Scottish Government backs £100k bid to lift salmon sales in Europe
The Scottish Government is contributing £50,000 towards a £100,000 marketing campaign to boost sales of Label Rouge Scottish salmon in France and other key European markets.
The other £50,000 will come from trade body Salmon Scotland, which said the initiative is designed to counter a threat to Scotland’s European market share caused by US President Donald Trump’s import tariffs.
The recent UK-EU trade deal opens doors for higher Scottish salmon exports to Europe, but US tariffs are pushing salmon producers from other countries to focus more on European markets, risking the UK’s leading food export losing ground in its biggest overseas market.
France accounts for more than half of all Scottish salmon exports, with sales of £462 million in 2024. About a third of Scottish salmon exports to France carry the prestigious Label Rouge mark, awarded over 30 years ago for superior quality.
The Scottish Government’s grant funding follows discussions in April between Salmon Scotland’s chief executive, Tavish Scott, and First Minister John Swinney on the impact of tariffs.
The Scottish Government’s Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, said: “Label Rouge salmon is an outstanding example of premium quality Scottish produce and I am delighted that we have been able to support its continued export success via our Marine Fund Scotland.
“We are determined to do everything we can to ensure our excellent Scottish exports not only maintain, but build on their competitive position in Europe and beyond, particularly at this time of uncertainty in the US market.”
Flagship fish
Su Cox, chair of Scottish Quality Salmon which ensures the quality and promotes Label Rouge Scottish salmon, said the Scottish Government’s help was greatly appreciated.
“Label Rouge remains our flagship designation in France, exemplifying the premium quality and traceability that define our sector.
“As global demand for trusted, high-quality seafood continues to grow, we are committed to leveraging this success to expand into new international markets and strengthen Scotland’s position as a world leader in responsible aquaculture.”
