Shetland mussels to Brussels

Shetland-based mussel farming company Isle of Shuna has gained a foothold in one of the most competitive markets in Europe by supplying mussels to Brussels. As the nation with the highest per capita consumption of mussels in the world, Belgium is renowned for its discerning mussel consumers. Almost all mussels eaten in Belgium are imported from Holland, with 80% of the Netherland’s mussel produce exported to Belgium. The Belgian mussel season starts in July. However, quality declines at the end of the season in December. Food from Britain, the market development consultancy commissioned by the government to increase exports of UK food, was able to spot a gap in the market for Isle of Shuna to exploit. The company has now secured a listing with Delhaize, one of Belgium’s leading supermarket chains, to stock its fresh mussels, extending the season until May. Mussels will now be available in the winter months when Dutch, Belgian and French mussels are unavailable in stores. “This is a major step forward for us,” said John Brewer, managing director of Isle of Shuna. “It shows our product has the depth of quality that’s right for a very sophisticated Continental market.”