Belfast seafood supplier moves into Tesco

A NORTHERN Ireland seafood supplier has set up a retail business in one of Tesco’s large superstores.
The move is unusual because Tesco normally operates its own in-store fishmongers, but Keenan Seafood of Belfast will be doing the job itself at the Tesco Newtownbreda’s Extra, offering dozens of different lines in fish.
 It is also taking on five extra staff for the operation. Managing director Gerry Keenan told the Irish News that the company was ‘delighted’ to welcome five new members of staff to help service the counter of the new dimension to his growing business.
‘We’ve witnessed a change in fish eating habits over the years and we’re excited to get face-to-face with shoppers and help educate and guide them on their purchases,’ he said.
Stephen Magill, commercial manager for Tesco Northern Ireland, described it as an important development for the business, adding: ‘The introduction of this concession signals a renaissance among local shoppers for a fresh, daily catch, as well as a growing interest to incorporate fish more into family meals, due to its well-publicised health benefits.’
Keenan Seafood is one of the longest established family businesses in the fish trade in Ireland. Initially involved in supplying whiting fillets to the local fish and chip shops, the company saw the opportunity after the Second World War to ‘ship’ bulk quantities of herring and white fish from Ardglass, Portavogie and Kilkeel to the Scottish and English markets.
Today the company specialises in supplying a full range of fresh and frozen seafood to many of the leading hotels, restaurants and contract catering outlets throughout the province
Fish is sourced each morning from the local Northern Ireland ports as well as from Scotland and the West of Ireland.
Keenan Seafood also imports a wide range of fresh exotic seafood lines from Turkey, Sri Lanka and the Azores ‘to offer a fuller choice of products to its ever discerning customer base’.