FASTNET MUSSELS:FASTNET MUSSELS, a Co Cork-based firm specialising in chilled and frozen shellfish products, has developed a new packaging system that has allowed it to access new markets.
The development stemmed from a desire to reduce the amount of unused shellfish material, a pressing issue due to rising raw material costs and a desire to defend market share in the face of increasing imports from South America.
Fastnet Mussels decided to contact Fusion, an all-island programme that helps bring firms and academia together to problem solve business issues.
The company linked up with two academics from the University of Ulster, Wesley McKnight and Prof Dennis McKeag, as well as researcher Bart Ustjanwoski.
Dr Julie Maguire, research and development manager for the firm, says the outcome from the research was modified atmospheric packaging that can prolong the life of mussels, allowing them to be sold at a premium as fresh product.
“In simple terms, this means we can send them further afield. Europe is a huge importer of cooked mussels from Chile – and this is a different product,” says Maguire.
She also says the new packaging has increased sales in Ireland and broadened the company’s customer base.
The firm has introduced a series of new products to minimise the amount of unused shellfish and redesigned its factory at Bantry Bay to reduce waste. “We achieved what we set out to do by increasing the freshness and shelf-life of our product and, as a result, have been able to regain vital sales in the marketplace.”
