Kerry shellfish firm wins top gong at Good Food Ireland Awards

And boy does Cromane-based firm Réalt na Mara Shellfish do seafood good – according to the judges of the prestigious national gong it has just won.

Réalt na Mara Shellfish's salty, smooth-textured oysters and its 'succulent' mussels were cited as two strands of its delectable repertoire after the young company took the BIM sponsored Fish and Seafood Producer of the Year title at the Good Food Ireland Awards 2024 in Dublin this week.

It's one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, some going for a company that was founded as recently as 2015.

It was founded by by Micheál Sugrue and Emmet Casey, and the business – in Cromane, near Killorglin – is the culmination of generations of hard work and experience in the local fishing industry.

"We are thrilled that Réalt na Mara Shellfish has been awarded Fish and Seafood Producer of the Year 2024 at the Good Food Ireland Awards," said Sharon Sugrue, Manager, Réalt na Mara: "This award, sponsored by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, means so much to us as a family business dedicated to quality, sustainability, and our tradition.

"BIM's support and guidance has been invaluable and has helped us grow as a sustainable aquaculture business and thrive in this industry. Winning this award is a testament of our passion and hard work, and we are honoured to be recognised amongst Ireland's best."

Réalt na Mara Shellfish raises shellfish in the waters of Castlemaine Harbour. Their oysters are known for a salty and smooth texture along with plump and succulent meat in the mussels. The business prides itself on producing top quality shellfish, oysters and mussels, managing the entire process from seed to plate.