BIM Young Fishmonger 2016 finalists announced
Five young fishmongers from counties Cork, Dublin, Galway and Kerry, have been shortlisted for the BIM Fishmonger 2016 Competition, which aims to recognise and reward emerging fishmongers on their product knowledge and skills.
Finalists: George Stephens, Stephen Fagan, Lida Ulaszek, Eoghan Crowe and Peter Shanahan
The competition is supported by seafood chef and TV personality, Martin Shanahan, who will give a maserclass in seafood cookery to the finalists. Beforehand they will be assessed by the judges on their knowledge, quality issues, techniques and customer service.
SFPA launches new three-year strategy
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority has launched its new strategy which sets out key priorities for regulating the State's sea-fisheries and seafood sectors until 2017. The sectors, which employ over 11,000 people, are worth an estimated €850m annually to the Irish economy.
Minister Simon Coveney and Susan Steele, SFPA chair, launch the Authority's new 3-year strategy
The independent regulator enforces the EU Common Fisheries Policy, along with sea-fisheries and food safety law relating to fish and fishery products. Its mandate covers all fishing vessels operating within Ireland’s 200 mile limit; over 2,114 Irish registered fishing vessels wherever they operate and all seafood produced in Ireland’s 170 seafood processing companies.
‘Gold Standard’ awarded to west coast seafood producer
Carr & Sons Seafood Ltd has achieved 'Grade A' accreditation with the British Retail Consortium which has awarded the company with independent confirmation of the rigorous standards adhered to throughout the entire supply chain at its Killala plant. Certification also recognises investment in implementing best practice procedures throughout the production process.
"We're delighted to have attained the BRC 'A' Grade certification which reflects the commitment of every single person throughout the company," remarked Maureen Forde, Quality Control Manager
Seafood, science and skills showcased at 2015 maritime festival
With over 10,000 people turning out for Seafest 2015 in Cork Harbour, Ireland’s first national maritime festival is being heralded as a great success by the coordinators, the Marine Institute. The event brought together State agencies and organisations to showcase the marine and maritime sectors across key themes of ocean literacy, marine leisure, seafood and science.
Cookery demonstrations from Gerard Collier, Fishermens' Catch and TV chefs Martin Shanahan and Rory O'Connell
“Seafest was an enormous success in that it showcased the many fantastic benefits that the sea brings us,” remarked Dr Peter Heffernan, Marine Institute, CEO. “We experienced exceptional seafood; boating and sailing; open-water swimming; marine simulators; Irish Defence Force displays and tours; sea-life exhibits; educational videos and talks, and all sorts of marine-related activities.”
Next generation encouraged to pursue seafood career
BIM, Ireland’s seafood development agency, has launched a social media campaign calling on young people to consider the sector as a viable career option. Significant potential of the ‘blue economy’, most notably the rising demand for Irish seafood, was highlighted at Seafest 2015 (July 9-10) in Ringaskiddy which attracted over 10,000 visitors to the purpose-built venue located at the National Maritime College of Ireland.
Video 1: Jane Kennedy, research & development manager, Keoghane's Seafood
Using video profiles of five industry people, the campaign features an oyster farmer; seafood technologist; marine engineer; skipper and research/development manager.
‘Food from the Sea’ attracts strong speaker lineup
A breakout session at Our Ocean Conference (July 10) will discuss the potential for Ireland's seafood industry to expand as a significant quality-led player on new global markets. The day begins with a keynote address from Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, followed by presentations from international marine experts and commentators.
Organised by BIM, the seafood development agency, the afternoon session will address key challenges facing Ireland's seaafood sector including, abilty to expand the raw material base; urgency to develop scale, and growing businesses that are 'simultaneously sustainable and economically viable'.
Food from the sea on the platter of a major maritime festival
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board and BIM, Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, will be showcasing the best of Irish seafood at SeaFest 2015 Maritime Festival in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork on July 11.
The best of Irish seafood to showcase at Seafest 2015, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, July 11
The family fun event follows the maritime conference Our Ocean Wealth the previous day, which is set to attract upwards of 500 delegates to explore the potential of Ireland's marine sector.
Chief executive designate for Ireland’s seafood development agency
Tara McCarthy, currently Director of the Food and Beverages division of Bord Bia, has been appointed chief executive of BIM, with effect from September 2015 for a five-year term.
Tara McCarthy, chief executive designate, BIM
A Batchelor of Commerce graduate with an MBS in marketing, Ms McCarthy has been responsible for developing the food export board's seafood, dairy, prepared foods, alcohol and small business sectors.
As a contributor to government's Food Harvest 2020 and 2025 reports, Ms McCarthy has delivered key initiatives for Bord Bia and the Irish food industry under the Pathways for Growth programme.
Irish company takes ‘Oscar’ at prestigous seafood expo
Irish Atlantic Seafood Company (iASC) are winners of the 2015 Priz d'Elite for Europe's best 'seafood product line', and earn the accolade as the first Irish company to take the award.
The Cork-based company scooped the top prize for its Something Fishy range which enhances fish dishes with shellfish protein combined with Irish butter, seafood and seasoning to produce a 'umami' or savour taste.
Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia: Colin Ross and James Grimes, iASC and Ambassador Eamon MacAodha, Irish Ambassador to Belgium
The product was developed and tested at BIM's Seafood Development Centre in Co Cork which provides expertise and support to help seafood companies bring their fish products to market.