Farms belonging to the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group anticipate a sales surge somewhere in the region of four times the norm with around 140,000 oysters being snapped up in Valentine’s week, fuelled by the oyster’s close associations with romance. Mussel sales are expected to double over the period.
Stephen Cameron, managing director, said: “Every year at this time we see a significant boost in oyster and mussel sales, and we therefore have to plan our harvesting and distribution operations very carefully to ensure that we can meet such a high level of demand.
“This is different from the increase in sales we experience over Christmas where the rise in demand will typically occur over a couple of weeks or more. For Valentine’s Day, everybody wants to eat oysters for one day.
“Freshness is vital and this is why there is a very intense period of harvesting in the days just prior to Valentine’s Day.”
Both oysters and mussels contain life-enhancing minerals like magnesium, copper, iodine, iron and selenium – as well as zinc, which is critical to human libido and male fertility.
“Scottish Shellfish has enjoyed strong sales growth over the last year and part of this can be attributed to the growing recognition amongst consumers that mussels and oysters not only taste great, but are healthy to eat too and can certainly provide a lift to your love life!,” said Stephen Cameron.
Scottish Oyster Sales Predict Boom
SCOTLAND, UK - Scottish oyster farmers are predicting a Valentines Day sales boom as many consumers seek out the delicacy that is well known for its aphrodisiac properties.
