SSPO predicts further export interest from emerging markets
In the last year, farm gate value for Scottish farmed salmon has increased by 18% - almost £100 million – bringing the total value to £633 million in 2013. Over the past 21 years the farm gate value has grown from £130 million in 1993 by nearly 400%. Production tonnage has increased from 36,000 tonnes in 1992 to 152,000 in 2013.
A key driver for the growth is the continued success of Scottish farmed salmon in export markets. Around 60 countries now buy Scottish salmon, resulting in its position as Scotland’s largest food export. Recent exhibitions and trade missions to Singpore and India indicate a significant interest from chefs, hotels, retailers and consumers.
Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, said, “We have seen fantastic growth in the value of the farmed salmon over the years. Export values are now around £450 million and sales of the prestigious Label Rouge salmon have quadrupled in the past 18 years. This is undoubtedly a success story, which is a result of the industry’s innovation, high standards and dedicated workforce. We are optimistic that the Brussels exhibition will bring back further business which in turn will be good news for jobs, local economies and continued investment in sustainable salmon farming.”
Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
“Scotland is world renowned for delicious, high quality and healthy farmed salmon. We are recognised around the world for best practice in aquaculture. Salmon is our largest food export and I am pleased with the continued impressive growth in production. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Scottish salmon industry to promote sustainable growth, helping ensure that this appealing product continues to thrive as an integral part of our wider food and drink export plan.”
Chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, James Withers said: "This is always a big week for Scotland's salmon sector as it showcases its quality to the world's seafood buyers in Brussels. The sector is providing a real model to follow for the rest of our food and drink industry and it has cemented its place as Scotland's top food export. Our international ambitions are huge and salmon continues to demonstrate that world class production standards and unrivalled eating quality is a powerful combination in building Scotland's reputation as a Land of Food and Drink."
Six companies – Scottish Sea Farms, The Scottish Salmon Company, Marine Harvest Scotland, Meridian Salmon Farms Ltd, Loch Duart Ltd and Scottish Quality Salmon will be at the seafood show which runs from Tuesday 6 May to Thursday 8 May 2014.
