Quinlan’s Fish hook €12 million deal

Quinlan’s Fish, the highly acclaimed Cahersiveen based salmon smokery have announced a €12 million deal in collaboration with John Stone Beef to supply their Kenmare-Select Smoked Salmon range to its customers throughout Europe, America, Middle East, and Asian markets.

The deal, worth €12 million over 4 years, will see Quinlan’s Multi-Award-Winning Smoked Salmon products being listed in some of the world’s most luxurious restaurants and hotels along with the finest of Irish Beef which John Stone already supplies to customers throughout the world. The announcement was made at The European Seafood Fair in Barcelona last week. Both companies had also held a masterclass and taste profiling in conjunction with Bord Bia in London`s Butchers Hall with over 40 of the UK`s best known and highly regarded chefs.

As John Stone says themselves “John Stone Beef is an artisan producer, but we have a global reach. All our produce is sourced in Ireland and dry aged and butchered in our Longford factory but tonight – in Tokyo, Hanoi, Dusseldorf, Manila, Dubai, and Singapore – they're eating John Stone Beef”.

Commenting on the deal Liam Quinlan said, "In our 60th anniversary year this will hugely add to our portfolio of highend discerning clients that only want the best produce on their tables”. Liam added that “this deal would not be possible without the dedication of our tremendous team in Cahersiveen and especially our Master Smoker Sean Jones who has worked tirelessly to not only maintain, but constantly improve the high standards of our Unique Kenmare-Select range of Smoked Salmon."

As the values of Quinlan’s Fish and John Stone Beef are very closely aligned, both companies feel that collaborating will be of mutual benefit and will increase the visibility to a worldwide audience of the two Irish Family Businesses. The deal will also result in excellent advancement opportunities in South Kerry in a company that currently employs more than 150 people creating additional positions in areas such as production, engineering, administration, and quality control. We hope that this along with the long-awaited South Kerry Greenway may encourage working professionals and families to move to the area.

Tim Stone added: “We have been searching for the right partner for some time and The Quinlan Family are synonymous with the highest quality Smoked Salmon with a rich history going back to 1963, so it was the right fit for our business”. He added “Our businesses are very similar in that only the very best will do, and we have seen that the whole team in Cahersiveen are meticulous in the way they produce their Smoked Salmon. This will raise the bar on how small Irish companies can come together to have a global reach”.

Unlike his fellow fundraisers, however, he will not be wearing shoes or socks during his challenge.

Instead, he will walk 10,000 steps of the route barefoot over the course of the three-day challenge, which takes place from May 19-21.

“Epidermolysis Bullosa is a terrible disease which has a profound effect, not only on those diagnosed, but on their families and carers as well,” said Mr Fearon.

“People with EB live with constant pain as a result of blisters. There is no cure at present and in many cases, people cannot walk because of sores on their feet.” Mr Fearon, from Dundrum, Dublin, said that by walking barefoot in Kerry, he hopes to raise awareness of the disease. “It is hard to imagine what it must be like to live in constant pain,” he added. “By not wearing any shoes or socks during the Kerry challenge, I hope to walk in the footsteps of people living with the disease.”

The money raised will help DEBRA Ireland provide families living with EB with antibacterial silk socks, therapeutic cot sheets and pillowcases, in addition to books and feeling cards to help children with the condition process their emotions.

The charity also funds counselling sessions for adults with EB, play therapy for children, home visits, home adaptations and specialised EB training for nurses and medical staff.

Public donations also help DEBRA Ireland sponsor scientists who are carrying out vital research into finding a cure for the genetic disease.

Although no more space is left for participants on this year’s Kerry challenge, donations can still be made online. “DEBRA Ireland relies heavily on the public’s support to fund projects that not only alleviate the strain and suffering people with EB and their carers endure on a day-to-day basis, but also to help find a cure for the disease,” Mr Fearon said.

Please donate to Jimmy Fearon’s Kerry Challenge on: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/JimmyFearon150.