Part of our series with Euro-Toques Ireland
TheTaste.ie is a proud community partner of Euro-Toques Ireland, and we are delighted to relaunch our Producer Series together, where we shine a spotlight on the passionate people behind Ireland’s exceptional small-scale food producers.
In this instalment with Achill Oysters, we explore the journey of a passionate entrepreneur whose deep-rooted connection to the sea and commitment to sustainable practices have shaped a unique and thriving oyster farming business. From a childhood steeped in fishing traditions to founding a company dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems, this producer spotlight delves into the inspiration, challenges, and achievements that have defined the path of Achill Oysters. Discover how a labor of love for the environment and community has evolved into a successful enterprise, renowned for its premium oysters sourced from the pristine waters of Ireland’s Atlantic coast.
Can you tell me about your own background in the food industry?
I grew up in a household where fishing had been passed on through the generations. I believed every house listened to the shipping forecast and had the Fishing News delivered weekly. How to fillet a fish, set a net and launch a boat was just what in the blood.
What inspired you to set up your business? Did you notice a gap in the market?
I saw the wild fisheries being decimated and the communities they supported follow suit. Mine is a labour of love for my environment and the people who shape it. The fisheries have to evolve because of the damage people have done to it. Letting go of the tiller now is going to be catastrophic.
How did you set up the business and how has it grown over time?
I walked out of a perfectly good job and just started putting out oysters. I did not look too far down the road. I have allowed it to evolve. I have followed my customers…like the seagulls following the trawler.
Where do you source the ingredients used to make your product(s)?
Off my farm and hand picked other farms throughout the country.
Can you tell me about some of the benefits associated with your product(s)?
It is high in zinc and low in fat. It makes you healthy and wise…the wealthy is your own responsibility.
How important has social media been for you in spreading the word?
70% of our year 1 turnover was directly attributable to Twitter…nuff said.
How has being a part of the Euro-Toques community helped you and what is the best part about the community?
We won a producer accolade when we were starting and that bounced us in to a new stratosphere – we stay loyal because of that
What makes your product unique?
It is from clean Irish Atlantic waters
Tell us about the chefs/restaurants using your products to create dishes.
The FX Buckley group, Atish in Butcher Grill
Are there any other small Irish food producers you admire?
The Gallagher family in Irish Premium Oysters and Carlingford Oysters
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced since going into business?
Unbridled state pollution of the environment
What do you feel is your biggest achievement to date with this business?
Staying open
Could you ever have imagined doing anything else with your life?
Yes – I’ve ran other businesses, worked in the hotel trade and construction industry
What does the future hold for your business?
Growth and happiness
Anything further to add?
Buy more oysters
About Euro-Toques Ireland
Euro-Toques Ireland is a nurturing community of chefs, producers, educators and food writers that celebrates and preserves the culinary heritage and food culture of Ireland today and tomorrow.
The key ingredients of our community are our deeply engrained values that emphasise a high set of principles within the kitchen, from sourcing to serving. This means striving for excellent culinary standards and always working with quality local produce, in season where possible.
Euro-Toques Ireland is part of a wider European network of like-minded Chefs. Founded in Brussels in 1986, Myrtle Allen is one of the European founding members who then went on to establish Euro-Toques Ireland.
