Austrian couple turns three alpacas into an agritourism business with a shop and café
After the pandemic cost them their guests, Sandra and Daniel Moosmann of Schwarzenberg in western Austria bought three alpacas in 2020. They now keep 12 animals and run a cosmetics line, a shop and a café.
In Schwarzenberg, in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, Sandra and Daniel Moosmann have built a business with several income streams around a holiday home and a herd of alpacas. Their story was described by the farming publication topagrar.com. It shows how a rural tourism business that lost its income during the pandemic can branch into several activities.
A start during the pandemic
The couple had bought and renovated a holiday home, but the pandemic halted tourist traffic and the income from guests disappeared. The property included pasture that brought in only a small amount of rent. The Moosmanns decided to use it themselves and in 2020 bought three alpacas, spending the last 3,000 euros in their account. The animals also became an attraction for people holidaying in the countryside. The house offers 13 beds and an apartment for six people, and the herd now numbers 12 alpacas.
Cosmetics from alpaca fleece
In 2023 the couple began developing their own cosmetics range based on keratin from alpaca fleece, a protein also found in human hair. Sandra already knew the material from bar soaps. Together with another couple they spent a year working out recipes for liquid soap, creams, shower gel and shampoo. The products are now shipped to customers in several parts of the world.
From a temporary stall to a permanent shop
The Schwarzenberg municipality offered the family a chance to run a temporary shop during the local Schubertiade music festival. The Moosmanns invited other breeders to join, and alongside the cosmetics they offered bedding, socks, felt goods and other alpaca-related items. Customer interest led them to rent permanent premises as early as the second year. They now run a shop and café of about 200 m², 3.5 km from the holiday home and the animals. Visitors can have breakfast or lunch, drink coffee and buy alpaca products and regional crafts. Craftspeople may display their goods there without paying rent.
Local customers account for the largest share of the shop's turnover, while visitors matter most during the festival.
Dividing the work
The shop and café are open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with four female employees helping in the café. The couple's three children also take part in family tasks. The premises are closed at weekends, when rooms must be prepared for guests and alpaca events handled. Sundays are kept as a day off.
