Scotland’s US exports leap 40%

Commenting on this strong export performance, Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) said: “These impressive figures are the result of the fantastic reputation our salmon enjoys in the USA. Quality and Scottish provenance are key to the American market.

“The industry has been supported by Scottish Development International (SDI) to open more market opportunities for Scottish salmon, making the USA our largest export market”.

Mr Landsburgh was commenting ahead of the international Boston Seafood Expo, at which the Scottish salmon sector will be meeting buyers from the USA’s top retail and food service companies.

Susan Beattie, Head of Food & Drink at Scottish Development International, said: “It’s great to hear that salmon has performed so well on exports in 2014 – this reflects the growing international demand for quality Scottish produce. The US is one of the ‘top prospect’ markets in the Scotland Food & Drink export plan and these excellent figures demonstrate this.”

Craig Anderson, managing director of the Scottish Salmon Company, who is also heading to Boston, said: “The Seafood North America Expo in Boston is a key date in our diary. Our involvement in the event enables us to build and develop relationships with new and existing clients, as well as providing the perfect platform to showcase our premium Scottish salmon to the American market.”

However, Landsburgh warned, that continued growth cannot be taken for granted.

“The industry, with support from the Scottish Government, has set a production target of 210,000 tonnes by 2020, to be achieved through sustainable growth, year on year. In order to reach this target, industry needs planning permissions to open new sites or to modify what’s already there. These approvals are not keeping pace, putting growth at risk. Competition from other salmon producing nations is fierce and we are mindful they are waiting in the wings to claim their share of the market,” he observed.