Sligo Oyster Experience, founded by Aisling Kelly Hunter, won the Seafood Innovation Award at the Blas na hÉireann awards for their innovative approach in the Irish seafood supply chain.
Aisling’s vision focuses on promoting Irish oysters and expanding her business from farm tours to online seafood retail, emphasizing sustainability and value addition.
The new product, pickled oysters, was developed to make use of oysters with non-marketable shell shapes, enhancing their quality through unique flavor pairings.
Established in 2018, Sligo Oyster Experience aims to immerse visitors in the sensory appreciation of Irish oysters and contribute to reviving the region’s shellfish heritage.
Aisling Kelly Hunter shared “I’ve created my business model around a full sensory experience where people can see, touch and enjoy the smell and taste of Irish oysters. The Irish language name for Sligo is Sligeach and it literally means shelly place or place abounding with shells. I want to be part of the movement to reinvigorate the region’s rich shellfish legacy.”
Tipperary’s Rívesci won the overall award, see winners at Blas na hÉireann 2024.
