By VRM Group
The VRM Group officially presents the NextFish Center, the facility based on RAS technology (Recirculating Aquaculture System) located at the NaturAlleva headquarters. This structure completes the Group’s integrated supply-chain model, combining animal science, nutrition, and controlled aquaculture. VRM Group represents a unique Italian example of full vertical integration, managing feed formulation, offshore sea-bream and sea-bass farming, fish processing, and distribution of fresh seafood.
An Advanced, Fully Automated RAS Facility
The NextFish Center is a recirculating aquaculture system composed of two departments (freshwater and marine) with a total of 48 independent tanks. The system is fully automated and remotely controlled, monitoring temperature, oxygen, pH, salinity, and water flow in real time through optical sensors, level sonars, and digital flowmeters. A triple filtration system —mechanical, biological, and microbiological — allows for the replacement of only 2% of water per day, achieving over 98% water savings compared to traditional systems.
A Strategic Asset for NaturAlleva’s R&D
The centre operates in synergy with NaturAlleva’s Research & Development department, enabling the validation of new nutritional formulations on a small scale before their application in the Group’s offshore farms, Civita Ittica and Kornat Ittica.
The main activities include:
- Evaluation of feed zootechnical performance (SGR, FCR, and digestibility).
- Biometric analyses.
- Assessment of fillet nutritional composition, including fatty acid profile.
- Evaluation of alternative raw materials.
- Development of tailored feeding plans for specific species and environmental conditions.
Thanks to its fully controlled environments, the Nextfish Center provides an advanced tool to supply external clients with the most suitable feed solutions for their needs.
“The NextFish Center represents a strategic asset for the entire VRM Group,” says Ugo Biasin, CEO of VRM Group. “It allows us to validate our nutritional formulations and develop solutions that improve the quality of farmed fish. Together with the recent ASC Feed certification, it represents a concrete step toward modern and responsible aquaculture.”
A Platform for Training and Collaboration
In addition to internal research, the NextFish Center serves as a technical training platform and a potential meeting point for collaborations with universities and institutions interested in innovative aquaculture projects.
Company Profile
VRM Group srl is an Italian company specializing in sea-bream and sea-bass aquaculture through a fully integrated vertical supply chain: NaturAlleva – ASC Feed-certified feed mill for aquaculture feed production (Cologna Veneta, Verona); Civita Ittica (Tuscany) and Kornat Ittica (Croatia) – ASC-certified and Antibiotic- Free marine farms; VRM – national distribution of fresh fish; Meduza d.o.o. and Fish Cultura – fish processing facilities.
