West Cork seafood processor, Shellfish Ireland, completes €500,000 investment to drive growth and product innovation
West Cork–based seafood processor Shellfish Ireland has completed a €500,000 investment aimed at growing sales and giving consumers a wider variety of high quality, value-added seafood products.
Based in Castletownbere, Co. Cork, the investment has delivered significant automation and processing upgrades, allowing the company to deliver a broader product range for competitive domestic and international markets.
The investment is expected to support annual sales of more than €14 million, returning the business to pre-Covid profitability. It has already strengthened export performance and supported the successful launch of new crab and shrimp products, reinforcing Shellfish Ireland’s position as a key player in Ireland’s seafood processing sector.
Shellfish Ireland received grant support of €236,000 for the investment through the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). The scheme is partially financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, and operated by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
Richard Donnelly, interim CEO of BIM, said: “This investment by Shellfish Ireland is a great example of how Irish seafood entrepreneurs are adopting both innovation and sustainability to stay ahead of the competition. The company will strengthen long-term resilience and support the continued growth of the Irish seafood industry through improving production processes and adding new lines.”
The company has supply from over 160 inshore fishermen from all around Ireland, strongly contributing and supporting the economies of many coastal communities.
The investment saw the addition of upgraded packaging and processing equipment and increased automation. The introduction of renewable and energy-efficient processes, including solar power, has reduced the company’s carbon footprint.
Chief Executive of Shellfish Ireland, Carol Harrington, said the investment will support consolidation in core European markets, while enabling the company to re-enter Asia and pursue new growth opportunities.
Shellfish Ireland, CEO – Carol Harrington
“This investment supports our three-year strategic plan to grow our presence in both domestic and international markets. Export sales currently account for approximately 65% of total turnover, with France and Spain representing our largest overseas destinations.”
“Over the coming years, we plan to further strengthen our position in these markets while re-entering Asia, particularly China, following changes to regulatory testing requirements. Italy has also been identified as a key growth opportunity, with tailored product offerings designed to meet local pricing structures and consumer preferences.”
Ms Harrington added that the domestic market remains a key focus, with increased demand from retailers and customers for greater value and choice.
“Retail customers are increasingly looking for convenience and better value, and this investment allows us to respond directly to those needs. It represents a major step forward for Shellfish Ireland, allowing us to build on decades of expertise while continuing to support employment in Castletownbere.”
Founded in 1987 by local fishermen, Shellfish Ireland has grown from a local restaurant fish supplier into one of Ireland’s leading processors of crab and shrimp.
The company operates from a 24,000 sq. ft. fully integrated processing facility, the only plant in Ireland with a fully specialised crab processing line. It employs up to 140 people at peak season, with 110 staff employed year-round, making it the largest employer in the Beara Peninsula.
The facility is HACCP-approved, AA BRC certified and Shellfish Ireland is a member of Origin Green and Irish Crab FIP, reflecting its commitment to quality, responsible sourcing and sustainability.
