Shines Seafood is a family-run enterprise rooted in Killybegs, which specialises in the sale of exclusively Irish tuna, Irish sardines, and mackerel to both the retail and food service sectors. The company is driven by the primary goal of making the highest quality Irish seafood more accessible and affordable on a global scale. With a collective experience of 50 years in the fishing industry, the Shines Seafood team is deeply committed to ensuring the overall sustainability of the sector. 

The business started in 2015 with only one product, Wild Irish Albacore Tuna, “Ireland’s best kept secret.” Today, Shines Seafood distributes its full range of over 20  products to over 1,000 stores nationwide and in the UK.

Ciara Shine-Carlier, Director of Shines Seafood, says the team has worked closely with the Local Enterprise Office in Donegal for many years: 

“Thanks to our Local Enterprise Office, Shines Seafood has received amazing support to grow our business. We've taken advantage of the various services they offer, including the Trading Online Voucher, which helped us boost our online presence and reach more customers. We've also participated in the Lean for Business and Digital for Business programmes, showing our dedication to being more efficient and looking at how the business can improve both digital processes and online strategy. In addition to this, we've actively used their mentoring programme to continuously improve and expand our business.”

Adding to this, Head of Enterprise Donegal, Brenda Hegarty said:

“Small businesses like Shines Seafood are the heart of our economy, driving local growth and success. The Shine family’s passion for the sea and the delicious seafood off the Donegal coast inspired them to bring Irish Albacore tuna to the market, creating a thriving business. It's fantastic to see such success in our county. Our team is always here to support Shines Seafood and any other Donegal business as they grow. If a business has any queries on the supports that are available, they should contact our office so we can determine what supports they are eligible for.”

For more on Shines Seafood, see https://shinesseafood.ie/ and watch the video below with Ciara to find out more. 

If you have an idea to start or grow your business within Donegal, get in touch to find out how the Local Enterprise Office can help. Email info@leo.donegalcoco.ie or call (074) 916 0735.