Scottish salmon has once again been named the UK’s top food export as sales grow 0.5% in 2023 to £581 million.
Salmon exports are far higher than the UK’s second most popular export, cheddar cheese. France leads the overseas demand, with sharp growth in the US and Asian markets.
At home, salmon is also by far the most popular fish among shoppers, with sales running at around £1.25 billion a year.
“The demand for nutritious, low carbon Scottish salmon continues to grow at home and abroad,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body, Salmon Scotland.
“The Scottish salmon sector is a bright spot in the Scottish and UK economies, and is ready to invest and create jobs.”
But despite the recent boom, the sector faces challenges wrought by Brexit and economic gloom.
Export values rose in 2023, yet volumes were down 11% compared to the previous year and increased red tape following the UK’s exit from the EU continues to pile on costs and delays for Scottish farmers.
Other challenges are the UK’s technical recession and ‘cumbersome’ regulation, says Salmon Scotland.
Ahead of this year’s general election, the trade body is urging all political parties to do more to support the country’s most important food sector, setting out a series of manifesto asks and warning that the iconic product is under threat from increased production in other countries.
“Other nations are desperate to emulate our success, and it is vital that our sector - which employs 12,500 people and sustains our remotest communities – is supported so that we can deliver sustainable growth for decades to come,” said Scott.
