New Oysters Launched by Rooney Fish in Northern Ireland

Rooney Fish, Northern Ireland's leading shellfish processor, is to launch oysters in a major diversification of the business because of the reduced catches of nephrops. Based at Kilkeel in County Down, the company is producing oysters under Millbay Oysters from its Pacific oyster farm in the pristine waters of Carlingford Lough for customers worldwide. The family-owned and managed business is Northern Ireland's most successful exporter of a wide range of shellfish. Commercial director Andrew Rooney, commenting on the development of oysters, says: "We've been exporting fish and shellfish for many years all over the world and have built up a strong customer base, particularly in foodservice, for all our shellfish products. "Our experience of this market and contacts there encouraged us to explore opportunities to supply oysters. We took a decision about a further diversification of our business about five years' ago to start our own oyster farm at Millbay on Carlingford, which is one the cleanest stretches of water in the British Isles. "The sheltered bay is ideal for growing oysters. We set up the oyster farm, which covers almost 19 hectares, in 2013, and invested in the necessary depuration and grading equipment. "The new oysters, grown from seed in our own farm, have attracted tremendous interest among our existing customer base and others we've already spoken to about the product. "We carried out extensive market research including participation in major trade shows all over the world before deciding of what is an important diversification for the Rooney Fish. "We were immensely encouraged by very positive feedback from people who know our business, our success in the global marketplace and our reputation as a quality focused company with a strong track record of providing value for money," he adds. Established in 1975, Rooney Fish employs around 40 people and now exports a broad range of shellfish internationally. Virtually all the company's business is outside Northern Ireland. Rooney Fish exports all types of Shellfish, Such as Nephrops, Brown Crab, Brown Crab Claws, Crab Meat, Brown Crab Snap Claw, Velvet Crab, Green Crab, Lobsters, Whelks, Scampi Meat, Soup products, Scallops in many different formats fresh, cooked, frozen, live etc. to all over Europe and further afield such as Asia, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and many more. Northern Ireland Food and Drink companies are celebrating the regions pure, natural, quality food and drink in 2016, with a series of local, national, and international promotional events