More fish' initiative increases seafood sales
According to Nielsen Scan Track till roll data for w/e 03.10.09, total retail sales of seafood in Scotland were up +10 per cent (£8.6m) in value terms and +6 per cent (758 tonnes) in volume, compared with the same period in 2008. This compares with England & Wales in the 24 weeks ending 03.10.09, where total retail sales of seafood were up just +5per cent in value and down -1 per cent in volume
.
Analysis of fresh seafood sales shows the trend to be more pronounced. In Scotland fresh seafood retail sales were up +10 per cent in value (£5.3m) and +12 per cent in volume (579 tonnes) in the 24 weeks ending 03.10.09.
Over the same period, fresh seafood sales in England & Wales were up +4 per cent value and +3 per cent in volume.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "This campaign has highlighted the huge potential for increasing demand at home and abroad for our delicious, healthy seafood.
"Although Scotland is one of Europe's primary fishing nations, we consume far less fish and shellfish than the likes of Spain and Norway. If more people are made aware of the benefits of eating seafood, then they can help our fishing industry at the same as improving their health."
Sarah Holmyard, Marketing Executive with Seafood Scotland, who has overseen the campaign, is also pleased with the results. “We have had really positive feedback from the public, who have obviously taken our messages and recipes on board!” she said.
