HISTORY
Irish gigas oyster farming is relatively recent compared to the long tradition of flat oyster fishing which dates back to the 13th century.
The first Irish oyster farming pioneers started in the 70’S. Backed by governmental support to ensure employment in remote Irish communities around the coast. The Irish oyster industry gained momentum in the 90s and reached approximately 6,000 tons of annual production. In the year 2000, faced by increasing production cost, Irish producers concentrated their effort towards quality in order to secure the future of the sector. 

EMPLOYMENT
163 Irish oyster farms employ 270 people full time, when taking in account the part time employment, the total number of employees reached 469. This employment is vital in rural areas where jobs are scarce and provides an essential source of income to many people. The majority of farms are small scale, family run businesses many of which may have been passed down in the family from generation to generation.

 EXPORTS     
Due to the small size of the Irish market, the majority of Irish oysters are destined to be exported. France is a privileged partner for Irish producers as links between these two countries are strong and the quality of the Irish oyster is highly recognised by the French. Relations between Irish and French producers have strengthened over the years through mutual exchange of information and the friendships made. The bulk of the French sales go to French oyster producers or packers. Packed Irish oysters are also exported to other European markets such as the UK, Belgium, Germany and more distant markets such as the Ukraine, China and Japan.