Scottish salmon exports have reached an all-time high, with sales hitting a record £844 million in 2023, according to the latest UK Government statistics.
This impressive figure surpasses the previous record of £618 million set in 2019, highlighting the global demand for Scotland’s prized fish.
France continues to be the biggest consumer of Scottish salmon, importing a staggering £462 million worth. The United States follows as the second-largest market, with purchases totalling £225 million.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has hailed the news, emphasising the importance of the sector to Scotland’s economy.
“The farmed salmon sector is very important to our economy, providing well-paid, high-skilled jobs in Scotland’s rural and island communities,” she stated.
“The Scottish Government is fully committed to working with industry to aid sector growth in overseas markets, whilst solidifying their premier status in domestic markets. In doing so, we will continue to drive sustainable growth, which will have significant economic benefits.”
Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill echoed this sentiment, describing salmon as the “jewel in the crown” of Scotland’s food industry and a key component of the UK Government’s Brand Scotland initiative.
“A key part of the UK Government’s Brand Scotland initiative is selling the very best of Scotland to the world,” she said.
“Scottish salmon, and our support for the sector, is an important part of that. It’s a vital element of our plan for change, to drive economic growth and put more money in people’s pockets right across the UK.”
Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, also commented on the record-breaking figures. While celebrating the global demand for Scottish salmon, he urged the government to implement “better regulation” to support the industry’s continued growth.
“Salmon farmers in our rural and coastal communities go out every day to raise healthy fish which end up on plates in dozens of countries,” he explained.
“Producers have also invested hundreds of millions of pounds to further boost already world-leading welfare standards. Scotland’s salmon sector is heavily regulated by government – we need better, not less regulation.
“That is the task for government and if that is delivered then we can create more jobs and economic growth.”
