Supermarket Receives Recognition For Fish Quality

As Ash Wednesday (17th February) signals the start of Lent and is traditionally one of the busiest days for seafood retailers; Superquinn was delighted to learn that all its stores had been awarded membership of the BIM Seafood Circle in the Supermarket Seafood Counter category.

‘We are very proud to have achieved membership of the Seafood Circle again this year. Since the establishment of the Seafood Circle in 2007, we have worked closely with BIM to meet the required standards year after year and we were the first supermarket group to achieve membership for all our stores. We are dedicated to delivering a diverse range of quality seafood for our customers and we source all of our fresh seafood from Oceanpath, a family run business with an exceptional reputation for quality,’ said Paul Farrell, Fresh Foods Category Manager, Superquinn.

Whilst the number of people consuming fish has increased in recent years, many of us do not include enough fish in our diet, mainly due to the fact that we find the thought of preparing and cooking fish at home daunting. Fish is perceived to be difficult to cook when in fact it is easy, quick and very versatile. The BIM Seafood Circle members nationwide have a range of pocket sized leaflets with quick and easy seafood recipes at the seafood counters and they are also available online at www.seafoodcircle.ie

Bord Iascaigh Mhara recently announced their full list of Seafood Circle members for 2010 across the hospitality and retail categories. The total membership now stands at 175 nationwide with 98 hospitality, 41 Seafood Specialists and 36 Supermarket Seafood Counter members demonstrating that standards are rising every year.

The rise in BIM Seafood Circle membership from 155 to 175 is a significant achievement for the sector, and helps highlight the increasing focus on providing excellence in quality seafood and service, which in turn, benefits consumers. In selecting members for the hospitality category, BIM works with well known food writer Georgina Campbell and her team who conduct independent, consumer focused assessments in order to select the best seafood dining establishments around the country. The retail element of the programme is assessed by experienced BIM personnel and independent assessors.

Jason Whooley, Chief Executive Officer with BIM explains why the initiative is of mutual benefit to both retailers and customers; ‘Congratulations to all at Superquinn. They are well-deserving members of the Seafood Circle; they clearly demonstrate the high quality standards and customer service delivery that is central to the initiative. The BIM Seafood Circle brand not only provides the public with a recognisable mark to identify the best seafood establishments nationwide but it works closely with establishments to raise the standards in quality seafood and service thereby raising the bar and ensuring Ireland retains its reputation for quality seafood. We would encourage consumers to look for the Seafood Circle mark when shopping or eating out.’