According to the latest figures revealed by HM Revenue & Customs, exports of salmon to the Far East have risen significantly.
The figures revealed that sales of Scottish salmon have shot up, with the biggest increase between 2010 and 2011, but the Far East’s increasing use of salmon for sushi and similar products, sales are still rising. Exports in the first 10 months of 2012 rose to 8,675 tonnes, meaning it's worth £37m to the Scottish fish farming industry, compared to £28m for the same period in 2011.
Scott Landsburgh, chief executive, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, believes there are still substantial opportunities in the Far East for the salmon industry.
He said: "Sales have increased more than twelve-fold in three years and our market share still only represents less than 1% of the total current opportunity in the Far East. With rapid growth among middle classes looking for premium and healthy products, there remains plenty of scope for further market expansion."
As Scotland’s largest food export, salmon is exported to 64 countries. Last month saw the largest ever Scottish food and drink trade mission to Japan and China, during which an agreement was signed by the World Association of Chefs Societies to promote Scottish salmon and langoustines to its 10 million member chefs in 93 countries.
Following an agreement to permit direct seafood exports to the country, China has become the largest Far East market for Scottish salmon.
