UK mussel grower triumphs twice at giant seafood event

The two family-owned companies won the Seafood Excellence Global Award for Best Seafood Product Line for their line of BAP-certified and organic mussels in fresh sauces. The bivalves are supplied by Devon-based Offshore Shellfish, which is England’s biggest mussel farmer and was established by John and Nicki Holmyard.

The product line comprises Bangkok – Fresh Sauce with Lemongrass and Ginger, Classic - Fresh Sauce with Thyme and Rosemary, and Avignon – Fresh Sauce with Wild Garlic. The line was recognised by the judges for the overall quality of the product, the consumer appeal of all flavours, and the beautiful, eye-catching package design.

Best packaging

The companies also won the best packaging prize for the shellfish range. The packs feature a photo of the Holmyards’ son George and daughter Sarah, who both work for Offshore Shellfish.

Offshore Shellfish, which has three sites and harvests between 20 and 40 tonnes of mussels several times a week during the season, has been working with KV since it started producing mussels four to five years ago. Last year the companies formed joint venture Premier Foods to produce restaurant-standard mussels for consumers.

“We are trying to take things beyond the traditional European market,” the Holmyards told Fish Farming Expert today.

“Hopefully we can reach a younger audience. People want a quick, easy meal.”

Closed shell

The mussels are cooked but remain in a closed shell and come in a sauce prepared in batches by a chef. Once the mussels are heated at home, the shells open.

The products are on sale in around a dozen European countries, including Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Malta, and Switzerland, but are not yet available in the UK.

“A lot of stores in Europe have been trialling them and we’re hopeful they will make them part of their permanent ranges,” said John, who added that more sauces were being developed for the range.

38 finalists

Judges picked 38 finalists for the Seafood Excellence Global Awards, and there were seven prizes: Best Retail Product, Best Horeca (hotels, restaurants, catering) Product, and five special awards, two of which went to Offshore Mussels / KV.

“We were thrilled just to reach the finals, and absolutely delighted to win,” said Nicki.

Scotland salmon producer the Scottish Salmon Company had two products in the final but was unable to repeat its victory at Seafood Expo North America, when it was among the winners.

Salmon noodles

Best Retail Product went to Pescanova España for its Salmon Noodles. This product represents a new market category of pastas made with fish that are high in protein, a natural source of omega 3, and low in fat. The noodles are sold chilled and can be mixed with a sauce or consumers can try an easy chef-developed recipe on the back of the package. The judges noted the pleasant flavour and texture of the pasta, its fresh, natural appearance, and the attractive package design.

GlobeXplore won Best Horeca Product for its Seaweed Spread – Yuzu and Ginger, described as a subtle and exotic mix of sea lettuce, ginger and yuzu designed to accompany both vegetable and meat dishes.

Other special awards were:

• Health & Nutrition: Balfegó & Balfegó SL of Spain for its Balfegó Bluefin Tuna Loin.
• Convenience: JC Mackintosh of Spain for its Smoked Wild-Caught Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio.
• Innovation: Pescanova España’s Salmon Noodles.