Nearly a third of the money spent of fish by UK consumers goes on salmon.

Value of UK salmon sales rose by 3.2% in 12 months to September

Editorial team
Published

Salmon is the most popular fish among UK consumers, with new figures showing the value of sales has increased by 3.2% in a year.

Sales of Scottish and imported salmon reached £1.25 billion in the 12 months to September, making up nearly 30% of the value of all fish bought in the UK.

Trade body Salmon Scotland said the coming weeks are also expected to see an uptick in sales as families buy Scottish salmon for Christmas festivities.

The 3.2% year-on-year increase for salmon sales within the UK is higher than the 2.5% increase recorded for all fish.

The value of UK fish sales in the 12 months to September 2023.

In the chilled seafood sector, salmon increased its value share of the top ten chilled species to 48.7% (+0.9 points), selling around four times its nearest competitor, warm water prawns.

While inflation has driven prices of all seafood higher, salmon increased at a lower rate than the overall food and drink category.

St Andrew's Day

Today, the Scottish Parliament will mark St Andrew’s Day with an event which celebrates Scottish food and drink, including Scottish salmon. It has been arranged by the Cross Party Group (CPG) on St Andrew’s Day, which is convened by MSP Michelle Thomson.

Separately, the British Embassy in Paris will once again host an event to celebrate the global success of Scottish salmon.

The value of Scottish salmon exports has jumped by 7% in a year, with France remaining the top destination.

On a rolling annual basis up to the end of September, exports of Scottish salmon stood at £611 million, confirming the fish’s place as the UK’s top food export.

Vital for economy

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said: “Scottish salmon’s success as the UK’s biggest food export is well known, but salmon is also by far the most popular fish here at home as well.

“Salmon accounts for nearly a third of all UK seafood sales, with consumers eager for a highly nutritious meal that is locally sourced.

“While this is fantastic news for the health of the nation, it’s also a reminder that salmon is vital for our economy, supporting thousands of jobs – both in remote coastal communities and right across Scotland.”

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