KiGen
A hobbyist with a mission
A hobbyist with a mission
I’ve been a koi hobbyist for 23 years now. Over those years, I’ve seen the hobby grow and become more professional, but I’ve also seen it struggle with some persistent shortcomings.
My professional background is in the world of protective clothing and personal protective equipment. A world where nothing is optional. Everything you sell must meet strict international norms and standards. In my field, there’s no room for quick fixes or compromises.
How different that often is in the world of koi.
Let me be clear: I understand that human lives don’t depend on the choices being made, but there are huge opportunities to structurally raise the bar.
And if there’s one area where that’s most visible, it’s koi food.
I’ve been frustrated for a long time by the total lack of transparency, the absence of relevant knowledge sharing, and the completely ridiculous profit margins made on koi food.
I really don’t have a problem with people making money—it’s no different in my ‘trade’—but ‘Come on!’
The margins used for koi food are truly on another level.
KiGen – A hobbyist with a mission
At a certain point, I was just done with it.
I’d felt that way much earlier, but eventually, all the circumstances aligned to give me the green light.
All sorts of threads had to come together to launch this new adventure.
In the months leading up to the final decision to launch a new brand of koi food, I focused primarily on bringing together and coordinating the expertise of external specialists in the field of koi nutrition. My role wasn’t to claim knowledge myself, but to ask the right questions and bridge the gap between science and practice.
Nutritionists, raw material specialists, and other experts provided their insights on proteins, fish meal, and an in-depth look at the various types of LT fish meal available.
Together, various carbohydrate sources were evaluated for energy, digestibility, and their impact on water quality. The composition of vitamin and mineral premixes was also developed based on independent advice.
By pooling these knowledge streams and focusing critically on quality and results, a clear development process emerged.
Every ingredient was chosen for its proven effect and added value.
This led to a koi food that is truly Backed by Science & Built for koi.
A food that offers the best value for money. Where the quality of the ingredients is everything.
I think we have succeeded in our mission.
It would be fantastic if we could positively surprise many hobbyists.
Theo de Vliegh
Founder of KiGen
