New initiative launched as seafood stakes soar

THE €183 million retail market for seafood in Ireland is growing, according to the latest figures.

Locating a broad range of quality seafood that’s professionally presented and served is also becoming easier.

Both trends were revealed as Marine Minister John Browne launched a Bord Iascaigh Mhara Seafood Circle initiative in Dublin yesterday. A total of 110 restaurants, pubs, hotels and seafood retailers from all over Ireland received their distinctive Seafood Circle plaques having met the criteria necessary for becoming a member.

BIM chief executive Pat Keogh said the Irish market for seafood has never been so buoyant and therefore is not surprising that interest in the Seafood Circle initiative is high.

“We now have almost 60 restaurants, hotels and bars and more than 50 retailers who are members of the initiative. All recognise that the consumer now demands the best in service, the best in quality and the widest variety of seafood,” he said.

Mr Keogh said demand for seafood in Ireland is significant and increasing. Latest figures show it valued at €183m.

There was overall retail growth of 15% on the previous year, with fresh sales increasing by 13% and frozen by a significant 18%.

This average increase equates to an extra 500g (4%) of seafood purchased by each buyer last year or the equivalent of about four servings of salmon.

Mr Keogh said domestic seafood sales are projected in the Government strategy for the industry (2007-2013) to increase by 22% from €311m to €379m over the period to 2015.

BIM marketing manager Helen Brophy said the consumer is becoming increasingly aware of the nutritional and health benefits from eating seafood and is developing greater understanding of the range of fish on offer.

“The Seafood Circle identifies those businesses, be they in hospitality or in retail, that consistently deliver excellent seafood and service to their customers,” she said.