Scottish salmon export value hits £600m record

The United States remains the largest market for Scottish salmon with sales worth £193m, followed by France (£188m), China (£69m) and the Republic of Ireland (£34m). Taiwan secured its place in the top five markets with sales worth £16m, above Germany, Poland, Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands which make up the top ten export destinations.

Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), said: “The demand for Scottish salmon continues to grow in recognition of its taste, quality and provenance and these are key drivers for growth in the USA, EU and Asian markets.

“This record-breaking export success of Scottish salmon is a trail-blazer for other Scottish food overseas and a further reminder of the importance of salmon to the Scottish economy and food and drink sector. Our achievement means that young people, communities and local suppliers also benefit from the economic success.”

'Outstanding figures'

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “These figures show that demand for Scotland’s world-renowned food and drink continues not only to grow, but to soar.

“Today’s outstanding figures are a result of remarkable products and of sectors working together to create a national brand with a global reputation, underpinned by the Scotland Food and Drink Export Plan.

“We will continue to do all we can to support and protect our food and drink sector, which faces growing uncertainty in the labour and export markets as a result of Brexit, which poses a direct threat to this success by removing Scotland from the world’s biggest single market, and its consumer base of almost half a billion people.

“In addition, 10,000 EU nationals work in our food and drink industry, which exports more than £2 billion to Europe through the single market each year.

“While these figures are something to celebrate, it is a stark reminder of what is at stake if we are taken out of this important market.”