BIM announces developments in its Seafood Circle – Fishupdate.com

BIM has welcomed the launch of Georgina Campbell’s Ireland…the Guide 2007. The Guide, considered by many as the essential guide to the best places to eat and drink, features the top 50 restaurants and pubs that have met the criteria necessary to become members of the new, enhanced BIM Seafood Circle.

“This year represents a significant expansion of the BIM Seafood Circle,” said Helen Brophy, Market Development Manager for BIM. “The scheme was initiated in 2001 by BIM in association with the Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners Federation of Ireland with the aim of supporting and encouraging pubs to improve the quality, range and understanding of seafood dishes on their lunchtime menus. This has been outstandingly successful and we have now extended it to include both the hospitality and retail sectors. The launch of this Guide marks the first phase of the expansion and we will be announcing the details of the retailers who have qualified for Seafood Circle membership early in the New Year.”

Congratulating the 50 establishments included in the 2007 Guide, Ms Brophy said: “All 50 are unique and independent establishments located in both urban and rural areas throughout the country. The newly expanded Seafood Circle is now subject to independent assessment and selection by the Guide’s team, who endeavour to select the best establishments specialising in seafood in each area.”

According to Georgina Campbell, the expansion of the Seafood Circle is a sign of a welcome change in Irish eating habits. “Quality seafood is an essential part of a healthy and nutritious diet,” Ms Campbell said. “Irish consumers have shown a growing awareness of this fact over the years, and this has translated directly into increased demand for quality seafood in restaurants and pubs around the country. Visitors from abroad have always valued Irish seafood very highly when eating out here too, and I am delighted to be able to join forces with BIM to add this important new section to the Guide which will enable people to find establishments where they are assured of great seafood meals in pleasant and comfortable surroundings.”

Applications for inclusion in the retail element of the Seafood Circle have been received from a large number of seafood specialists around the country. “The response from the retail trade has been absolutely tremendous,” said Helen Brophy. “Applications have been received from retailers of seafood who offer quality seafood for sale by experienced staff from a designated wet fish counter. We have been very impressed by the quality of retailers and their seafood offerings and will be announcing details of the qualifying retailers early in the New Year. This is a vitally important area of the expanded Seafood Circle as it will offer consumers a guide to where they can purchase top quality seafood for preparation in their own home.”

BIM plans to launch a major marketing campaign in 2007 to boost awareness of the Seafood Circle, communicating to both tourists and consumers the best places to buy and enjoy delicious seafood.

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