Co Wicklow-based sushi producer expands to service 100 retail outlets

SUSHI producer Oishii Foods has just reached the milestone of servicing 100 outlets, while also moving its output into Tesco’s central distribution channels.

Aptly enough, Oishii made this announcement yesterday, on Umi No Hi, the Japanese celebration day of the Ocean. Based in Bray, Co Wicklow, in just five years Oishii has grown from trading uniquely in farmers’ markets to being stocked in Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Superquinn, Centra, Spar and Londis.

The Tesco coup is the icing on the cake. For Ciara Troy, founder and managing director of Oishii Foods Ltd, this milestone is the culmination of a lot of passion and dedication.

Ms Troy said: “This is such an exciting development for Oishii Sushi, and I think, really highlights the growing demand for freshly prepared, delicious sushi. Year on year, the company has grown in size and success and we are delighted to be extending our reach to more sushi customers both in Dublin and in select outlets around Ireland in the near future.

“We entered the market at a time when sushi was relatively new in Ireland and so we created a range that had mass appeal.

“Our range boasts the best of Irish and Japanese ingredients; we insist on using the freshest fish that is available on these shores, and take care to produce the best quality products for our customers.”

Tesco Ireland also unveiled 35 new small local suppliers at its Irish Food Expo in Dublin, with combined sales of €3 million, supplying products for Tesco’s food labels.

Two of the exhibitors at the Tesco event have won export listings for their products in Britain, namely Glenillen (desserts) and Kooky Dough (cookies).

Tesco buys more than €2 billion worth of Irish food annually, including €655m worth of exports for Tesco stores throughout the world.

Currently, over 100 Irish companies produce some 2,000 products for Tesco’s own-label food ranges here in Ireland and Britain. This is worth more than €200m a year.