ALPHAFOOD

cricket vertical farming

Breeding insects in an environmentally friendly way to produce flour and derivatives, offering viable protein food alternatives and producing soil improvers to help safeguard crops.

The steady increase in world population will lead to a significant increase in the demand for food in the near future.

Food production will have to increase by 70% by 2050.

OUR GOAL

The production of alternative proteins from crickets

SUSTAINABLE

ECOLOGICAL

100% Natural

INNOVATIVE BREEDING SYSTEM

ALPHAFOOD

After more than 5 years of university studies and research, we have conceived, designed and subsequently tested our specially created housing system for the Acheta Domesticus species.

A team of experts consisting of agro-zootechnicians, zoonologists and engineers created CBS, an acronym for Cricket Stabulation Box, the innovative housing system:

It consists of a completely stainless steel box inside which a specially designed structure is inserted to ensure maximum production efficiency while respecting the ethological characteristics of the species.

Designed and built in compliance with animal welfare, hygiene and food safety standards. The composition and subdivision of the parts of the box, in fact, guarantees efficient sanitisation, a necessary action to guarantee high food safety standards.

Handling within CSB is reduced to a minimum thanks to the control systems built into each box and the automation of almost the entire process. These procedures are essential to prevent possible cross-contamination.

LESS WASTES

1/ 1
soil
1/ 1
concime
1/ 1
1/ 1

WHY CRICKETS?

ALPHAFOOD

One of the most surprising aspects, as a food source, is their high protein content. At around 70% protein, they outnumber both meat and soya by about three times. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking for a sustainable protein alternative with an essential amino acid content that makes them a complete and high-quality source of protein. But it is not only the amount of protein that distinguishes insects as a viable food alternative. In fact, they can be described as a real ‘nutrient treasure trove’ rich in vitamins and minerals essential for human well-being.

protein copia
x 1
antioxidants
x 1
iron
x 1
vitamin copia
x 1
ALPHAFOOD - Cricket Vertical Farming

PRODUCTION

Our production process combines advanced technology and craftsmanship to ensure the highest quality and food safety.

Thanks to this rigorous and controlled process:

Our commitment to the combination of innovative technology and craftsmanship allows us to offer products that combine sustainability and quality.

DISCOVER ALL PRODUCTS

AREAS OF APPLICATION

FEED

AGRICOLTURE
FOOD

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

PHARMA & COSMETICS

ALPHAFOOD

TEAM

Marcello Reale

CEO

Luigi Parisi

CFO

Paolo Mantione

COO

Davide Carloni

CTO

ALPHAFOOD - Cricket Vertical Farming

UNITED NATIONS GOALS

Over the past decades, the world has embraced the importance of sustainable development as one of the fundamental pillars to ensure a better future for our planet as well as for future generations.

In 2015, the United Nations, building on this spirit, adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address the most pressing global challenges. We firmly believe in the principles of sustainable development, and we are convinced that we can contribute through our work and expertise to the achievement of various goals through an alternative that is as new as it is promising: cricket farming.

Specifically, it touches on a number of important targets:

We are promoters of a different food culture, and we want to commit ourselves to publicizing and further demonstrating the benefits and possible applications of these farms and the products obtained, in order to make the consumer informed and free to choose.

Alphafood promotes a supply chain in which the watchword is sustainable development. We are convinced that thanks to the team’s multidisciplinary expertise, we can contribute to generating value for the Italian agri-food system in a sustainable manner, differentiating ourselves once again for quality, safety and innovation in the agri-food sector.

ALPHAFOOD

WORK WITH US

You can become part of the ALPHAFOOD team. We will evaluate proposals and contact you for an interview.

SEND US YOUR CV: alphafood.srl@gmail.com

CONTACT US

  • XV Strada zona industriale Catania (CT) - 95121
  • alphafood.srl@gmail.com / alphafood@pec.it
  • +39 320 2846760
  • P.IVA: 06006420878

FEED

Insect meal can offer numerous gastrointestinal benefits to dogs and cats. Its balanced nutritional composition can help improve digestive health and prevent common disorders such as diarrhoea and constipation. The presence of fibre in insect meal can aid proper digestion and promote intestinal regularity in pets.

Insects also contain a balanced lipid profile, with adequate amounts of essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. These fatty acids are important for healthy skin and coat in pets. Incorporating insect meal into dog and cat food can help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.

In addition, insect meal may contain a variety of bioactive compounds, such as antimicrobial peptides and natural antioxidants. These compounds may play an important role in promoting healthy gut flora in pets, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections and supporting a strong immune system.

Conclusions:

Insect meal represents a highly nutritious and sustainable alternative protein source for feeding dogs and cats. Its gastrointestinal potential, together with its benefits for environmental sustainability, meaning that the use of this feed additive can contribute to improved pet health and reduce the environmental impact of the pet food industry. However, further research is needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of using insect meal in dog and cat food, while ensuring the quality and safety of pet food products.

AGRICOLTURE

Cricket waste represented mainly by faeces ‘called frass’ is rich in nitrogen, an element that is often limiting in agricultural soils. The use of frass not only enriches the soil by providing nutrients and organic matter, but also helps to counter the phenomenon of desertification in our soils, which are currently lacking in organic matter. A very important feature of insect frass is that unlike cattle or pig manure, which require minimal maturation time before possible use in the field, Alphafood’s frass is ready to use, thanks to its low moisture content and the stability of its compounds.

FOOD

Edible insects and products containing edible insects are considered Novel Food in Europe – EU Reg 2015/2283.Their marketing is subject to authorisation by the European Commission, following an application for authorisation in accordance with the procedure set out in the aforementioned regulation. In May 2021, the European Commission gave the go-ahead for the first Novel Food based on Edible Insects. The first species authorised in Europe was therefore the flour moth, in jargon Tenebrio molitor.

In 2021, EFSA then published further positive opinions on other edible insect species, including one on Acheta domesticus. The dossier in question was submitted by a Dutch company, which requested data protection. The opinion was published on EFSA’s website in August 2021. In February 2022, the implementing regulation allowing the marketing of these products was issued.

In January 2023, the Vietnamese company Cricket one obtained authorisation to market Acheta domesticus products. As of today, Alphafood is preparing the scientific dossier required by EFSA for the authorisation, so that it can obtain the necessary authorisation by 2025.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Alphafood group, on the strength of its scientific background and know-how acquired over the years, is convinced of the fundamental role played by research in this sector. It has an advisory board that includes engineers, university professors, chemists and lawyers. We believe in and promote collaboration between start-ups and the university world through small initiatives.

Alphafood believes and invests mainly in research. Being a new and innovative field, the team intends to discover and evaluate further applications in the industrial field for the reuse of chitin and other analytical components present. The study is aimed at improving breeding methods through specific feed formulations and innovative processing methods. We are investing in offering a natural and biodegradable solution compared to the currently used systems that have a greater environmental impact.

Cosmetics

Alphafood, following interesting results in terms of lipids, does not exclude development also in the cosmetic field given the excellent natural properties highlighted by our analyses, e.g. from our flour a yeast (‘yarrowia lypolitica’) has been isolated, whose biomass is to date classified to all intents and purposes as a novel food.

Zero Hunger

The Zero Hunger goal aims to eliminate hunger and ensure food security. Insect farming can help achieve this goal as they are a nutritional source rich in protein, vitamins and essential minerals. In many cultures, insects are part of the culinary tradition, and promoting insect consumption can help diversify the diet and ensure adequate nutrition for the most vulnerable populations.

Life on Land/Below Water

First of all, the ‘life on land’/life below water’ objectives focus on the conservation of terrestrial and marine biodiversity as well as the preservation of ecosystems. With regard to the former, these types of farming play a crucial role; in fact, with their ability to convert organic materials into protein, they are able to reduce the pressure on conventional agriculture, which often requires the felling of forests to create new plots of land. Insects as a food source for fish in aquaculture reduce dependence on intensive fishing, which puts entire ecosystems at risk every day.

Alphafood guarantees equal employment and career advancement opportunities for men and women in all company positions. Hiring, promotion and remuneration decisions are made fairly and based solely on merit and competence.

Alphafood contributes to the achievement of the UN goal ‘INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE’ through the implementation of an innovative system in cricket farming, which has a positive impact on industry, innovation and infrastructure. By adopting this innovative system, Alphafood is able to produce cricket meal more efficiently and sustainably than traditional breeding methods. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of the food industry and promote more sustainable practices.

CLIMATE ACTION

 “Climate Action” focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. Insect farming is a sustainable option with a low environmental impact, as it requires less land, water and energy than traditional farming. Furthermore, some insects, such as butterfly caterpillars or crickets, can contribute to the reduction of organic waste through the composting process, thus avoiding the emission of greenhouse gases associated with waste decomposition.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

 “Decent Work and Economic Growth”, on the other hand, aims to promote an inclusive and sustainable economy, ensuring decent jobs for all. Insect farming provides employment opportunities for local communities, creating new jobs (IFBOs) in both production and processing and marketing. Moreover, insect farming can also be practised on a small scale, allowing small entrepreneurs and farmers to start sustainable economic activities.

We engage in farming practices that reduce environmental impact, using resources efficiently and minimizing waste. We work with suppliers who share our ethical and environmental values, ensuring safe working conditions and fair wages. Our transparent labelling provides consumers with clear information about our products, enabling them to make informed choices. We actively support local communities, helping to promote sustainable development and a positive impact on the environment. With our commitment to responsible consumption and production, we aim to create a more sustainable future for all.

Insects as a food source for fish in aquaculture reduce dependence on intensive fishing, which puts entire ecosystems at risk every day.

Alphafood plays a significant role in promoting the sustainability of cities and communities. By reducing the environmental impact of the food industry and providing a sustainable source of protein, it contributes to preserving natural resources, reducing dependence on animal protein with a high environmental impact and promoting more sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, through investment in research and innovation, it contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.