First significant batch of tariff-free Scottish salmon arrives in India
The first significant shipment of Scottish salmon has arrived in India after a free trade deal led to a 33% tariff on fish being scrapped.
Freshly harvested from Scotland’s west coast by Bakkafrost Scotland, the salmon arrived at Sashimi Foods in Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) in Karnataka in southwest India's earlier today.
Sent by air via Heathrow Airport, the delivery arrived less than two weeks after the UK Government’s trade deal with India came into force – and as Glasgow prepares to hand the Commonwealth Games baton to Amdavad (Ahmedabad) in Gujarat.
India, which has the world’s largest population of nearly 1.5 billion people, is the world’s third-largest fish market, with domestic consumption reaching nearly 12 million tonnes in 2021 – up 120% since 2005.
Major cities
Although most fish in India are currently locally sourced, imports focus on premium seafood in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, which together are home to around 84 million people, and where demand for healthy, high-quality produce is rising. Bakkafrost said Scottish salmon is ideally placed to meet this growing market.
Kedarnath Reddy, chief executive and managing director of Sashimi Foods Private Limited, said: “We are delighted to be among the first Indian companies to benefit from the UK-India free trade agreement, which has enabled this premium Scottish salmon from Bakkafrost Scotland to arrive in India tariff-free and through a streamlined import process.
“Bakkafrost Scotland’s exceptional Scottish salmon aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering Indian consumers the very best seafood from around the world.
“We look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership with Bakkafrost Scotland and to making premium Scottish salmon more accessible to consumers across India.”
Commitment to growth
Bakkafrost Scotland managing director Ian Laister said the removal of the tariffs is a huge opportunity.
“The timing is particularly significant with Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games before handing the baton to India, and this deal symbolises the enduring connections between our nations, built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to sustainable economic growth.”
