Maximising seafood exports

The Scottish Government is supporting the seafood sector with a £240,000 grant to take forward a range of initiatives to target new markets. Latest figures for fresh farmed salmon exports reveal sales in the Far East rocketed last year – up nearly 900 per cent, from 682 tonnes to 6,779 tonnes – demonstrating the growing demand for Scottish seafood from new marketplaces.

Activities in emerging markets to maximise opportunities for Scottish seafood will include:

• Educational and networking session with hotel chains, restaurant groups, chefs and buyers
• Holding ‘Scottish Seafood Weeks’ in identified cities, aimed at both consumers and the food industry
• Awareness building and product sampling sessions in supermarkets, as well as point of sale product merchandising to promote all Scottish seafood sectors
• Developing a seafood marketing toolkit to help Scottish businesses promote their products in the Asian marketplace
• Targeted advertising in trade and specialist publications and a greater online and social media presence
• Sponsorship at food events and culinary competitions

With match-funding from Scottish Development International, Seafood Scotland, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, Scottish Quality Salmon and Seafish bringing the spend available to £480,000, a working group will now be established to oversee all activities.

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:  “I’m pleased to support this new initiative to target more opportunities for Scottish seafood companies in emerging markets, particularly the Far East. Much of this work is educational and awareness building and we have a great story to tell – with our delicious and nutritious fish and shellfish.

“I’m confident that this work will result in many more people around the world choosing and enjoying healthy and tasty Scottish seafood, and in turn boost the economic performance of the seafood sectors.”