At GB£944m, Scottish seafood international exports rose by 23% last year and a contingent of seafood companies headed for the Japan Seafood Expo 2018 aims to continue the trend.
The group includes, for the first time, some of the biggest companies in the sector – making this year’s delegation the largest yet in terms of the proportion of Scotland’s catch represented.
Natalie Bell, trade marketing manager for Europe, Middle East and Asia at Seafood Scotland, commented: “Japan is a strategically important market for the seafood industry. Its famously strong fish-eating culture and a market that demands increasing levels of quality, traceability and sustainability, makes Japan an ideal match for Scottish seafood is the ideal match for the market.
“Moreover, where Japan leads the rest of Asia generally follows. As the cultural and foodie trend-setter for the region, buy-in from Japan is crucial for Scottish fishermen and producers.”
Education paying off
The Japan export support programme delivered by Seafood Scotland and Scottish Development International has made a significant difference by educating trade buyers and maximising opportunities for new species through trade engagement activities. Alongside the programme, fish and seafood exports to Japan from Scotland have increased by 24% in the last two years.
During the show on 22-24 August, the Scottish contingent will showcase a wide range of Scottish species and techniques, such as Scottish smoked and fresh salmon, haddock, sea trout, mackerel, herring, crab and langoustine.
Companies attending the expo will include Hebridean Smokehouse; Denholm Seafoods; Marine Harvest; Lunar; Scottish Salmon Company; Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation; The Crab Company Scotland; Dawnfresh; and Northbay Pelagic.
