Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Seafood Development Agency has announced Gerard Collier of Fisherman’s Catch, Clogherhead, Co. Louth as the overall winner of the BIM Young Fishmonger 2015 competition.
This is the second year of the awards, which shortlists five finalists that demonstrate exceptional expertise in technical skills, product knowledge and customer service.
Donal Buckley, BIM’s Business Development & Innovation Director said; “All of our finalists were exceptional throughout every stage of the competition and they should be very proud of their achievements. Congratulations to our worthy winner, Gerard Collier, and his colleagues at Fisherman’s Catch, I hope this experience and the competition prize fund allows you to further develop what is a very successful family business.”
The competition involved three different stages of scoring, including two unannounced visits to their shops to assess product knowledge and customer service and a practical test under time constraints. Finalists were also required to discuss their plans, opportunities and challenges for their business.
Collier wins a study trip to France, a cheque for €1,000, and along with the other finalists, a free placement on BIM’s retail development workshops, a set of professional knives and a specially designed trophy. All finalists have already experienced a masterclass in seafood cookery with Martin Shanahan, pictured above with Collier.
The awards were held at the Radisson St. Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
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