UK consumers bought more than 73,000 tonnes of salmon last year
Sales volume increased by 5.8% as Brits put more of the fish on the table
The value of salmon sales in the United Kingdom increased by 5.5% to £1.5 billion last year, accounting for nearly a third of the value of all fish sales in the UK.
The year-on-year value growth for salmon outpaced the 2.9% rise recorded across the wider fish category, and was due to more salmon being sold.
Salmon maintained its leading position in the seafood sector, holding 31% of the value share and achieving a sales value of nearly three times more than cod, its closest competitor.
Sales volume up by 5.8%
The volume of salmon sold also rose by 5.8%, reaching more than 73,000 tonnes, the highest of any fish in the UK. That puts it comfortably ahead of tuna and cod, underlining its continued appeal both at the checkout and on the dinner table, said trade body Salmon Scotland in a press release.
Domestically produced and imported salmon now accounts for nearly one in every five tonnes of fish sold nationwide.
Even with loud, well-funded campaigns trying to shut down farms, the popularity of Scottish salmon keeps growing, both here and abroad.
Salmon Scotland CEO Tavish Scott
The figures come despite activist campaigns aimed at closing farms, including efforts by angling rights owners' pressure group WildFish to take salmon “off the table”. Salmon Scotland said the results reflect strong demand and consumer confidence in Scottish salmon.
Largest food export
Separately, Scottish salmon remains the UK’s largest food export.
The sector remains confident in international demand, despite the 10% import tariff on UK goods announced by US president Donald Trump.
Exports increased by 45% to a record £844 million last year – equivalent to £2.31 million per day – cementing its position as the UK’s largest food export.
Growth of more than 60% was recorded in Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan, where Scottish salmon is globally recognised for its superior quality, Salmon Scotland said.
Healthy and sustainable
The organisation’s chief executive Tavish Scott said: “Scottish salmon continues to be a key player in the UK’s seafood market, both as the leading food export and a preferred choice for British shoppers.
“With salmon now accounting for nearly a third of all fish sales in the UK, it’s clear that people are choosing it for its health benefits and sustainability.
“This demand is great news for the nation’s health and the economy, supporting thousands of jobs across Scotland’s rural and coastal communities.
“Even with loud, well-funded campaigns trying to shut down farms, the popularity of Scottish salmon keeps growing, both here and abroad. Shoppers continue to trust its quality, with Scottish salmon renowned for its superior taste and responsible farming practices.”
Value of sales, 2024
| Fish | £4,651,355,000 – up 2.9% |
| Total salmon | £1,450,387,000 – up 5.5% |
| Cod | £507,121,000 – down 1.4% |
| Tuna | £470,885,000 – up 4% |
| Warm water prawns | £438,507,000 – up 2.4% |
| Pollock | £250,826,000 – up 8.3% |
| Haddock | £248,340,000 – down 2.8% |
| Mixed seafood | £223,400,000 – up 3.2% |
| Cold water prawns | £208,181,000 – up 1.1% |
| Mackerel | £152,592,000 – up 7.8% |
| Sea bass | £96,070 – up 3.4% |
Volume of sales, 2024
| Fish | 410,157 tonnes – up 2.4% |
| Total salmon | 73,405 tonnes – up 5.8% |
| Cod | 48,326 tonnes – down 0.7% |
| Tuna | 68,598 tonnes – up 4.6% |
| Warm water prawns | 25,312 tonnes – no change |
| Pollock | 41,127 tonnes – up 9.2% |
| Haddock | 22,103 tonnes – down 0.2% |
| Mixed seafood | 18,648 tonnes – up 4.3% |
| Cold water prawns | 14,614 tonnes – up 1.8% |
| Mackerel | 15,922 tonnes – up 1.8% |
| Sea bass | 5,764 tonnes – up 5.3% |
