The best cockle in the world

The Cockle

It is no coincidence that more than 70% of cockles from Spain come from the Noia estuary and that some of the most prestigious national and international chefs feature them in their kitchens.

The Noia Cockle is recognised as the best in the world thanks to a combination of natural and human factors:

Its habitat is a privileged ecosystem, where fresh and salt waters rich in nutrients converge, creating the perfect environment for its development.
Harvesting is 100% artisanal and sustainable, carried out on foot or from boats by shellfishers of the Noia Guild.
It stands out for its unique organoleptic qualities: intense flavour, unmistakable marine aroma and a fine texture that makes it a true gourmet product.

Recognition and designation of origin:

The Noia Cockle is much more than a natural resource: it is a symbol of Galician identity and tradition.

It is only marketed under the authorisation of the Exploitation Plan of the Xunta de Galicia (Regional Government).
It is auctioned exclusively at the fish markets of Testal (Noia) and O Freixo (Outes).
It is backed by OPP-95 Noia and the Fishermen’s Guild of Noia, which ensure its traceability, certified origin and maximum food safety.

Thanks to this control system, the Noia Cockle has become a product of international prestige, appreciated in the best markets and kitchens.

Nutritional properties of cockle:

Cockles stand out as a healthy, light and low-fat food, making them an excellent option within a balanced diet.

They provide very few calories.
They contain less cholesterol than other shellfish, making them more advisable for people following controlled diets.
They are a natural source of iron, beneficial in cases of iron-deficiency anaemia or for those looking to increase their intake of essential minerals.

In addition, cockles are rich in high-quality proteins and micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium and zinc.

A MARK OF TRUST

Seal guarantees

The Berberecho de Noia seal is not just a label: it is a guarantee that tradition, sustainability and a collective commitment to excellence lie behind every cockle.

The Berberecho de Noia seal is not just a label: it is a guarantee that tradition, sustainability and a collective commitment to excellence lie behind every cockle.

Collective mark

The collective mark “Berberecho de Noia · Rías Gallegas · Pesca Artesanal” (Noia Cockle · Galician Rías · Artisanal Fishing) is a distinctive sign that identifies cockles (Cerastoderma edule) harvested in the Noia estuary by professional shellfishers working on foot and from boats, under the authorisations and concessions set out in the Exploitation Plan of the Fishermen’s Guild of Noia. Only molluscs harvested by professionals registered in this plan and marketed at the fish markets of Testal and O Freixo may bear this mark.

Guarantee of origin

The seal certifies that all cockles covered by it come exclusively from the Noia estuary, one of the most productive and nutrient-rich ecosystems on the planet. This origin is key to explaining their unique flavour and recognised quality.

Artisanal and sustainable fishing

The seal also guarantees that each cockle has been harvested using traditional and sustainable fishing gear, both for on-foot and boat-based shellfishing. These practices ensure respect for the environment and the sustainability of shellfish beds, maintaining a balance between exploitation and conservation.

Quality and authenticity

The seal guarantees that the product reaches the market at its optimum moment for consumption, with an appropriate size and after passing all traceability checks.

The Noia Guild limits the harvesting season to the period between September and March, when cockles are in their best condition and the meat is larger. In the summer months, when they are reproducing, they are never harvested. This ensures the natural regeneration of the shellfish and the growth of sizes that cannot be found elsewhere in the world.

QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Traceability

Traceability is one of the commitments of OPP-95 Noia and the Fishermen’s Guild of Noia, in order to guarantee consumers that the cockle they buy comes from the Noia estuary and meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Each pack includes a code that allows for quick verification.

The traceability system summarises and guarantees key aspects for the consumer:

Geographical origin: confirms that it is cockle harvested in the Noia estuary.
Species: guarantees that the product is Cerastoderma edule, the cockle species recognised for its quality and economic value.
Harvesting method: certifies that it has been harvested using traditional and sustainable gear, either on foot or from boats.
Authenticity: ensures that the product complies with the rules of the Exploitation Plan authorised by the Xunta de Galicia and is marketed at the official fish markets of Testal and O Freixo.