In a bid to raise the profile of Scottish seafood, producers have come together to visit this week’s Japanese Seafood Exhibition, which attracts over 1,200 exhibitors and around 35,000 visitors.
As one of the largest consumers of salmon and seafood in the world, Japan is a crucial market for seafood businesses from across the globe. Scottish producers making the trip hope that their presence will serve to showcase the quality of seafood coming Scotland, and in turn, encourage Japanese buyers to import.
Iain MacSween, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fisherman’s Organisation, and Chairman of Seafood Scotland, said, “Political issues, such as the import ban in Russia, and more recently, logistical challenges at the Channel, have a significant impact on the seafood industry. However, it is important to remember that Scotland has some of the best seafood in the world. The companies heading to Japan this week are to be applauded for proactively developing new markets despite the challenges coming their way.
“The Japanese are some of the most sophisticated consumers in the world when it comes to seafood, and the reviews when we share Scottish produce with chefs and buyers are overwhelmingly positive. So, we look forward to building upon this response to deepen the relationship over the coming months.”
The Japanese Seafood Expo is held from 19-21 August in Tokyo, and is visited by trade buyers largely from wholesalers, distributors, retail and the restaurant trade.
Exports of Scottish fish and seafood to Japan have grown significantly since ‘team Scotland’ started actively marketing produce in the region. Since 2007, exports have grown by around 180%, and Scottish companies and trade bodies are confident that this is a continuing trend.
The Scottish companies attending are:
- The Scottish Salmon Company (fresh salmon)
- Wester Ross Salmon (fresh salmon)
- Northbay Pelagic Limited (mackerel, herring)
- Burgons of Eyemouth/The Blue Sea Food Company (cooked brown crab)
- Shetland Catch Ltd (mackerel, herring)
- Lunar Freezing & Cold Storage Co Ltd (mackerel, herring)
- Denholm Seafoods Ltd (mackerel, herring)
- Hebridean Smokehouse (smoked salmon, sea trout and shellfish)
