Worldwide Innovation: Touchstone Snail Breaks Ground with the Curtain Method

 

With 25 years of experience in snail breeding, Touchstone Snails has developed and standardized the Curtain Method. Its application in a 1,000 sq.m. farm can yield production levels up to five times higher compared to other traditional farming methods, as it creates optimal conditions and the appropriate microclimate within the farming unit for snails at all stages of the production process.

The Curtain Method ensures continuous monitoring of safety and hygiene parameters of the population, optimizing farm management at every stage of the production cycle. In this way, it provides a controlled and reliable process that reduces mortality compared to other methods and ensures consistent, high-quality snail production.

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Snail Breeding

 

Snail Breeding represents a profitable business opportunity, driven by consistent demand and the gradual increase in snail prices over time. The key to success lies in selecting a reliable breeding method that ensures high yield rates, combined with the appropriate expertise for proper day-to-day management of the farm at all stages of the production cycle.

When these conditions are ensured, a stable and ideal environment is created for snails for reproduction, hatching, and fattening. Through an organized and controlled system of operations, reliable high-quality production is achieved, with consistent results in every production cycle. Snail farming reduces the overexploitation of the natural population and ensures a steady supply to the market.

Create your own snail breeding unit

Training

 

Touchstone Snails is certified for the training services it provides to its clients and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for consulting services related to the construction and management of snail breeding units.

The Company provides comprehensive training through its specialized program focused on the Curtain Method and the snail farming system it applies. The training program covers the technical and construction planning and establishment of the unit, daily management and operational workflow, as well as all best practices and actions that the Breeder must follow.

In addition, it includes training on the biological and production cycle of snails and detailed guidance for every stage of production, thereby ensuring the ability for proper and efficient management of the snail breeding unit.

With the right expertise, the Breeder gains the ability to establish a snail farming unit according to proper standards, initiate the production cycle, and effectively manage the unit through to the final stage of harvest collection.

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The Snail Market

With international experience in the trade of Helix Aspersa Müller snails, Touchstone Snails offers every farmer who collaborates with the company and applies its system through the Curtain Method a guaranteed purchase agreement for their production, with a fixed purchase price of €5.50 per kilogram.

By sourcing snails from the farmers we collaborate with, we offer for sale premium-quality snails for breeding, snails for human consumption, snails for processing, as well as specialized populations for the extraction of high-quality snail mucus.

The company is certified for its snail trading services with ISO 22000:2018 for packaging and distribution of the snails.

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Franchise

The company offers Franchise partnership opportunities in both European and non-European countries, providing a profitable investment for those who wish to establish their own business in the field of snail breeding and trading in their country.

Within the Franchise framework, we provide complete know-how along with a comprehensive training program for the Franchisee, continuous support during the launch and management of the business, and training in service promotion and sales. Our goal is to equip you with all the necessary tools to successfully operate your own franchise in your country in the snail business trading industry.

In addition, we ensure the full absorption of your clients’ production through a purchase agreement at the best available price and provide a dedicated Franchise customer support department for continuous assistance.

The main difference between a Franchise and a Breeder is as follows: the Franchisee acquires the rights of Touchstone Snails to establish and operate their own business in the country of their choice, promoting snail farming services using the company’s standardized system. In contrast, the Breeder purchases the breeding services, establishes and manages their own farming unit, and aims to produce snails for sale to the company.

Learn more about our Franchise

Worldwide Innovation

The Curtain Method from Touchstone Snails

Construction of a Snail Breeding Unit

The proper construction of a snail breeding unit is crucial for creating an ideal environment and ensuring the healthy development of the population.

The company has standardized the construction design of the snail farming unit using the Curtain Method, employing specific, durable materials and detailed planning that ensure long-term durability with proper maintenance.

The construction is designed to provide protection against internal risks and safeguard against weather conditions, while the unit is certified for durability against phenomena such as wind, rain, and snow. In this way, a stable microclimate and optimal farming conditions are ensured at every stage of production.

Customization Based on Your Land

A snail breeding unit corresponds to 1,000 sq.m. For those who wish to utilize a smaller area, there is the option of a half unit (500 sq.m.), designed and operated according to the same quality standards.

Depending on the dimensions and characteristics of your land plot, we provide complete guidance for the design, installation, and organization of the unit.

The company offers comprehensive training on the technical aspects of construction and site preparation, ensuring that the unit operates efficiently and in full compliance with the specifications of the Curtain Method.

Land Requirements

To establish a snail breeding unit, the following requirements must be met:

• Required area: 1,000 sq.m.
• Daily water consumption: 3–5 tons
• Electricity: 240 Volts
• Minimum management time required

Production cycles

Land elevation: 0–600 m
Production cycle: September – May

Land elevation: 800–1200 m
Production cycle: March – October

Elevation provides only an initial indication; for reliable decision-making, we study and evaluate the full microclimate—including temperatures and conditions—in order to recommend the most efficient production cycle for the start.

Touchstone Snails’ Electric Fence

Based on its extensive experience and thorough monitoring of all factors related to population protection throughout the production process, Touchstone Snails has designed a specialized electric fence tailored exclusively for snails.

Although various types of electric fencing are available on the market, many do not perform adequately because they are not designed to meet the specific characteristics of snails.

The electric tape has been developed to ensure that both small and large snails remain within the farming enclosures, preventing escapes that lead to increased mortality and loss of production.

Touchstone Snails Feed Formula

Touchstone Snails’ feed formula is based on a carefully selected blend of plant-based ingredients, designed to ensure that snails receive the essential nutrients required at every stage of the production cycle for their development.

With three distinct formulations, the company’s feed ensures that, depending on the production cycle stage, snails receive the necessary trace elements, as each composition is designed to meet their specific needs during reproduction, for baby snails, and fattening, thereby enhancing growth, health, and the final quality of production.

The proper selection and application of feed are critical for effective fattening and growth, ensuring that by the end of the production process the snails reach the desired size and weight, while maintaining the quality and competitiveness of the production.

Production Assurance

From the beginning of the collaboration, the system we implement allows full control of every process within the production cycle and the daily management of the breeder’s unit.

Touchstone Snails monitors farming data on a daily basis through specialized software in order to track progress and the condition of the snail breeding unit, providing timely support and consulting services to the breeder.

In this way, risks arising from incorrect actions or omissions are minimized, production is safeguarded, and the smooth and efficient operation of the unit is ensured.

Customer Support

Touchstone Snails’ customer support department provides immediate and continuous assistance to the breeder from the beginning of our collaboration through to the completion of each production cycle.

At every stage of the farming process, we stand by your side, offering guidance for the proper implementation of the company’s Method and system, ensuring that the unit operates correctly, efficiently, and safely.

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