Scottish salmon exports have recovered to near-record figures in 2021
Figures from the UK Government show that farm-raised salmon has cemented its place as the UK’s biggest food export with sales achieving £614 million, up 36% on 2020.
“These incredibly encouraging figures demonstrate the global demand for our unrivalled farm-raised Scottish salmon and the resilience of our industry,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland.
“For exports to recover to near record-levels after such a difficult economic period during the pandemic is testament to the hard work and dedication of farmers to sustainable growth in the face of increased costs.”
In demand
The figures are only marginally below the £618 million recorded in 2019.
Mr Scott praised the sector for maintaining production during the run-up to the festive period through extensive work by a committed workforce as labour supply remained tight within the processing sector.
But he also threw caution to the wind and warned that the sector’s future must be safeguarded.
“We must also be aware that our Scandinavian counterparts are growing faster and selling more salmon, so it is imperative that government enables a regulatory framework that is both transparent and efficient to ensure that Scottish salmon retains its place as the key flag-bearer for quality exports from Scotland,” he said.
The Scottish salmon industry directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland and supports more than 3,600 suppliers, with 10,000 jobs dependent on the sector.
Exports were shipped to 52 different markets last year, with growth across 10 of the top 20 markets.
France led the recovery (up £119 million to £304 million), followed by the USA as the second main market (up £47 million to £152 million) and China (up £31 million to £45 million).
The EU accounted for 61% of the volume of global Scottish salmon exports.
The Scottish Government has said it is committed to supporting businesses in the aquaculture sector, as well as safeguarding the marine environment as part of Scotland’s green recovery and transition to net zero.
