Sales of Scottish oysters are forecast to soar in this year’s run up to Valentine’s Day as the shellfish again make a prominent appearance on menus all over the United Kingdom.
Last year, the number of oysters sold by the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group (SSMG) experienced a more than fourfold increase during the run-up to Valentine’s Day.
“In a normal week we sell around 35,000 oysters to our multiple retail and other customers, but last year this soared to 160,000 oysters in Valentine’s week,” said Stephen Cameron, managing director of SSMG.
“Oysters are not only delicious but they are low in calories, around 65 calories for six oysters, and are loaded with a host of vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper and zinc, the latter being credited with increasing the libido, possibly why Casanova was reputed to eat 50 for breakfast every day!”
The group also predicted sales of Scottish rope-grown mussels would increase during Valentine’s week as consumers look for “something a little more indulgent and special” when eating out or at home.
SSMG is a co-operative of mussel and oyster farmers located on the west coast of Scotland and Shetland. The business supplies the retail and foodservice sectors with live and value-added shellfish products through its processing facility in central Scotland.
