Fresh salmon exports leap 20 per cent
Exports increased by 20 per cent, rising to 78,611 tonnes from 65,480 tonnes the previous year. This is the second consecutive year that exports have risen as global demand for the healthy and sustainable protein continues to grow.
The UK continues to be the most important market by some distance. Seven of the top ten export markets grew in volume in 2010. Scottish salmon now reaches 54 countries worldwide. Europe remains the main export market, with France its top importer (26,475 tonnes). The USA is the biggest destination in the rest of the world (31,924 tonnes). Growing and emerging markets include Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, eastern Europe and the Middle East.1
Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), said:
“Scottish farmed salmon is a top quality, healthy and sustainable protein in high demand at home and overseas. Exports have increased over 650 per cent during the last twenty years. The strong performance demonstrates that the salmon farming sector is playing a key role in the export-led economic recovery.”
The new figures are revealed as the sector attends the world’s largest international seafood show this week (3rd – 5th May). Held in Brussels, the European Seafood Exposition (ESE) is forecast to attract over 24,000 visitors from 140 countries.
“Attracting buyers from all corners of the world, ESE is a three-day opportunity to develop further opportunities for economic growth.
“With the global salmon market continuing to outpace supply, it is good news for jobs and investment in many parts of Scotland, including remote, rural communities in the Highlands and Islands,” added Landsburgh.
The strong export trade has been built solidly on Scottish provenance, the product’s PGI status awarded by the European Commission and premium taste, quality and character. The most recent annual production survey (November 2011) showed the first increase in output in five years: a 12 per cent rise in production.
