MPs celebrate Scottish salmon’s success
Scottish salmon’s contribution to the UK’s economy has been celebrated by MPs at a reception in London.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of sector trade body Salmon Scotland, joined Scotland Office minister John Lamont and UK fisheries minister Mark Spencer at Dover House, the London headquarters of the Scotland Office, for a cross-party event with MPs and officials.
Guests on Tuesday evening included Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, and SNP parliamentarians and salmon sector representatives.
Scottish salmon is the UK’s biggest food export, followed by bread and pastries, chocolate, cereals, and cheese.
Rising demand
The value of exports of Scottish salmon to Asia more than doubled to £24 million in the first three months of this year, driven by strong demand from China, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea.
Salmon Scotland believes that there are further opportunities for growth in North America and Asia due to rising consumer demand and ongoing efforts to reduce trade barriers.
The trade body also recently unveiled a growth plan for Scotland’s premium ‘Label Rouge’ salmon to target European markets, aiming to increase its share to 15% by 2026.
An export success story
John Lamont, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh, and Selkirk said: “I was delighted to welcome Salmon Scotland, other sector representatives and parliamentarians to the Scotland Office for an event to celebrate this esteemed product.
“Scottish salmon is a great British export success story, rightly renowned around the globe. It’s also of huge importance for many of our coastal communities and supports thousands of jobs all over Scotland.
“The UK Government is determined to ensure it continues to enjoy a sustainable and profitable future. As we strike new international trade deals this will create more worldwide opportunities for Scottish salmon.”
Mark Spencer, MP for Sherwood, said the UK Government is committed to supporting the salmon sector and growth of coastal communities.
“Nearly £20 million from our UK Seafood Fund has been invested already to support infrastructure projects in the sector, including the expansion of processing facilities for Scottish salmon, and ensure the UK fishing and seafood industry remains sustainable in the long run,” added Spencer.
52 countries
Tavish Scott said: “We have an excellent relationship with the Scotland Office, the wider UK Government, and MPs who acknowledge the vital importance of international trade for Scottish salmon.
“Our world-renowned product is exported to 52 countries and is increasingly popular throughout the Asia-Pacific region, which is a source of immense pride for all of us.
“I am confident that, by working together, Scottish salmon will successfully navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”
Scotland’s salmon farming sector directly employs more than 2,500 people in Scotland and supports over 3,600 suppliers and an additional 10,000 indirect jobs.
