INTERVIEW Alternative Proteins Magazine April 2025 51 Pair this with our use of true sidestreams instead of human-grade feed — and you get a model that’s economically viable, ecologically sound, and fundamentally scalable. We also advocate for blended formulations — our product typically replaces just 20– 30% of the meat in pet food. This small shift delivers outsized gains in sustainability, nutritional function, and profitability — without needing a complete reformulation. Why did you choose Buffalo mealworms for your product? What advantages does this species offer you? Buffalo mealworms are an ideal species for our approach. Nutritionally, they offer a complete amino acid profile, are rich in taurine, and have a neutral, naturally appealing flavor — meaning pets respond to them without needing added flavoring. From a systems perspective, they thrive in automated, vertical farming setups. Their life cycle aligns perfectly with our fully autonomous module model, allowing us to scale production without scaling complexity. And unlike other species, they’re efficient, low-maintenance, and compatible with sidestream-based feeding, making them both biologically and economically the right choice. How does the cost of your beef analog compare to traditional meat- based ingredients? At what point will it offer cost-saving advantages to pet food manufacturers and customers? Our ingredient is already over 50% cheaper to produce than beef, with none of the volatility or ethical baggage associated with meat. But it’s not just about cost — it’s about total value. With our ready-to-use format, there’s no need for R&D investment, tech upgrades, or flavor-masking steps. It performs out of the box — in treats, toppers, and supplement formats that offer premium positioning and higher margins. Even with just 20–30% inclusion, our clients are seeing cost efficiency, stronger sustainability KPIs, and better palatability — all with a smoother, faster path to market. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Yes — we’re not here to serve everyone. If you're a brand looking for the cheapest path forward, we're not the right fit. But if you’re building products around pet health, performance, sustainability, and meaningful differentiation, we are your partner. We’ve solved the taste barrier, cracked scalable production, rejected the mega-factory trap, and secured a truly sustainable feedstock. Our model is built for resilient, intelligent growth — and for brands that want to lead, not follow. If you're serious about next-generation pet nutrition, we’re ready to build it with you. About Bart Roszkowski Bart Roszkowski, with 17 years in VC-backed startups, is a triple-founder and expert in scaling ventures globally and in CEE. At Proteine Resources his responsibilities include co-creating strategy, fundraising, finance, business development, compliance, and marketing.
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