Our story

We are a startup company, ALARVAE, that aims to expand the use of alternative proteins for use in animal feed.

BEGINNINGS

High school classmates and inseparable friends Denis, Uroš, Tadej and Žiga have always discussed our dreams and future. We found that we all have unique skills that can be combined to start a company. The basic ideas were how to return discarded food to the food chain and how to obtain animal feed with a high protein content from it. The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) helps us in this. We found a suitable space and adapted it to the requirements for breeding the Black Soldier Fly. In addition, we had to strictly comply with all regulations on cleanliness and proper animal treatment in the EU (Directives EC 1069/2009 and EC 142/2011) and at the same time follow the GHP and GMP+ standards. Experimental breeding series showed good responsiveness of Black Warrior Fly larvae to a by-product of beer brewing - spent grain, so we agreed with two local microbreweries to purchase them. After completing the development of larval breeding and laboratory testing of their nutritional value, we began developing products from Black Warrior Fly larvae at the end of 2022. These are used to feed insectivorous animals, chickens, pigs, fish, cats and dogs. After a regulated breeding process and developed products, we began selling our products in 2023.

LOOKING AHEAD

In the next two years, we want to increase production to at least 30,000 kg of larvae, thereby becoming an authority in the field of alternative protein production in our area, and developing and consolidating our own brand of pet food: Žužkotini.