A Shetland firm developing "world-leading" cultivation techniques to supply the finest quality mussels to leading restaurants and major supermarkets has received a prestigious prize.
The Highlands and Islands Enterprise Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation was presented to Blueshell Mussels, a family business formed in Shetland in 1997. It has since grown into the biggest rope grown mussel producer in the UK and is a key member of the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group (SSMG). The company harvests 1,300 tonnes of mussels annually from its own sites and is currently investing £750,000 to increase production further.
Blueshell has developed unique cultivation techniques based around the mussel's ability to feed naturally from the sea. Scottish mussels from SSMG have entered the accreditation process to become the first cultivated seafood to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification as a sustainable and well-managed resource. The mussels are also undergoing accreditation for the Friends of the Sea certification standard.
Michael Laurenson, Managing Director, Blueshell Mussels, said: “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of Blueshell Mussels. This award gives testimony to the sheer determination and drive of everyone in our team. To be part of a successful company is great, but to be recognised as a torch bearer worthy of this accolade is simply inexpressible. Our business trading ss up 60% year on year and I would like to encourage other businesses that even in a recession there are opportunities to grow through expansion and implementation of new procedures.”
