Salmon farmer hails dream debut in American west

Edinburgh-headquartered SSC said the event provided the perfect opportunity to showcase its salmon to an international audience in what was the company’s first foray into the Pacific side of the US.

“The West Coast of America is a key area for us as we look to deliver on our ambitious plans to further develop our exports and build on the already impressive growth we have seen in the country,” said SSC in a statement.

“In particular, our fresh Lochlander salmon proved a hit with attendees, highlighting the continued importance of Scottish provenance to consumers and the high regard they hold Scottish producers. 

“We are making strong inroads into the premium American market and continue to go from strength to strength across the pond. We very much look forward to attending again next year.”

Exports up

SSC created the Lochlander brand specifically for premium restaurateurs, up-market hotels and top-class chefs in the United States and introduced it during the first quarter of 2018. Export volumes accounted for 61% of total sales in the period, up from 47% in Q1 2017. That figure has been maintained, with chief executive Craig Anderson saying at the start of this month that exports now account for more than 60% of sales.

“We have captured a greater market share in North America and the Far East, supported by the launch of our new premium export brand Lochlander salmon, as well as strong growth in our flagship Tartan Salmon Label Rouge and Native Hebridean salmon,” said Anderson.

In November SSC become the first salmon producer in the UK to be awarded a two-star Best Aquaculture Practice (BAP) certification, receiving a second star for its processing sites at Marybank in Stornoway and Cairndow at Loch Fyne.

The certification upgrade came six months after SSC was awarded a star for all of its 45 marine sites throughout the west coast of Scotland and Hebrides.