Overseas sales of Scottish farmed salmon climbed to £37.2 million in January 2022, with 4,828 tonnes of fish sold, according to new figures published by HMRC UK. The corresponding value and volume totals for the first month of 2021 were £19.1 million and 3,221 tonnes.
For the 12 months to January 2022, Scottish salmon exports amounted to £632 million and 99,400 tonnes, which represented year-on-year increases of 49% and 42% respectively.
This growth came despite the challenges of stormy weather throughout January, industry body Salmon Scotland advised.
It highlighted that the EU accounted for 63% of the total volume of global Scottish salmon exports in the month, with France the dominant European market.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Scottish salmon being awarded the Label Rouge, the official recognition by the French authorities of the superior quality of a food or farmed product.
Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, said, “Demand for our unrivalled farm-raised Scottish salmon continues to grow, as demonstrated in the latest monthly figures.
“After such a difficult economic period during COVID, and with harsh weather conditions throughout January, this demonstrates the dedication of our farmers.
“These export sales produce a massive economic benefit for rural and coastal communities in Scotland, delivering thousands of highly-skilled, well-paid jobs.”
The farm-raised salmon sector directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland and supports more than 3,600 suppliers, with 10,000 jobs dependent on it.
