Mussels

Mussels are the most important shellfish product from the Netherlands. On average, 50 million kilos of mussels are produced in Dutch waters. Important Dutch production areas for mussel are the Waddensea (60 percent) and the Oosterschelde (40%). The mussel fishery is recognized by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as a sustainable fishery. To be able to meet the demand for Dutch mussels, The Netherlands imports mussels from Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Denmark. These are rinsed with Oosterschelde water and processed and packaged in Zeeland.

Although the mussel is an important national product, our mussel consumption is low. Dutch people eat them on average less than 3 times a year. With the ‘TOP Mussels’ project, the PO Mussel Culture wants to make mussels more known (more top of mind) among the target group 25-35-year-old and make the mussels more attractive by emphasizing the positive aspects of the mussel. Good Fish Foundations’ role in this project is to sharpen the sustainability message and strategy. Good Fish Foundation is also committed to giving mussels more visibility through its channels in the retail and hospitality channels.

The “TOP Mussels” project is generated by the European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.