Food Chain - Issue 197 - December 2023 | Page 140

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Beyond

THE SEA

Nisbet Oyster ’ s state-of-the-art processing plant sets the bar for seafood safety and sustainability

As a leading name in the seafood industry , Nisbet Oyster Co ., Inc . ( Nisbet ) has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality oysters . With a rich heritage spanning several decades , the company prides itself on its commitment to sustainability , innovation , and exceptional taste . Through careful selection and cultivation , Nisbet ensures that only the finest oysters make their way to market . The company ’ s oyster beds are chosen with great care , considering factors such as water quality , nutrient availability , and environmental sustainability . This dedication to responsible sourcing not only ensures the superior quality of Nisbet ’ s oysters but also reflects its pledge to protect and preserve the marine ecosystem .

Nisbet was founded in 1975 , when David and Maureene Nisbet embarked on their oyster farming journey , cultivating a modest ten-acre tideland in the picturesque Willapa Bay , southwest Washington . Upon the company ’ s inception , David and Maureene focused on selling totes of iced oysters from the back of a single pickup truck , quickly capturing the palates of seafood connoisseurs from Seattle , Washington to Portland , Oregon , and beyond . However , it was the establishment of a 400 square-foot processing plant that truly propelled Nisbet to the forefront . With the introduction of new and improved technology , the family began offering a wide range of quality farmed shell-stock oysters and shucked oysters to meet the growing demand . Today , Nisbet employs more than 80 full-time men and women on its 1900-acre farm and in its state-of-the-art processing plant , which is considered a model facility by both the FDA and the Washington State Department of Health , Shellfish Division .
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