Julie Qiu is one of the world’s leading oyster specialists, shaping the future of oyster education, appreciation, and industry branding. As the co-founder of Oyster Master Guild (OMG) and creator of In A Half Shell, she has pioneered the movement to codify oyster flavor, making it more accessible and engaging for consumers, chefs, and industry professionals alike. Her work has set new global standards for oyster education, making her a key figure in the industry’s evolution.
With a background in consumer and corporate branding, Julie brings a strategic, psychology-driven approach to seafood marketing—one that goes beyond surface-level promotion to address the core challenges of perception and preference development. She has developed innovative tools, including the Oyster Tasting Wheel, Oyster Merroir Map, Oyster Tasting Journal, and a signature oyster sensory skills methodology, all of which have been adopted internationally by oyster educators and enthusiasts.
Through Oyster Master Guild, Julie has built the world’s first global oyster education and certification program, trusted by hospitality professionals, chefs, seafood educators, and dedicated enthusiasts alike. With over 250 students across 19 countries, OMG is elevating oyster appreciation from a casual interest to a structured and widely respected discipline.
Beyond oysters, Julie has worked extensively in finfish aquaculture and seaweed cultivation branding and marketing, shaping industry narratives around sustainable seafood. As Marketing Director for Australis Aquaculture, she was instrumental in building The Better Fish® into one of the most recognized and influential sustainable seafood brands in North America, successfully converting aquaculture skeptics into supporters.
Julie’s influence extends across digital media, public speaking, and industry consulting. She is a sought-after expert, frequently featured in Vogue, The New York Times, Food & Wine, USA Today, NPR, and SommTV, among others. She has spoken and led workshops at major seafood and shellfish conferences, including Seafood Expo North America, the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, the Alaskan Shellfish Growers Association, and BIM (Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Ireland’s seafood development agency). She has also served as an advisor to government departments, oyster associations, and seafood companies, shaping go-to-market strategies, branding, and consumer engagement efforts.
Through all her work, Julie is shaping the next era of oyster appreciation—cultivating a global network of specialists, educators, and passionate consumers who will carry the industry forward.