Scottish salmon sector ramps up efforts in India
The industry has organised its own trade delegation and is taking part in two more as it seeks to establish itself in a potentially massive market
Scotland’s salmon sector is making an enhanced effort to promote its products in India after the world’s most populous country opened the door to Scottish fish imports by scrapping a 33% tariff as part of a trade deal with the UK.
Scottish salmon is being promoted on three separate trade visits this month.
First, representatives of salmon farmers Mowi Scotland, Scottish Sea Farms, Bakkafrost Scotland, and Loch Duart were in New Delhi last week as part of a trade visit by sector body Salmon Scotland.
The Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), in collaboration with the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and Scottish Salmon, brought together the producers, Indian seafood importers, executive chefs, and hospitality professionals for an industry roundtable, B2B matchmaking showcase and networking reception in New Delhi.
Understanding the market
Discussions covered sourcing opportunities, cold-chain requirements, import compliance protocols and distribution channels, with a focus on understanding the requirements for bringing premium seafood products to the Indian market, reports Hospitality Biz India.com.
Amit Lohani, founder director of FIFI and of seafood impoter Max Inc., said: “India presents significant opportunities for international food producers, but converting that potential into sustainable business requires a clear understanding of the market, import regulations, supply-chain requirements and the needs of Indian buyers. Direct interactions between producers and importers help bridge this gap by enabling businesses to evaluate sourcing possibilities and build reliable trade relationships.”
James Park, head of international trade and engagement at Salmon Scotland, was part of the delegation and addressed the meeting, along with British High Commission attaché Penny Rogers and Lohani.
UK Government mission
Park stayed on to join a UK Government trade mission to India this week, joining Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and some of his UK Government Cabinet colleagues Jonathan Reynolds, the Business and Trade Secretary, and Angela Eagle, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
“This year the UK Government has secured real, practical wins that are opening up new markets for our exporters – including cutting whisky, soft drink and salmon tariffs in the India trade deal,” said Alexander.
“Now, I want to make sure Scottish companies can turn those wins into real contracts and real growth, by helping them navigate the valuable Indian market.”
Scottish Government
Salmon will also be on the agenda when Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has a week-long visit to Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai starting a week tomorrow, October 20.
He will be accompanied by Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott, among others. “This is an important visit to a significant market for salmon from Scotland and I thank the First Minister for his time and commitment to this endeavour. The trade deal between the UK and Indian Governments is very helpful to our ability to find new customers in an exciting marketplace and I look forward to the First Minister’s involvement in that journey,” said Scott.
The visit comes as a report concluded that the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that came into force in July could create more than £3 billion of opportunities for Scotland’s priority sectors by 2030, including energy, life sciences, education, technology and digital services, and food and drink.
Swinney said: “Scotland’s food and drink producers have spent years building relationships in India. This visit is about turning those relationships into real opportunities for businesses, ensuring Scotland is well placed to benefit from growing trade and investment links with one of the world's fastest-growing economies.”
Building on connections
Charandeep Singh, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to be joining the First Minister on this important trade mission to India, which is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and a crucial market for many businesses and sectors across Scotland.”
Singh said that in recent years Scottish Chambers of Commerce has been working hard to strengthen the Scotland-India business corridor through partnerships with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.
“We hope to use this visit will build on these connections and foster new relationships that will help unlock further growth opportunities, including those made possible by the UK-India free trade agreement.”
