Louth company making waves in production of world’s first deep sea liquid magnesium health supplements with support from BIM

Pictured: The Oriel Sea Salt team pictured in Port Oriel, CLogherhead, Co. Louth ahead of the launch of the company’s new liquid magnesium range.

When Brian Fitzpatrick and his business partner John Delany began production of premium sea salt in Port Oriel, Clogherhead, Co. Louth, ten years ago, little did they think today they would be making waves globally in the harvesting of nutrient rich minerals crucial to good health.

What started as a sea salt harvesting business in 2013 now sees Oriel Sea Salt positioned as the only company in the world reaping magnesium, minerals and trace elements from deep sea water for use in health, well-being and skin care products.

In mid 2022, Oriel launched their magnesium-based liquid food supplements through their online store www.magnesiumstore.com. This was followed earlier this year with a launch into health food stores in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The response has been so strong that in September the range will be launched online to the USA, Canadian and Middle Eastern markets, giving consumers across the world access to an innovative product vital to good health.

The journey to becoming a global leader in liquid magnesium production came when the company discovered that mineral by-products from its sea salt production had exceptional qualities and benefits for health and nutrition.

“This led us to develop patented technology to uncover and extract the rare and powerful nutrients of deepsea water, with support from various agencies including Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). We use a unique sealed pressurised system in our harvesting, meaning all the goodness is retained.” said Brian.

To date Oriel has received a total of €168,000 in grants implemented by BIM – two amounts under the Fisheries Local Action Group and more recently two under the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Schemes. These grants have been a great support to Oriel in acquiring specialised equipment vital to seeing the business grow.

Oriel has invested in and developed technology which has now been patented in Ireland, UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. “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.

“When we started out our focus was on premium sea salt and the by-product was the magnesium and rich elements we extracted from that production. But things have turned full circle and now the sea salt is the by-product, while our core business is magnesium.”

Oriel sea salt, harvested under water using a special process, allows for a reduction of 25% sodium without impacting on flavour. It has many accreditations including four Blas na hEireann Awards, four Great Taste Awards and Organic Certification and Gold Standard Origin Green status for Sustainability. It is used by Ireland’s top chefs and many major brands including Coca Cola, Ballymaloe, East Coast Bakehouse, Waterford Blaa and O’Donnells Crisps.

Oriel is now the only company across the globe to hold Protected Designation of Origin status (PDO) from the EU Commission for its minerals and sea salt.

Said Brian: “Magnesium connects and impacts health, immunity, sleep and energy and we are providing this in a 100 per cent natural, pure, free ion, liquid form. It is used in nutrition supplementation, medical devices and many high street skincare and cosmetic brands, as well wound care.”

Blue chip clients in skincare include Neals Yard Remedies, ESPA, GOSH and Pestle & Mortar.

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 US military has also completed a study on the use of the liquid magnesium to heal burns, with very positive results. “This could be a major breakthrough in using a natural product on burns rather than a drug-based product,” said Brian.

Oriel employs eight people with an expectation to increase this number in the coming year.

“We are proud to be harvesting one of our countries greatest resources, the ocean, for its most precious nutrients using Irish patented technology in a sustainable, organic manner.”

“The support we have had over the years from BIM has been immense. Supporting Oriel is ensuring that we continue to grow our products, brand, innovation and employment from our local community.”

Brian added: “We now plan to upgrade many elements of our equipment to ensure we can maintain the quality and supply as we find new clients, and we are delighted that BIM is supporting us in the regard.”