The oyster producer cultivates gigas oysters, which are stored in bags and placed on trestles on the seashore. As the oysters grow the producer changes bags in order to keep the bag mesh size adapted to the size of the oysters. During this process the quantity of oysters placed in the bags is reduced in order to allow sufficient space for harmonious growth. Producers frequently turn their bags, which involves a considerable amount of manual work. The turning of bags plays an essential role in obtaining properly shaped oyster; which in turn favours good meat yield.
It takes up to 3 years to obtain a market-sized oyster. Size categories can be broken down as follows:
Grade
|
Minimum Weight
|
Maximum Weight
|
| 0 |
150g |
>150g |
| 1 |
111g |
149g |
| 2 |
86g |
110g |
| 3 |
66g |
85g |
| 4 |
46g |
65g |
| 5 |
30g |
45g |
| Longues |
<29g |
29g |
Participating producers audited under the IQO scheme who supply IQO oysters must strictly comply with criteria such as quality, traceability and environmental measures. The result is an exceptional product.