Salmon sales in UK increased by 7.3% in the 12 months to April
The value of salmon retail sales in the United Kingdom rose by 7.3% to almost £1.6 billion in the 12 months to April, trade body Salmon Scotland has revealed.
New figures show more than 81,000 tonnes of salmon were sold in the period, a volume increase of 8.5%.
While sales of fish overall have remained largely unchanged, demand for salmon continues to grow strongly. Salmon accounted for almost a third of all fish sales in the UK by value and one fifth of total fish volumes, reinforcing its position as the nation’s most popular seafood choice.
Sales were worth more than three times cod or tuna, its nearest competitors, and almost twice the volume of cod.
Value of sales, 52 weeks ending April 18, 2026
| Fish | £4.93bn – up 4.3% |
| Salmon | £1.59bn – up 7.3% |
| Tuna | £0.50bn – up 4.4% |
| Cod | £0.50bn – down 2.0% |
| Warm water prawns | £0.49bn – up 6.2% |
| Pollock | £0.24bn – up 4.0% |
| Haddock | £0.24bn – down 1.1% |
| Mixed seafood | £0.23bn – up 1.3% |
| Cold water prawns | £0.20bn – down 2.0% |
| Mackerel | £0.18bn – up 14.8% |
Volume of sales, 52 weeks ending April 18, 2026
| Fish | 410,771 tonnes – down 0.1% |
| Salmon | 81,448 tonnes – up 8.5% |
| Tuna | 72,420 tonnes – up 4.0% |
| Cod | 43,078 tonnes – down 10.2% |
| Pollock | 38,525 tonnes – up 2.8% |
| Warm water prawns | 28,126 tonnes – up 3.9% |
| Haddock | 19,789 tonnes – down 8.6% |
| Mixed seafood | 18,393 tonnes – down 4.8% |
| Mackerel | 16,608 tonnes – up 2.6% |
| Cold water prawns | 12,737 tonnes – down 5.9% |
Salmon Scotland said the results reflect strong consumer demand for Scottish salmon.
Fresh salmon (domestic and imported) accounted for £1.47 billion of total sales of £1.59bn, with a third of fresh sales (£481m) due to spending on smoked salmon made from fresh fish.
Scottish salmon also remains the UK’s largest food export, generating more than £1 billion annually.
Omega-3 and vitamin D
Salmon Scotland said expert dietitians recommend that adults and children should eat two portions of fish every week, including one portion of oily fish such as Scottish farm-raised salmon. A single portion of Scottish salmon provides more than 70% of daily vitamin D requirements, as well as high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “These figures show salmon’s popularity continues to grow with shoppers across the UK.
“At a time when overall fish sales are flat, salmon is bucking the trend, with more people choosing it for everyday meals, summer gatherings, and special occasions.
“That demand is being seen at home and overseas, with Scottish salmon remaining the UK’s largest food export. That is good news for consumers and good news for Scotland’s coastal communities, where salmon farming supports jobs, investment, and economic growth.”
