Scotland’s record salmon exports

As a result, overall export sales are forecast to smash the all-time annual high of £571 million, which was achieved during 2013.

UK Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “I am delighted that more and more families are enjoying the delicious, unique taste of this country’s smoked salmon. UK produce is something we should all be proud of.

“These impressive figures show the UK is a place the world increasingly comes to buy quality, trusted food – that’s great news for our growing economy and great news for UK businesses looking to sell their produce across the globe.”

Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, said: “Scottish salmon is a successful, sustainable healthy food that brings economic prosperity and long term employment to the UK. This year, for the second time in succession, Scottish salmon was named ‘best farmed salmon in the world’ in a poll of retail and foodservice buyers.

“It was also the 10th anniversary of receiving the European PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), granted to products with distinct regional characteristics, placing it alongside Champagne and Parma Ham.

“Industry continues to focus on protecting the Scottish salmon brand and markets by using sustainable production standards and husbandry techniques that produce high quality fish. Qualities such as firm flesh and distinct flavours, combined with Scottish provenance and tradition, have all been crucial to establishing our iconic brand and are especially important to our export markets in Europe, North American and the Far East.”

Around 40% of all the UK’s £1.5 billion of fish and fish preparations exports came from Scotland in 2013 – almost all UK salmon exports come from Scotland. The top 3 destinations for salmon exports in 2013 were USA (£200 million, up from £48 million in 2008); France (£110 million, up from £72 million in 2008) and China (£50 million, up from £0.1 million in 2008).