An Overview of the Company
From the province’s earliest days, the fishery has played an important
role in the life and work of Nova Scotians. Four centuries ago,
European fishermen came to the province to catch, salt, and dry cod to
feed the largely Catholic population which could not eat meat on 144
feast days each year.
As the province was settled, the availability of fish off its waters has always been a strong economic generator. Historically, Nova Scotians ate fresh fish in the summer and salt fish in the winter and even today, exporting salt fish to traditional markets like the Caribbean is carried out. The Quinlan family, of Shelburne County, have supplied the salt fish market for many years.
“I’ve been involved in the salt fish business all my life,” Dean
Quinlan, of A & D Seafood Ltd., says. “I started, as
a kid, with my father, working in his plant. Then I ran a plant
in the United States for three years before I started my own plant in
Shag Harbour to process salt fish.”
Quinlan says there has been a shift in the market over the last number of years, with North Americans not eating as much fish, choosing instead more meats and processed foods. He also believes that there are misperceptions abounding around salt fish products.
“Once you de-salt the products, there’s only about 0.5 per cent salt remaining,” he says. “But, the salting process preserves the Omega 3s in the fish so you’re still receiving that benefit.”
Quinlan says his father, Leroy, became interested in branching out and
developing a line of Omega 3 products about a decade ago and he jumped
on board five years later. Today, the family’s fish plants
employ 18 and another four employees are working to develop the Omega
Gold line of essential fatty acids for markets in Canada and beyond.
“I strongly believe in Omega 3s,” he says. “They’re not drugs but they are something that the body requires in order to function. People need it daily and they need to use the product daily. As an American expert says, Omega 3s will be a 'wonder drug’ for the 21 st century.”
The Principals - Omega Gold has a fishing heritage
Using family wisdom, a fishing heritage and modern technology to help a life , Naturally from the Sea
Creating golden opportunities to improve health, Naturally from the Sea with premium grade fish oil
A third generation Quinlan helping people live better Naturally from the Sea