO?
The decision to team up with ABN AMRO is rooted in shared values between the bank and Crisp, particularly in terms of promoting sustainable local food chains.
“In recent years, Crisp has distinguished itself with a unique and sustainable vision,”
expressed Dan Dorner from ABN AMRO. The bank’s executive underscored the partnership as an alignment of ambitions towards creating societal impact through innovative approaches. This sentiment was echoed by Crisp’s CEO, Tom Peeters, who highlighted the strength of having a major Dutch bank backing their long-term vision for sustainable growth and operations.
What’s Next for Crisp?
The funding will allow Crisp to fortify its strategic investments and extend its Supervisory Board. New board member Boukje Taphoorn’s appointment brings fresh perspectives that coincide with the company’s innovative culture. Furthermore, plans are underway for extending the product range, supply chain technology improvements, and wider implementation of AI to streamline operations. As part of its strategy, Crisp has also expanded into the foodservice sector by partnering with Sodexo Netherlands and TommyTomato, catering to a wider audience and increasing its impact across more segments of the food supply chain.
Crisp’s sustainability initiatives are marked by significant growth, including a 30% increase in revenue from regenerative products that maintain ecological balance. Since its inception in 2018, and reaching profitability in the Netherlands in 2024, Crisp has continued to innovate by integrating circular economy principles in its service model. Their ultimate goal remains to make responsibly sourced groceries accessible and desirable to the larger populace.
Leading the charge in B Corp-certified business operations and achieving their certification score of 109, Crisp showcases that sustainable practices can indeed resonate with mass markets. The deployment of a tailored software system ensures that goods maintain their quality from farm to fork, thereby reducing waste.
Crisp’s growth is emblematic of an industry steadily tilting towards sustainability and efficiency. With the right mix of financial backing, technological innovation, and an innovative business model, Crisp represents how the grocery industry can adapt to modern consumer demands for more responsible and efficient options. As the company plans for future expansion, it remains steadfast in furthering its mission towards a sustainable European food system.
