Scotland’s salmon sector has unveiled new European growth plans for its premium Label Rouge salmon, aimed at boosting the rural economy and further enhancing Scotland’s international reputation for food and drink.
Label Rouge Scottish salmon carries a quality mark that recognises it as the best in the world, becoming the first non-French product to be awarded the accolade 30 years ago. It currently accounts for 12% of Scottish salmon exports, but a vision to increase this to 15% by 2026 was announced at Seafood Expo Global 2023, held in Barcelona.
While France has long been the main destination for Label Rouge Scottish salmon, the new approach aims to tap into countries such as Germany, Spain and Italy where the quality mark is increasingly being recognised.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of industry body Salmon Scotland, said, “Scottish salmon is an extraordinary global success story that we can all be immensely proud of, with farmers in the Highlands and islands growing the UK’s largest and most valuable food export. Label Rouge Scottish salmon is a key foundation of that success – championing the quality and taste of the very best salmon available.
“Over the next three years, we want to increase the share of Label Rouge-certified fish to over 15%, making it the real jewel in our exporting crown. Label Rouge is not just a brand for our farmers – its higher value means higher revenues which support the Scottish economy, fund public services, help rural communities thrive and create jobs,” Scott said.
Overall, Scotland exported more than 72,000 tonnes of farmed salmon worth £578 million to international markets last year. France led the global demand, accounting for 53% of exports, but sales were recorded to a total of 54 countries.
In 2022, 8,900 tonnes of Label Rouge quality salmon was produced and exported.
Farmers must meet strict quality control standards set by the French authorities to be certified by the Label Rouge assurance scheme, providing their fish with a natural protein-heavy diet that helps further enhance taste and texture.
Su Cox, chair of Scottish Quality Salmon, which promotes Label Rouge Scottish Salmon, explained that through engagement campaigns, the standard has been developed into an internationally-recognised quality brand.
“Interest and appreciation for the quality associated with our salmon has grown significantly across European markets such as Germany, Spain and Italy, as well as across Asia and North America. We believe we can now extend our Label Rouge exports to reach new highs over the coming years,” she said.
UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said the expansion of Label Rouge into new markets was further good news for the Scottish aquaculture sector, and of huge importance for many coastal communities who rely on the jobs that salmon supports.
“Salmon exports are already a great British success story and spreading the word will, I am confident, bring further expansion,” he said.
