7 April, 2007

A SPECIALLY designed packaging system used by Shetland mussel farmers has been nominated for a prestigious industry award.

The Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group's 1kg modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) mussels have been nominated in the fish and seafood retail product section at the sixth Scottish Food and Drink Excellence Awards.

Shetland's shellfish farmers are part of the SSMG and mussels are packaged in this way on the islands.

SSMG chairman Michael Laurenson said: "The MAP packaging delivers mussels in peak condition sealed in an atmosphere scientifically designed to exactly match that of the Shetland seashore where they were harvested.

"As our mussels are supplied in the revolutionary MAP packaging, consumers are now be able to enjoy fresh Scottish rope-grown mussels that remain fresher, moister and plumper for longer.

"The packaging is also a lot stronger, giving greater protection to the mussels themselves, as well as ensuring an additional three to four days product life."

The MAP product was introduced nationwide by SSMG last year and is only sold in UK Waitrose stores.