East coast fishmonger scoops top prize in seafood competition
Gerard Collier, Fishermen’s Catch, Clogherhead, Co Louth, was today (24/11) awarded the title of BIM Young Fishmonger 2015, from a shortlist of five finalists, all of whom demonstrated an “exceptional high standard in technical expertise, product knowledge and customer service’,” remarked Donal Buckley, BIM’s Business Development & Innovation director.
Martin Shanahan, Fishy Fishy Café and Restaurant with Gerard Collier, Fishermen’s Catch, at the Radisson St Helen’s Hotel, Dublin
This is the second year of the awards, developed by BIM to recognise and reward young fishmongers and to encourage new entrants into the business and ultimately raise the bar across the sector.
“Our role, as the Seafood Development Agency, is to develop the retail trade in terms of seafood presentation, training and food safety management. We see this initiative as an exciting component of this strategy,” he added.
The sector is benefiting from an increase in sales in the last year with loose fish now accounting for 33.3% of total fish sales.
“This is extremely positive for the 500 fishmonger businesses and supermarket seafood counters around Ireland. We look forward to working closely with the industry to assist them take full advantage of this demand,” he said.
“All of our finalists were exceptional throughout every stage of the competition and they should be very proud of their achievements. Congratulations to our worthy winner, Gerard Collier, and his colleagues at Fisherman’s Catch. I hope this experience and the competition prize fund allows you to further develop what is a very successful family business,” he added.
Martin Shanahan, Fishy Fishy Café & Restaurant, author and TV broadcaster was guest speaker at today’s event, and congratulated the finalists for their “passion for the seafood business”.
As overall winner, Gerard will be offered a study trip to France; a cheque for €1,000 and along with the other finalists, will receive a free placement on BIM’s retail development workshops; a set of professional knives and a specially-designed trophy. All finalists have already enjoyed a master-class in seafood cookery with Martin Shanahan.
The competition was based on three stages of scoring, including two unannounced visits by the judges to their shops to assess product knowledge and customer service, and a practical test to fillet and prepare fish and shellfish for customer use under time constraints. The finalists also had to discuss their plans, opportunities and challenges for their business. The judges were unanimous in their praise of the finalists’ knowledge, skills and commitment.
Last year’s winner, James Kirwan, East Coast Seafood, Naas, Co. Kildare, explained how the accolade has helped his business;
“Winning the BIM Young Fishmonger competition really helped me develop my business in terms of new innovative product ranges. The prize fund allowed me to install a new kitchen production unit in the shop, and as a result we are producing an extensive range of value-added products, including Mediterranean fish soup; salmon burgers; smoked mackerel pate; fish pies and fish cakes as well as crusts, sauces and toppings.
“And the study trip to France was a real learning curve in terms of understanding customers’ preferences. I would like to congratulate Gerard and all the finalists on their achievements and wish them a very busy lead up to the Christmas season.”
The awards are timely given the encouraging performance of the seafood market in the last 12 months and in particular fresh fish sales, says BIM. According to Kantar Worldpanel, fresh fish sales are valued at €122m and have increased by 1.4% year-on-year.
Fresh fish accounts for 63.7% of total fish sales, valued at €192m. Of these, fresh fish sales from a fish counter are worth €41m and sales have increased by 7.9% year-on-year, accounting for 33.3% of total fish sales.
This is largely due to customers purchasing fish more frequently and paying higher prices. Salmon, cod and prawns remain the most popular species, followed by mackerel and hake.
Finalists:
Stevie Connolly, Connolly’s Seafood, Rathmines, Dublin 6
Neil Turner, Caviston’s Food Emporium, Glasthule, Co. Dublin
Mateusz Kowalik, Doran’s on the Pier, Howth, Co. Dublin
Gary Quinn, Stephen’s Fish Market, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
