Scottish salmon export sales increased by 41% in the first-half of 2024, driven by substantial growth in the Asian and American markets.
New figures confirm that salmon from Scotland, the UK’s largest food export, generated GBP 431 million in value between January and June.
The figures have been welcomed by the UK government, with Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander praising the sector’s contribution to the economy.
“These figures are hugely encouraging and show strong demand for our high-quality salmon in Asia and America – some of the most exciting markets in the world. It’s a credit to those in the salmon industry across Scotland who work so hard to create such a revered product,” Alexander said.
“Economic growth is at the heart of everything this UK government does, which is why we are working hard to open up new markets for Scottish goods and services.”
While significant increases by value were seen in the US (18% to GBP 91 million), China (26% to GBP 42 million), Taiwan (41% to GBP 12 million) and Singapore (57% to GBP 4 million), the top international destination for Scottish salmon continued to be France, with sales close to doubling to GBP 261 million due to a continued post-pandemic recovery in demand and tight supplies during the same period last year.
Trade body Salmon Scotland said that if current growth continues, 2024 could set a record for international sales.
Within the EU, Poland, Ireland and the Netherlands are significant markets for Scottish salmon and although sales to these hubs and further processing markets dipped in the first-half of the year, the decline was more than offset by increased global demand.
Overall, EU export sales rose by 57% to GBP 272 million, while non-EU sales surged by 21% to GBP 159 million.
Consequently, for the 12 months to June, fresh, whole Scottish salmon export sales reached GBP 706 million, up 17% year-on-year. Potentially, they could surpass the calendar record figure of GBP 617 million set in 2019.
The volume of fish transported also increased by 12%, indicating higher harvest volumes compared to a year ago.
Premium “Label Rouge” salmon – which carries the French quality mark for being the best in the world – currently accounts for around 12% of exports, and there is a vision to grow this to 15% by 2026, tapping into the markets in Germany, Spain and Italy where the quality mark is increasingly recognised.
“These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish,” Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said. “Sustainably farmed in the waters off the Highlands and islands, with a top priority given to animal welfare, Scottish salmon’s exceptional quality is recognised worldwide, making it the UK’s top food export.”
Scott continued: “Beyond generating hundreds of millions of pounds for the UK economy and creating thousands of jobs, Scottish salmon supports thriving remote coastal communities. Both the UK and Scottish governments acknowledge the potential for continued sustainable growth, positioning Scotland to lead the world in the blue economy and expand the availability of one of the most nutritious foods we have.”
Separately, the UK domestic market for salmon is valued at around GBP 1.2 billion-a-year, and the sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) is worth GBP 766 million for the Scottish and UK economy.
Farm-raised salmon directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland and a further 10,000 jobs are dependent on the sector.
