Scottish salmon sets new record for export value

International sales of Scottish salmon have hit a record high of £844 million, increasing by 45% in a year to remain the UK’s top food export.

Growth of nearly 50% was recorded in Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan, with Scottish salmon globally recognised for its superior quality, said industry body Salmon Scotland.

Exports were sent to 48 countries in 2024.

New figures published today by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) confirmed that Scottish salmon remains the top UK food export, ahead of Cheddar cheese and other popular British products like lamb and beef.

The 2024 export total smashes the previous record of £618 million set in 2019.

Scottish salmon is the largest export by volume that goes through Heathrow Airport, where it travels on scheduled flights to multiple international destinations.

France remains the top market, accounting for 55% of total value of all Scottish salmon exports, followed by the United States (27%).

Higher survival

The new figures come after survival rates on marine salmon farms in Scotland reached a four-year high of 82.3% in 2024 following multi-million-pound tech investments to enhance animal welfare.

Salmon Scotland said this improvement in survival has led to more food being available to export to meet international demand. At the same time, salmon is also the UK’s most popular fish.

The latest export figures have been welcomed by the UK and Scottish governments.

Surging demand

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “These exceptional figures clearly demonstrate the surging global demand for Scottish salmon, which is rightly recognised as a premium high-quality product.

“The farmed salmon sector is very important to our economy, providing well paid, high skilled jobs in Scotland’s rural and island communities.

“The Scottish Government is fully committed to working with industry to aid sector growth in overseas markets, whilst solidifying their premier status in domestic markets. In doing so, we will continue to drive sustainable growth, which will have significant economic benefits.”

The jewel in the crown

Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill described salmon as “the jewel in the crown of Scotland’s world-class produce” and said today’s figures underline its global reputation for unrivalled quality.

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said: “Today’s record exports demonstrate the increasing global demand for Scottish salmon, which is rightly recognised as the best in the world and increasingly sought after by discerning consumers.

“Salmon farmers in our rural and coastal communities go out every day to raise healthy fish which end up on plates in dozens of countries.

“Producers have also invested hundreds of millions of pounds to further boost already world-leading welfare standards. And, here at home, nutritious salmon is the UK’s most popular fish – helping to improve people’s diets.”

“Scotland’s salmon sector is heavily regulated by government – we need better, not less regulation. That is the task for government and if that is delivered that then we can create more jobs and economic growth.”s