LUX Food & Drink Awards 2016

LUX - Food & Drink Awards 2016 13 Established in 1978 by local landowner, John Noble and Andrew Lane, a marine biologist, Loch Fyne Oysters began with one inspirational idea: to grow oysters in the clear, fertile waters of Loch Fyne and has developed into a cluster of businesses which are built on an honest approach to superb quality food. Using their combined knowledge, enthusiasm and resources they laid the foundations for the company to become one of the UK’s foremost producers of premium quality seafood and the home of the internationally acclaimed restaurant that has served celebrities, film stars, prime ministers and even royalty. Today, Loch Fyne has evolved to include not just the original Oyster Bar and Deli but also a wholesale trade business, retail distribution, an online retail facility and event catering alongside its smokehouse and oyster and mussel farms. Cameron provides us with an insight into the various areas of the business and how each aims to provide the very best quality products. “Here at Loch Fyne, we only use the very best produce and source with provenance, quality and sustainability in mind. Our salmon is smoked on the premises using artisanal methods, handed down through generations, the salmon is filleted then dry cured by hand with sea salt and brown sugar. Washed with fresh water from the hills above the smokehouse, it is then smoked by burning oak chips from retired whisky casks. “Over the course of the year we sell different types of oyster depending on availability. Our oysters are grown naturally on the shore at Ardkinglas, at the head of Loch Fyne and by our partner growers elsewhere. All our oysters are depurated (purified) in natural sea water and feed entirely on plankton ensuring that the process is completely sustainable. Our mussels are grown on ropes at Hebridean Mussels, our farm located on the Isle of Lewis. We have almost 200 miles of rope covered with mussels, which ensures a steady supply, all growing completely naturally. “Throughout the business customer service is paramount and we always aim to exceed our customer’s expectations. Within our Restaurant we ensure that staff training in customer service is carried out on a regular basis and that this training is Scottish Seafood Company of the Year & Best Seafood & Oyster Bar Restaurant 2016 - UK Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd are dedicated to providing the world with some of Scotland’s finest seafood direct from the rugged shores of Loch Fyne itself. We invited Cameron Brown to tell us more. Scottish Seafood Company of the Year & Best Seafood & Oyster Bar Restaurant 2016 - UK implemented in day to day service. In addition, our culinary team keep up to date with current menu trends to ensure an innovative and exciting food experience for our customers. The team are trained to the highest standards which provide the skills and expertise necessary to prepare the finest dishes every time.” Overall the entire Loch Fyne team ensure that the customers’ needs are a priority and will make certain that all dietary requirements and allergies are catered for and are able to support the customer with menu and product choices by applying their extensive product knowledge. Cameron emphasises the firm’s focus on supporting staff and ensuring that they are confident enough to provide the standard of service that their clients have come to expect. “At Loch Fyne we are keen to invest in our employees and ensure that all individuals within the business reach their potential. We work continuously towards creating a multi-skilled work force that can fulfil our business goals and objectives because, fundamentally, our people are our most highly valued asset and essential to the success of our business. We recruit the majority of our talented employees from local areas and are firmly focused on supporting professional development and growth.” Operating in the highly trend based food market means that Loch Fyne has to be flexible, and as such the firm is constantly responding to market demands by adapting products to meet consumer needs and continuously improving product quality and consistency, as Cameron concludes. “Loch Fyne follows market trends closely and we adapt our offering accordingly. The way people eat is changing, tapas and sharing platters while dining out are rising in popularity, allowing customers to try new foods without too much commitment. “Currently super foods are still high on the agenda, especially healthy ‘one pot’ options have contributed to a shift in eating patterns from ‘three meals a day’ to ‘little and often’. In addition, consumers are increasingly keen to see labelling with fewer ingredients, less additives and colouring. Foodies looking for luxury ‘fast food’ which is healthy and of premium quality will continue to drive new product development moving forward.” Company: Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd Email: [email protected] Website: www.lochfyne.com Address: Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd, Clachan, Cairndow, Argyll, Scotland, PA26 8BL Phone: +44 (0) 1499 600 264