Distribution deal, new processing facility, and farm expansion mark turning point for local industry
GRAND ISLE, La. – The Grand Isle Port Commission, in partnership with Jefferson Parish, JEDCO, and Louisiana Sea Grant, is proud to announce significant milestones for Grand Isle Jewels, the regional oyster brand uniting Grand Isle’s off-bottom oyster farmers. In just five months since its April launch, Grand Isle Jewels has secured a distribution deal with Inland Foods, one of the nation’s largest specialty food distributors. Nearly 10,000 Jewels have already been served to customers, with expanded distribution coming to the Southeast and Texas.
To meet growing demand, the Grand Isle Port Commission is moving forward with construction of the first oyster processing plant on Grand Isle, funded through a cooperative endeavor agreement with Jefferson Parish and $250,000 in grants from Jefferson Parish and Louisiana Sea Grant. Construction begins October 1 and is expected to be completed within three months. The new facility will provide farmers with modern infrastructure — including a secure, central dockside location and equipment to sort, process, and ship oysters — for the first time in the island’s history.
In addition, the Port is expanding Oyster Farm Two with additional leases and acreage, supported by $25,000 in Louisiana Sea Grant funding. This expansion doubles available farm space and has already drawn interest from new farmers eager to join the Jewels brand.
“The seafood industry makes up nearly 90% of the activity at the Grand Isle Port,” said Weldon Danos, President of the Ports Association of Louisiana and Executive Director of the Grand Isle Port Commission. “After years of rebuilding from hurricanes, we are now investing in new, storm-resilient infrastructure that supports our farmers and strengthens one of Louisiana’s most vital industries. The success of Grand Isle Jewels represents not only growth for our island but also a stronger future for Louisiana seafood.”
Grand Isle Jewels has quickly become a celebrated brand across Louisiana. With marketing support from JEDCO and Louisiana Economic Development, Jewels oysters debuted on menus at this year’s Greater New Orleans OysterNight, connecting diners to the unique flavor profiles of Grand Isle’s farmed oysters. The campaign honors Grand Isle’s pirate legacy, the pioneering work of the late Jules Melancon, and the resilience of the island’s fishing community.
For more information, visit www.grandislejewels.com or follow @grandislejewels on social media.