Oriel Sea Salt, a Co. Louth-based sea salt harvesting business, has launched the world's first deep sea liquid magnesium health supplement. The company extracts magnesium and minerals from deep seawater for use in health, well-being and skin care products. Oriel Sea Salt CEO and co-founder, Brian Fitzpatrick, said that the magnesium-based liquid food supplement will soon be available online across the USA, Canada and the Middle East, giving consumers access to this unique form of liquid magnesium, minerals and trace elements vital to good health.

The company started as a sea salt harvesting business in 2013 and was the brainchild of Brian Fitzpatrick and his business partner, John Delany. The journey to becoming a global leader in liquid magnesium production began when the company discovered that a by-product of its sea salt production were minerals with exceptional qualities and benefits for health and nutrition. Oriel Sea Salt has invested in and developed technology, which has now been patented in Ireland, UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The company has been supported by various agencies, including Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), in developing its patented technology and acquiring new equipment vital to seeing its business grow. A grant under the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme, implemented by BIM, has been a great support to Oriel.

Oriel is now the only company globally to harvest magnesium, minerals and trace elements in this unique free ion form directly from deep seawater. It is also the only company to hold Protected Designation of Origin status (PDO) from the EU Commission for its Minerals and Sea Salt.

Magnesium connects and impacts health, immunity, sleep, and energy, said Brian. It is used in nutrition supplementation, medical devices and many high-street skincare and cosmetic brands.

Oriel has worked with scientists at DCU over the last several years to develop this unique form of liquid magnesium, with research published in medical, science and skincare journals. The company's blue-chip clients in skincare include Neals Yard Remedies, ESPA, GOSH and Pestle & Mortar.

Oriel Sea Salt is harvested underwater using a special process. It has significantly less sodium than other salt and allows a reduction of 25% sodium without impacting on flavour. It is used by Ireland’s top chefs and has many accreditations, including four Blas na hEireann awards and four Great Taste awards. Oriel products have Organic Certification and Gold Standard Origin Green status for Sustainability and are used by many major brands, including Coca-Cola, Ballymaloe, East Coast Bakehouse, Waterford Blaa and O'Donnells Crisps.

“This is true diversification as the company evolves from being food-based (sea salt) to being a supplier of products to health, wellbeing and life science sectors. We anticipate that up to 75% of our products will be exported by the end of this year,” said Brian.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue has welcomed the European Commission’s recent publication for a three-month member state/third country opposition procedure of the application for a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for Achill Island Sea Salt.

Achill Island Sea Salt is the name given to a hand-harvested sea salt from the waters around Achill Island in Co Mayo.

Minister McConalogue said: “I am delighted that the European Commission has finalised its scrutiny of the PDO application for Achill Island Sea Salt and that the application has reached this stage of the procedure. The publication is a requirement under EU rules.”

The publication of the application represents the next phase of consultation on the application for PDO status for Achill Island Sea Sal”.

It is now open to other EU member states and third countries having a legitimate interest to make submissions on the application with the Commission, within a three-month period from the date of publication.

The minister added: “The PDO application for Achill Island Sea Salt indicates the preservation of traditional production methods, promoting heritage and supporting local economies. I commend all those who have been involved in bringing the application to this stage.”

PDO status was previously granted for Oriel Sea Salt harvested at Clogherhead in Co Louth, as reported on Afloat.ie in August 2016.

#SeaSalt - Marine Minister Michael Creed has welcomed the European Commission's approval of the addition of Oriel Sea Salt and Oriel Sea Minerals to the quality register of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO).

“This is great news for the producers of two special products from the bay of Port Oriel in Co Louth," said the minister. "Oriel Sea Salt and Oriel Sea Minerals join the list of recognised and protected EU food names with a unique link to a particular locality in terms of quality, characteristics and tradition.”

The PDO register is a geographical indication, or GI, system that recognises quality foods with traditional connections to places and regions within Europe, such as Champagne in France and feta cheese in Greece.

"The Oriel Sea Salt and Oriel Sea Minerals names will enjoy the same protection recognition as Imokilly Regato PDO, Connemara Hill Lamb PGI and the Waterford Blaa/Blaa PGI," the minister added.

Following national consultation, two further applications had been submitted to the European Commission this year: a PDO application for Sneem black pudding and a PGI application for Wexford blackcurrants.

Acknowledging what's described as a rigorous application process, Minister Creed said that his department was actively engaging with a number of producers with a view to progressing applications to national consultation stage.

“I think that there is real prospect that this engagement could result in Ireland doubling its PDO/PGI products," he said. "I really would also like to see a successful Irish application for Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) status so that Ireland would feature in each of the three food GI regimes.

"This emphasis on quality recognition is entirely consistent with national policy for the development of the food sector and builds on Ireland’s already strong international reputation as a producer of world class food."

Oriel Sea Salt is harvested from the bay of Port Oriel at Clogherhead in Co Louth. It is almost powder-like to the touch and is naturally crystal white so it does not need to be washed or rinsed.

Oriel Sea Salt is affected by the deep water currents, cleanliness, mineral content and purity of the water in this location.

Harvesting of sea salt in Port Oriel dates back centuries, when salt was a vital ingredient in preserving fish landed at the harbour for consumption, storage and subsequent transport to market.

Oriel Sea Minerals, which are concentrated sea mineral salts in liquid form, also received PDO status this week.