Salmon’s position as the UK public’s favourite fish has been confirmed, with new trade figures revealing that sales have soared to £1.5 billion amid rising demand.
Sales jumped by 7.2% in the 12 months to August 2025, accounting for almost a third of all fish sales in the UK, with the year-on-year growth for salmon almost double the 3.7% rise recorded across the wider fish category.
Salmon maintained its leading position in the seafood sector, holding 32% of the value share and selling nearly three times more than cod, its closest competitor.
Total fish sales for the 12-month period amounted to almost £4.8 billion. Alongside the salmon sales, cod transactions totalled £509.1 million (+0.5%), tuna £483.2 million (+3.5%), warmwater prawns £460.6 million (+7%), pollock £249.5 million (+1.2%) and haddock £245 million (-2.4%).
Trade body Salmon Scotland said the results reflect strong demand and consumer confidence in Scottish salmon, raised in the waters off the Highlands and islands. Scottish salmon also remains the UK’s largest food export, with international sales on track to break through the £1 billion barrier for the first time this year.
Recent figures show that salmon exports from Scotland rose by 33% to £941 million in the rolling 12 months to the end of June.
Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, acknowledged the growing popularity of Scottish salmon in both the UK and overseas.
“With salmon now accounting for nearly a third of all fish sales in the UK, it’s clear that more people are choosing it for its health benefits and sustainability. Shoppers continue to trust its quality, with Scottish salmon renowned for its superior taste and responsible farming practices,” he said. “This consumer demand is great news for the nation’s health and the economy, supporting thousands of jobs across Scotland’s rural and coastal communities.”
