Quinlan's Kerry Fish is a premier seafood company based in Caherciveen, County Kerry, Ireland. With deep roots in Ireland's fishing traditions and a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability, and provenance, the company has become one of the most respected names in Irish seafood. Founded and run by the Quinlan family, the business integrates fish catching, processing, wholesale, retail, and restaurant operations, ensuring complete traceability and consistency across its offerings.
Core Business and Offerings
Quinlan's Kerry Fish operates a vertically integrated seafood business that spans:
- Fish catching via its own fleet of boats
- Seafood processing at its state-of-the-art facility
- Wholesale and distribution
- Retail outlets across multiple towns in Kerry
- Quinlan's Fish Shops and Seafood Bars providing fresh seafood meals
This integration ensures unmatched control over quality, sustainability, and supply.
Product Portfolio
-
Smoked Salmon:
- Wild Irish Smoked Salmon (award-winning)
- Organic Smoked Salmon
- Superior Smoked Salmon
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Fresh Fish:
- Whiting, Mackerel, Cod, Ray Wing, Hake, Monkfish, John Dory, Brill, Turbot, Plaice, Lemon Sole, Salmon
-
Shellfish:
- Fresh Irish Crab Meat, Crab Claws, Scallops, Lobster, Prawns
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Ready-to-Eat & Prepared Items:
- Fish pies, seafood chowders, marinated fillets, battered fish
Their wild Atlantic smoked salmon is internationally renowned and regularly recognized in culinary awards and blind taste tests.
Specialization and Competitive Advantages
Quinlan’s stands out for its control of the entire supply chain, from boat to plate. Their specialization in Wild Irish Smoked Salmon, traditionally oak-smoked in Kerry using age-old family recipes, is a unique selling point.
Key differentiators:
- Sustainability-led sourcing from the pristine waters of the Atlantic
- Family-operated boats with in-house processing
- Award-winning smoked salmon
- Top-rated seafood restaurants that showcase their catch directly to consumers
Their dedication to artisanal smoking techniques and hand-filleting methods results in a premium product offering that has been widely celebrated.
Export and Shipment Insights
Although Quinlan’s is primarily focused on the Irish market, its smoked salmon products are distributed internationally via online orders and gourmet distributors.
- Key Export Markets: United Kingdom, France, Germany, United States
- Primary Exported Product: Wild Irish Smoked Salmon
- Export Format: Vacuum-sealed chilled or frozen packs, gift packs, and seasonal hampers
The brand’s online store supports global shipping, particularly popular during festive seasons.
Target Market
Quinlan’s serves a diversified customer base including:
- Premium food retailers and gourmet shops
- Hotels and restaurants seeking fresh Irish seafood
- Direct consumers via retail shops and online store
- Tourists and local patrons at their seafood bars
- Export buyers of high-end smoked salmon products
Their ability to combine hospitality and retail ensures strong brand visibility and customer engagement.
Certifications and Compliance
Quinlan's Kerry Fish adheres to strict food safety and environmental standards:
- BIM Certification (Bord Iascaigh Mhara – Irish Sea Fisheries Board)
- EU Approved Processing Facility
- Irish Organic Association Certification for organic smoked salmon
- Sustainable Fishing Practices recognized under various Irish seafood initiatives
Their operations comply with HACCP and traceability protocols critical for both domestic and export markets.
Operational Capabilities
The company operates:
- A modern seafood processing plant in Caherciveen
- A network of Quinlan’s Fish Shops in Killarney, Tralee, Killorglin, and Caherciveen
- Seafood bars offering cooked-to-order seafood dishes
- Online ordering and nationwide delivery infrastructure
- Smoked salmon production with traditional kilns
This robust infrastructure allows Quinlan’s to process thousands of kilos of seafood weekly while maintaining artisan quality.
Market Recognition and Client Feedback
Quinlan's Kerry Fish enjoys an exceptional reputation among customers and chefs alike. Some highlights:
- Wild Smoked Salmon named Best Smoked Salmon in Ireland by multiple independent blind taste panels
- Award-winning customer service and freshness in reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google for its seafood bars
- Featured in Irish Times, RTE, BBC Food, and food travel blogs for its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing
Chefs often praise the consistency and flavor of their smoked salmon, which has featured in high-end menus across Europe.
Notable Achievements
- Recognized as Ireland’s Best Seafood Retailer
- Exporting Wild Irish Smoked Salmon to 10+ countries
- Winner of multiple Great Taste Awards
- Operates Ireland’s top-rated seafood bars with high footfall from tourists and locals
- Over 60 years of fishing tradition led by the Quinlan family
Quinlan's Kerry Fish continues to set a benchmark for quality, sustainability, and tradition in Ireland’s seafood industry, exemplifying the power of family heritage and modern innovation in delivering premium Atlantic seafood to the world.