Fresh salmon was UK’s most valuable food export last year
Overseas sales netted £578m
Scottish salmon was the UK’s highest earning food export in 2022, according to figures from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
High prices meant that export sales were worth £578 million, just 6% less than the £614 m earned in 2021 despite export volume falling by 26% due to limited supply caused by biological issues and domestic demand.
More Scottish salmon was sold in the UK market, which is worth around £1.2 billion a year to the sector.
The EU accounted for almost 64% of export sales, with the United States and Chinese markets remaining popular.
The top UK food exports (by value) in 2022 were:
- Scottish salmon (whole, fresh) - £578m
- Bakery - £556m
- Chocolate and cocoa preparations - £489m
- Cheese - £457m
- Cereals (roasted) - £408m
- Lamb (fresh)- £372m
- Sweet biscuits - £325m
- Beef (fresh, boneless) - £280m
- Barley - £250m
- Wheat - £230m
Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, said: “With such pressure on public services during the cost-of-living crisis, the revenue generated by our farmers has never been more important.
“Scottish salmon, grown sustainably in the cold waters off our west coast, is recognised as the best in the world – which is why it is in such high international demand.”
The Scottish government’s rural affairs secretary, Mairi Gougeon, said Scottish salmon was a world-renowned brand and its success was testament to the quality of the product.
“That is why we are committed to our ongoing work to encourage investment in research, development, and innovation in Scotland’s aquaculture sector alongside robust management measures, so that consumers can continue to have confidence in the sustainability of Scottish seafood,” said Gougeon.
“Food and drink is one of our priority export sectors and the continued growth in global markets means more jobs and investment across Scotland.
“We will continue to engage with and listen to the Scottish salmon industry to understand how we can improve export opportunities and remove barriers to trade.”
