Scientific name
Magallana gigas (syn. Crassostrea gigas)
Also known as
Pacific cupped oyster, huître creuse, rock oyster
Main origins
France, Ireland, Netherlands, United Kingdom
Main season
September to April
Overview
About Oysters
The Pacific cupped oyster is farmed in intertidal and coastal waters, typically in mesh bags on trestles, on the seabed or in ponds. It has a deep cupped shell and firm meat with a briny, mineral flavour that reflects the growing area.
France is the leading European producer, with major areas in Normandy, Brittany, Marennes Oléron, Arcachon and the Mediterranean. Oysters are traded live for raw service in restaurants and hotels, with demand peaking in the winter festive period.
Key points
- Live trade, French grading
- No.0 largest, No.5 smallest
- Fines and spéciales quality classes
- Peak demand around Christmas
Origins
Where it comes from
Normandy and Brittany
Large growing areas producing oysters with a marked iodine and mineral character.
Marennes Oléron
Oysters often finished in claires (ponds); the area holds a PGI, and Label Rouge applies to selected claire oysters.
Arcachon and Mediterranean
Arcachon Bay and the Thau lagoon supply oysters for the domestic and export trade.
Available origins vary through the year. Contact us for current availability.
Specifications
Available formats
| Product forms | Live in shell |
| Sizes | Grams per oyster: No.0 over 150; No.1 121/150; No.2 86/120; No.3 66/85; No.4 46/65; No.5 30/45 |
| Freezing | Not frozen; shipped live under chilled conditions |
| Packing | Wooden boxes or baskets (bourriches) by count or weight, labelled with grade and packing date |
| Season | Available year round; main season September to April |
| Certifications | PGI Huîtres Marennes Oléron; Label Rouge for selected claire oysters; EU classified harvesting areas |
Grades are defined by the French interprofessional standard. Live oysters for the Gulf are normally shipped by air freight. Specifications are typical for the trade and vary by origin and supplier. We source to your exact requirements.
Interested in Oysters?
Send us your specification, volumes and destination and we will come back to you with suitable offers.