The Tasmanian Deputy Premier Bryan Green has said that a new focus on exporting Tasmanian oysters had the potential to significantly increase the value of the industry to the State.
Mr Green officially opened a new factory at Cambridge this week which could see export sales grow by 400t or around 400,000 dozen oysters.
The facility built by the Tasmanian Oyster Company recently received AQIS approval to export live Pacific Oysters.
“We are now seeing high quality Tasmanian oysters exported every week to customers in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and mainland China with smaller volumes also being supplied to Europe,” Mr Green said.
The export push is being driven by Tas Prime Oysters which is made up of a consortium of oyster growers headquartered at the new factory.
“Tas Prime Oysters is now the largest producer and supplier of Tasmanian oysters and has a strong focus on increasing export sales.
“The global oyster industry is iconic and links closely with the coastal and food cultures we pride ourselves on in Tasmania.”
Mr Green said Tasmania currently produces almost four million dozen oysters a year and employs over 300 people at marine farms and hatcheries around the State.
“Our oysters are sought after as a premier quality product and the industry is now worth well over $20 million a year.
“Tasmania’s oyster industry is providing investment and jobs in regional communities and has a bright future,” Mr Green said.
