Sales of oysters normally run at around five tonnes a month. But during this week in December, the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group (SSMG) farmers have received orders for nearly 10 tonnes of oysters to be shucked and slurped at Christmas parties throughout the UK – and, surprisingly, Switzerland.
Scottish oysters have one major advantage over their overseas competition – they are always in season. The Pacific Oyster spat is grown in waters along the West Coast of Scotland.
Donny Gillies, SSMG Managing Director said: “Oyster farming at Christmas is like a military operation. Unlike turkeys which can be prepared weeks in advance and kept chilled, Scottish oysters have to be extremely fresh – and everyone wants to eat them on December 25th! We’re working flat out to supply Britain and Switzerland with the Christmas treat that is festive food with real luxury – superb Scottish oysters.”
“As the water in Scotland that the oysters are grown in is always cool, the oysters grow at a slower rate, ensuring a better quality product.”
TheFishSite News Desk