CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Nora (Josie) Harty; Mary Ellen Daly; Christina Casey and Rita Johnson I PICTURES: Brendan Gleeson
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05 Mar 2026
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05 Mar 2026
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From left to right: Paul Ward, BIM; Sheila Garvin, The Garvin Seafoods Company; Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD; Hugh O’Malley, Achill Oysters.
Mayo-based companies Achill Oysters and The Garvin Seafood Company, were among leading businesses from across Ireland to take part in a new innovation programme aimed at accelerating growth in the seafood sector.
The initiative, run by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and supported by the Government of Ireland and the EU through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, is designed to equip companies with the tools and skills to place innovation at the heart of their business models.
The programme kicked off in Dublin this week, with participating companies from six counties attending. Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, opened the event, reminding businesses that innovation is no longer optional.
“Changing consumer preferences, retail dynamics and sustainability expectations are reshaping market opportunities,” Minister Dooley said. “In today’s marketplace, innovation is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential for survival and differentiation. Your presence here today demonstrates a clear commitment to innovation.”
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The Irish seafood industry faces mounting challenges, including volatile trading conditions, rising costs, inflation, and limited supply, leaving companies with little room for price-led growth.
Richard Donnelly, Interim CEO at BIM, said the programme aims to shift mindsets and help companies embed structured innovation into their operations. “The only way seafood businesses can help defend their margins and unlock new revenue streams is by putting structured innovation frameworks in place. Only by doing this can sustained growth take place,” he said.
Other companies selected for this year’s programme include Keohane Seafoods, Atlanfish, Bantry Bay Premium Seafoods, Oceanpath, Atlantis Seafoods, along with Achill Oysters and The Garvin Seafood Company.
The programme will guide participants in developing new products, exploring market opportunities, and responding to evolving consumer trends while ensuring sustainability remains central to the sector’s growth.
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