BIM Seafood Circle - Seafood Specialists

Seafood Specialists Are Quite A Catch!

At first glance, the term fishmonger may seem a tad old fashioned. You could even be forgiven for thinking it had gone the way of the penny farthing and ten shilling note. However traditional fish shops aren’t merely surviving in this country, they are positively thriving with consumer demand growing at a rate of 15% a year.

So what are the reasons behind the continued success of Irish fish shops, many of whom have been in business for generations?  Certainly more and more consumers now realise that seafood is a healthy part of any balanced diet. They are also increasingly aware that Omega 3, found in oil-rich fish such as mackerel, trout and herring, helps boost concentration and memory.

But perhaps the main reason for this resurgence of the traditional fishmonger is that he, or indeed she, is an acknowledged seafood specialist. There are now over 30 such “seafood specialists” as members of IASC (Irish Association of Seafood Companies) the length and breadth of the country form Donegal to Cork and Galway to Louth, some of which are fifth generation businesses. 

All IASC members have an unrivalled knowledge of fish which meets the needs of a modern multicultural Ireland with a professional consumer-focused experience. So not only will they skin, bone or fillet your favourite fresh fish for you, they’re more than happy to take the time to offer advice on receipe ideas, proper preparation and serving tips.

“There’s no doubt that all of our members take a great deal of pride in what they do. But, in all honesty, it’s a lot more than just a job, it’s a way of life,” comments Martina Clarke, the Development Executive of IASC. “As seafood specialists, our members will quite willingly go out of their way to ensure that their customers are served the best in quality, freshness, and of course value for money.”

Ms Clarke continues, “Careful sourcing, a good selection and above all a sustainable approach to the gift of the sea is what customers want today.  Our members have the expertise and experience to deliver just that.”

In recognition of their in-depth knowledge and skills in the area of fresh seafood, 30 IASC members have recently received their 2007 Seafood Circle plaques from BIM, the Irish Sea Fisheries Board. This marks the first year of the new Seafood Circle initiative, the aim of which is to promote seafood retailers, pubs and restaurants who deliver excellent seafood and service to their customers.

As we speak BIM is promoting the Seafood Circle with a high-profile national marketing campaign that includes both outdoor and in-shop posters, consumer competitons as well as radio commercials. This year also sees IASC members promoting themselves for the very first time with a national newspaper advertising campaign and in-store posters. “We have great people and a great product. I hope this is just the start of even bigger things to come from IASC,” adds Martina Clarke. “So if you’re looking for the very best in fresh seafood, advice on selecting the perfect fish or shellfish, tantalising recipe ideas and serving tips, simply call into any seafood specialist proudly displaying the BIM Seafood Circle plaque. Or click on www.seafoodcircle.ie for the IASC member nearest you.”