In recent years Scottish rope cultivated mussels have experienced buoyant demand during December and, according to SSMG managing director Stephen Cameron, this trend looks set to continue over this coming festive period with sales soaring even further compared to the previous year.
“Demand for Scottish rope grown mussels is increasing year-on-year and in recent times Christmas has become one of our busiest times as consumers become more adventurous and look for tasty alternatives to traditional Christmas fare,” he says.
“Mussels are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and are easy and quick to cook. They are also healthy to eat because they are low in calories and fat, and are an excellent source of protein, minerals and vitamins, and contain Omega-3 oils that are good for your heart.
“Mussels are increasingly featured in recipes by TV chefs and we believe this is having a positive impact on sales. Children also love eating them because of their sweet taste and enjoy the process of pulling them out from their shells.”
Earlier this year, rope-grown mussels produced by SSMG became the first farmed seafood in the UK to achieve the prestigious Friend of the Sea (FoS) certification providing independent confirmation of the sustainability of its aquaculture operations and minimal environmental impact.
SSMG, which is the UK’s premier producer of mussels and oysters, is a co-operative of mussel and oyster farms based on the Scottish West coast and Shetland, supplying fresh and value-added shellfish to multiple and independent retailers and restaurants.
Scottish Mussel Sales Set To Soar
SCOTLAND, UK - The Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group is predicting a 15 per cent increase in the volume of mussels sold over Christmas compared with the same period last year as consumers become increasingly adventurous in their tastes.
