Ireland''s seafood development agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), has launched the country''s first accredited fishmonger qualification.
Ireland's seafood development agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), has launched the country's first accredited fishmonger qualification.
The Certificate in Fishmonger Skills, accredited by nationally and internationally recognised Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), was unveiled in the fishing port of Howth in Co Dublin.
Ian Mannix of BIM described how the aim of the training is to retain and attract talent into the industry. " Today’s consumer has come to expect their fishmonger to have a broad knowledge of seafood," he said. "This new programme will provide solid, fully certified training to anyone working in seafood retailing, practical skills they can then apply in the industry. Moreover, improved skills in the workplace will ultimately lead to better sales and better retention of staff.”
The new training combines practical and classroom learning and includes modules on seafood labelling, nutrition and food safety. The programme also includes hands-on demonstrations in fish fileting and culinary skills and is aimed at existing staff in seafood retailing or those interested in pursuing a career in the industry.
The value of seafood retail sales in 2018 was €297 million according to the BIM Business of Seafood report with sales of loose fish experienced the sharpest increase. Salmon remains the most popular species bought by consumers in Ireland. However, there has been a marked increase in demand for lesser known species owing to higher awareness of sustainability and provenance.
The Certificate in Fishmonger Skills is taking place in Dublin and Cork in early 2020. More information can be found at the BIM website.
