Lowcountry Oyster Company, headquartered near Charleston, South Carolina, is a leading boutique oyster farming business known for cultivating premium, farm-raised oysters in the nutrient-rich estuarine waters of the ACE Basin. Founded on principles of sustainability, traceability, and quality, the company has grown to become a well-respected name among chefs, seafood distributors, and culinary enthusiasts across the Southeastern United States.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Lowcountry Oyster Company’s primary product is the Lowcountry Cup, a meticulously farmed oyster characterized by:
- Deep cups with consistent shell size
- Clean, briny flavor with a buttery finish
- Firm texture and bright salinity from the ACE Basin’s unique tidal flow
In addition to its signature oysters, the company also offers:
- Fresh Mussels sourced through regional aquaculture partners
- Branded Oyster Farming Gear for hobbyists and small-scale growers
- Apparel and Merchandise under the Lowco Oysters label
Their oysters are sold to high-end restaurants, seafood markets, and directly to consumers via their online store, offering both fresh deliveries and local pickup options.
Aquaculture and Sustainability Practices
Lowcountry Oyster Company uses off-bottom cage farming techniques in the pristine waters of South Carolina’s ACE Basin—a federally protected estuarine reserve. Their farming practices are built on:
- Rotational site usage to protect benthic habitats
- Manual tumbling and sorting to ensure uniform shell growth
- Zero input farming (no feed or antibiotics)
- Environmental stewardship through water quality monitoring and habitat protection
Each oyster is traceable to its growing location, and the company emphasizes a strong connection between farm, community, and consumer.
Market Reach and Distribution
Although a boutique operation in scale, Lowcountry Oyster Company has built a loyal customer base including:
- Top-tier restaurants and oyster bars throughout the Southeast and East Coast
- Wholesale partnerships with regional seafood distributors
- E-commerce DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) nationwide shipping via their website
- Participation in farmers’ markets and regional seafood festivals
The company has grown its volume and brand visibility year-over-year through online sales and social media-driven marketing strategies.
Environmental and Community Engagement
As stewards of the coastal ecosystem, Lowcountry Oyster Company plays a proactive role in:
- Oyster shell recycling programs to rebuild oyster reefs
- Educational farm tours and aquaculture workshops for schools and culinary professionals
- Partnering with SC Department of Natural Resources for restoration initiatives
- Promoting sustainable seafood awareness through community events
Their work supports the local economy and enhances the ecological function of South Carolina’s tidal waters, where oysters help filter water and provide habitat for marine life.
Certifications and Regulatory Compliance
Lowcountry Oyster Company is compliant with:
- FDA and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulations for shellfish safety
- National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) standards
- Participation in South Carolina Shellfish Growers Association
These standards ensure that every oyster harvested is safe, traceable, and sustainably grown.
Customer Testimonials
“Lowcountry Cups are everything you want in a Southern oyster—briny, buttery, and beautifully clean. They’re a favorite on our raw bar menu year-round.”
— Executive Chef, Charleston, SC
“Their team is passionate, professional, and consistent. Working with Lowco is like working with family.”
— Regional Seafood Distributor, Georgia
Achievements
- Featured in Garden & Gun, Southern Living, and Charleston Magazine for their sustainability model and product excellence
- Delivered over 150,000 oysters annually to clients across 10+ states
- Recognized for leadership in ACE Basin environmental preservation efforts
- Expanded online store and nationwide shipping program in response to pandemic-related market shifts
- Built a strong social media community with over 15,000 followers across Instagram and Facebook
Lowcountry Oyster Company exemplifies the new wave of artisan aquaculture—combining small-scale precision farming with environmental consciousness and a commitment to quality. Through their locally grown oysters and regional partnerships, the company continues to elevate the South Carolina seafood legacy on the national stage.