Scottish mackerel has been boosted by a surge in sales to Japan, with demand anticipated to grow even more.
According to figures obtained by the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association, export sales of frozen whole Scottish mackerel to Japan have soared 1,326% from 1,074 tonnes in 2020 to 15,316 tonnes in 2023, with a value of around £25m.
There has also been a significant increase in market share to around 20%, boosted by a lower import tariff for UK mackerel compared to market leader, Norway.
“We are delighted that the superb quality of Scottish caught mackerel is being recognised by discerning buyers in Japan, and as we build relationships with key customers, we anticipate that market growth will continue,” said Robert Duthie, chair of the Scottish Pelagic Processors’ Association.
Investment programmes
Scotland’s major pelagic processors are investing in a range of improvements including infrastructure modernisation, increases to processing and storage capacity, as well as a push to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.
In Peterhead, Denholm Seafoods is close to completing a major new £30m mackerel and herring processing facility and cold-store upgrade, Lunar Freezing has invested in a new protein recovery plant and processing facilities upgrade and Northbay Pelagic has also expanded its cold storage facilities.
Meanwhile, in Shetland, Pelagia Shetland is constructing a new cold store on land reclaimed by Lerwick Port Authority to increase capacity. Finally, the pelagic fleet is investing in new vessels to optimise quality and improve efficiency.
