Our Story

From Our Family to Yours

Our family’s oyster-farming story began in Marennes-Oléron, one of France’s best known oyster producing regions. For seven generations, our family worked with oysters, learning to understand the tides, seasons and changing conditions that influence their growth and quality.

From 2007 to 2019, we farmed Pacific oysters in Ireland’s Atlantic waters. Working in a different climate and environment gave us valuable experience and introduced us to new farming methods, while allowing us to continue the knowledge and traditions passed down through our family.

In 2019, we moved to Nambucca Heads and established The Nambucca Oyster Company on the Nambucca River. Since then, we have focused on farming premium Sydney Rock Oysters, a native Australian oyster known for its rich flavour, creamy texture and distinctive character.

The Nambucca River is a special place to farm oysters. Its combination of ocean tides, freshwater flows and natural nutrients creates the conditions that shape the flavour and quality of our oysters. We work closely with the river every day, carefully growing, grading and handling each oyster throughout its journey.

Today, we bring together our French oyster farming heritage, the experience we gained in Ireland and the knowledge we have developed on the Nambucca River since 2019. Our farm is built around family, hard work and respect for the environment. Every oyster we produce reflects the waters it comes from and the care we put into growing it.

The Tessier Family timeline.

An aged black-and-white photograph showing a group of people standing in front of a wooden shed or barn with open doors.
1875

Oyster cultivation begins within the Tessier family, with generations of passion, tradition, and knowledge passed down to the family’s current oyster farmer, Nicolas Tessier.
A vintage, warm-toned photograph showing a man in a beige sweater standing in a kitchen next to a sink, with a woman seated in the background. The photo has a white border and an aged, scanned-paper appearance.
1989

Nicolas begins preparing to carry the family’s oyster farming legacy forward, mastering the skills and knowledge passed down by his father and grandfather.
A wide outdoor scene showing a tractor and workers operating machinery on a flat, pale ground in front of a large grassy hill under an overcast sky.
2007

Evolving industry standards lead the Tessier family to seek new opportunities in Clew Bay, Ireland, where they establish Sofi Shellfish Ltd. There, Nicolas and Delphine further refine their expertise while supplying the growing demand for premium oysters.
Four people standing on a wooden dock outdoors by the water, wearing matching black polo shirts and dark clothing, all holding freshly opened oysters
2019

Seeking new ways to farm oysters and expand their knowledge, Nicolas and Delphine, together with their sons Antoine and Paul, make the journey across the world to establish NOC — the Nambucca Oyster Company. Working with a new oyster species in a subtropical climate presents the perfect new challenge for the Tessier family.
A woman in a black t-shirt with a NOC graphic logo reaches into a glass-door storage cabinet filled with cardboard boxes on wire shelves.
2022

As demand for NOC oysters continues to grow, the family makes the decision to build a new processing facility. This expansion allows the company to supply restaurants and hospitality venues with freshly opened and frozen oysters.
A black mobile food truck with a white canopy is parked on grass outdoors under a blue sky. A man in a black shirt and shorts stands beside the open serving window holding the canopy up, while another person is visible inside the truck.
2023

The next generation joins the family operation, learning every aspect of oyster farming while carrying the Tessier family legacy forward. Antoine and Paul begin expanding the company into new markets, taking on new challenges such as serving fresh oysters at local markets
A mobile oyster food truck with an awning is parked outdoors on grass next to an orange tree. A man wearing a black polo shirt and cap serves food from the truck to a woman in a white long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans.
2024

Following the growing success of the local markets, Antoine and Paul expand into catering for weddings and private functions across the Mid North Coast with their dedicated oyster trailer.

Farmed fresh in Nambucca NSW.