LOCH Fyne Oysters has unveiled a major expansion of its supply deal with Waitrose, with the Argyll-based company’s Bradan Orach smoked salmon now available at 126 of the supermarket chain’s stores.

Cairndow-based Loch Fyne Oysters struck a supply deal with Waitrose in December 2018, for mussels and oysters in 60 stores. A spokeswoman noted the number of Waitrose stores supplied with oysters and mussels had increased steadily since then.

She described the supply deal with Waitrose as “exclusive”, noting that it Loch Fyne Oysters’ produce was not stocked in any other UK supermarket.

READ MORE: Ian McConnell: Toys out of the pram mood on Brexit looks most inauspicious ahead of UK-EU talks

Cameron Brown, managing director at Loch Fyne Oysters, highlighted potential for future job-creation in rural Argyll on the back of the deal to supply Waitrose with hand-sliced smoked salmon. This salmon is produced in small batches, dry-cured with salt only, and smoked for longer than usual in kilns fired by shavings from retired Scotch whisky casks.

Mr Brown said: “The fact Bradan Orach smoked salmon is now available in Waitrose stores across the country is incredibly exciting for us. We’re very proud to expand upon our existing partnership with Waitrose, which follows strong sales results since introducing our seafood to the retailer in 2018.

“The craft of preparing and hand-slicing this exquisite cut of fish is a real learned skill, which offers future job creation and training opportunities at our rural base in Argyll.”

READ MORE: Ian McConnell: Distillery lifts spirit of fragile Isle of Harris community

Mr Brown also flagged progress in export markets.

He said: “We are particularly excited about the new business opportunities we are accessing in export markets with our artisanal products, notably the USA.”

Loch Fyne Oysters, which employs around 120 people, supplies premium hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, and luxury retailers including Selfridges. It noted its produce was also served at Formula One events and Champions League finals.