Isle of Man

Troutlodge spent many years looking for a suitable production site in Europe. We recognize the unique needs of the European and Middle Eastern markets, and believe that a production site closer to our valued customers allows us better meet these needs.

We chose the Glen Wyllin site due to its long-standing disease-free history, established customer base, and proximity and accessibility to the market. More on this can be found in the remainder of the questions below.

The Isle of Man is located in the middle of Irish Sea, at the geographical center of the British Isles. It is accessible by ferry and air, providing for great connections to destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Isle is a self-governing Crown dependency, and enjoys treaty rights for foreign representation and protection with the United Kingdom, as well as the free movement of goods within the European Union. For more information, visit http://www.gov.im/isleofman/introduction.xml.

There are many benefits to you. Some of the more important include:

• The site is certified disease-free, providing you with the safest supply of eggs from anywhere within Europe and the Middle East.
• By being closer to you, we are able to provide quicker, more reliable deliveries at lower costs. Door-to-door delivery is even possible in some markets.
• The new site expands Troutlodge's production capacity, meaning more eggs will be available to you in the quantities you want, exactly when you want them.
• The additional facility space allows Troutlodge to expand upon its genetic selection work, and even custom-tailor strains that meet the unique needs of the intensive farming environments of Europe and the Middle East.

Yes, and the Glen Wyllin site meets the highest requirements of all countries in Europe and the Middle East.  The farm is situated in the Isle of Man zone, which is one of only two OIE-approved disease-free zones in the world.  The hatchery has been certified free of diseases since its inception in 1947.  All broodstock are tested every six (6) months by the UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. A copy of the Farm Health Statement further detailing testing results and zone and farm status is available upon request.

Pricing and terms of sale are in line with the existing Troutlodge International Price List, a copy of which is available upon request. A cost advantage for many customers will be the reduced freight costs, and in some instances, reduced clearing costs.

The 2009-2010 shipping season for the Glen Wyllin farm is anticipated to run from mid-October through mid-May. The extended season is thanks to our new, water-temperature controlled hatchery facility, construction of which was completed in June 2009.  Of course, Troutlodge will be able to supply eggs to you from the USA during other times of the year.  In addition, we are working towards having eggs available every week of the year from the Isle of Man, just like we do from the USA.

The same unparalleled guarantees that are available from the USA will be offered from the Isle of Man.

We realize that some customers have experienced unsatisfactory results with eggs from Glen Wyllin prior to the takeover by Troutlodge.  We understand your concern, but encourage you to again try eggs from Glen Wyllin.  In the years leading up to the takeover by Troutlodge, much work was done to improve the quality of the eggs, including the implementation of an extensive genetic selection program in cooperation with Stirling University of Scotland.  Troutlodge is now building upon these improvements to further increase the quality of every egg produced.  This is being done through extensive reconstruction of the facility, the continuation and improvement upon the selective breeding programs, the implementation of new management personnel, and the application of Troutlodge's extensive experience, expertise, and capital resources. 

Customer feedback regarding the eggs received in the 2008-2009 shipping season was extremely positive, with most customers commenting that these were the best eggs that they had ever received from the Isle of Man.  

Below are some of the common complaints heard regarding Glen Wyllin eggs in the past, followed by what has been done or is being done to eliminate these problems.

Eggs had soft shells - This problem was solved a number of years ago with a change in the manner in which the eyed eggs were treated.  By changing a specific disinfectant, this has become a problem of the past.

Egg counts were short - Troutlodge will introduce the same counting system as is used in the USA, and will offer the same generous overages that have become a hallmark of the Troutlodge Advantage.

Orders placed were not met - We realize the importance of receiving all of the eggs you need exactly when you need them.  By improving the quality of the entire egg production process, we will be able to provide more reliable inventories to meet the sales demand.  In addition, a tremendous advantage exists in that Troutlodge's USA production can supplement the production on the Isle of Man in order to meet the needs of every customer.  This production will be supported by our expert logistics and sales staff, including our full time European Sales Representative, in order to ensure all documentation is in place to get orders to you on time and in perfect condition.

Hatch-out rates were poor and there were a high number of blank or dead eggs in the boxes - Again, by improving the quality of the entire egg production process, we will be able to offer eggs with hatch-out rates that are unparalleled in the industry.  Also, by implementing the same proprietary processes as are used in the USA, we will be eliminate the high number of blank or dead eggs, so that you only receive the highest-quality eggs with each shipment.  We will guarantee a 90% hatch-out, though most customers will see rates in excess of 95%.