Asia Oyster Group, made up of four Irish Oyster companies, recently achieved Origin Green member status following assistance from Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and Bord Bia
Majestic Oysters and Irish Premium Oysters from Donegal and Harty’s Oysters and Carlingford Oyster Company from Waterford and Louth shared their resources to develop a unique market position in the Chinese seafood market. The group sent premium grade product to exclusive restaurants and hotels in key cities in China and the addition of Origin Green membership will prove to be another key selling point for the companies.
Using ECOPACT, an Environmental Management System, developed by BIM for the Irish Aquaculture Industry; the group were successful in meeting the high standards set by ECOPACT enabling them to achieve Origin Green verified membership. This status was achieved after their long-term, target driven sustainability plan, in accordance with the Origin Green charter, was independently verified by the SGS group.
Launched in 2012 by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, Origin Green is a voluntary sustainability programme for Irish food & drink producers to prove their commitment to operating in a more sustainable manner. Working across the supply chain, it is the only sustainability programme in the world operating on a national scale.
Richard Donnelly, Aquaculture Business Development Manager, BIM explains how this collaboration was of benefit to all concerned; ‘By working as a collaborative, the Group have capitalised on the synergy of developing new contacts in addition to presenting premium quality oysters to the market. Their collective drive to ensure their businesses’ operate sustainability demonstrates their responsible approach to the environment and how this differentiates their products and will deliver an uplift in sales as a result. BIM and Bord Bia worked together with the companies to take them through this process and we will continue to work with the Group to ensure the companies are supported in their endeavours