From its creation in 2005, LoTide Fine Foods has undertaken to produce quality and innovative sea vegetable products. LoTide Fine Foods aim to set the standard and continually raise the bar in the production of sea vegetables. From our first harvesting of Atlantic sea vegetables, we have strived to create for our customers, new and exciting ways of enjoying all the benefits of a wonderful natural resource. Lotide Fine Foods’ products are served in fine dining restaurants nationwide. They are available through retail and selected gourmet outlets throughout Ireland, the UK and parts of mainland Europe. Click here to view a list of stockists. The Story of LoTide The Moran family have been involved with the sea, seaweeds and shellfish for four generations since the 1880’s. In the early 1970’s Seamus’s father pioneered the processing of sea vegetables for the retail trade. Following in the family tradition, Seamus always aspired to start his own business based around the natural resources of Clew Bay. When the family moved back to Westport In 2002, Carmel and Seamus decided the time was right. While working as a chef Seamus had consistently used seaweeds such as carrageen moss and dillisk. He had discovered that people like the taste, provided it is presented correctly. Seamus also knew that Clew Bay was the perfect place to develop a seaweed and sea vegetable industry. The glacial history of the bay is reflected in the residual seabed and produces plentiful, high quality seaweed. The ideal renewable source. Carmel and Seamus strongly believed that there was a niche market for high quality, natural food products which provide a healthy alternative to over processed and un-inspiring fare and are good value for money. This is supported by the trend of reverting to natural foods - people are seeking foods that provide sound nutritional value and also quality health benefits. Seaweed fits the bill perfectly, it helps detox the body, is very easily absorbed by the body and is totally natural. Carmel and Seamus spent the next three years researching and developing their business plan. There is a long history of seaweed harvesting around Clew Bay but much local knowledge was in danger of being lost as processed foods became available. Seamus managed to save much of this by thorough research. His knowledge and traditional recipes have become the basis of LoTide Foods. The Future The story of LoTide, as a small, family-run business is more than just about providing a range of sea vegetables. We believe the way forward was to develop a range of products that are instantly recognisable, of high quality and convenience, and taste fantastic! hence, we introduced Seaweed Sausages, launched in March 2007 at a Bórd Bia Food Fair in London. A range of Seaweed Sausages is now available: • LoTide Seaweed Sausages • LoTide Seaweed Sausages with Garlic • LoTide Seaweed Sausages with Cracked Black Pepper Reaction to the sausages has been fantastic. Customers just can't get enough of them! We have also introduced LoTide Seaweed Mix for Breads. This is a mix of sea vegetables that add flavour, colour, texture and nutrition to bread. It improves the flour and acts as a natural seasoning and enhancer. LoTide Fine Foods Moyna, Kilmeena, Westport, Co Mayo Telephone/Fax: +353 98 42616. Mobile: +353 87 6347470 Email: info@lo-tide.com