Processing line preparing Scottish salmon skewers, ready to cook and enjoy at a summer barbecue or a World Cup get-together.
Photo: Salmon Scotland.
Demand for the UK's favourite fish continues to grow. New figures show that over 81,000 tons of salmon were sold in the 12 months to April, representing an 8.5% increase in volume and a 7.3% rise in sales value, which soared to almost GBP 1.6 billion.
According to information provided by Salmon Scotland—based on data from Seafish; Nielsen NIQ Retailer Measurement data, UK; and its own calculations—salmon accounted for almost a third of all fish sales in the UK and a fifth of the total volume of fish sold.
The trade body highlighted that, while overall fish sales have remained virtually unchanged, salmon raised in the waters off Scotland's Highlands and islands continues to register strong growth, thus reinforcing its position as the country's most popular seafood choice.
As was the case last year, when sales soared in the United Kingdom, Scottish salmon remains the top fish category in UK retail, with sales worth more than three times cod or tuna, its nearest competitors, and almost twice the volume of cod.
Of all those sales, fresh salmon accounted for GBP 1.47 billion, including GBP 481 million worth of smoked salmon.
Salmon Scotland infographic of seafood value sales in the UK in the 52 weeks ending 18 April 2026. Total salmon sales include some non-Scottish salmon sold in the UK.
Salmon Scotland also highlighted that these figures come at a time when families are opting for lighter and healthier meals during the summer, with salmon being especially suitable for barbecues, salads, simple dinners and platters to enjoy on match days during the World Cup.
This was highlighted by the CEO of Salmon Scotland, Tavish Scott. "These figures show salmon's popularity continues to grow with shoppers across the UK," he said. "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."
"Whether it's a healthy midweek dinner, a barbecue with friends, or a World Cup get-together, salmon is nutritious, versatile, and easy to enjoy," Scott continued.
The organization noted that a single serving of Scottish salmon provides more than 70% of the daily requirement for vitamin D, as well as high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and that expert dietitians recommend that adults and children consume two servings of fish per week, including one serving of oily fish, such as farmed Scottish salmon.
The Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland also said that this high demand is being seen at home and overseas, with Scottish salmon remaining the UK's largest food export. Scottish salmon not only maintained its crown as the king of UK food exports in 2025, but its exports skyrocketed in the last decade, reaching 94 countries and GBP 6 billion.
"That is good news for consumers and good news for Scotland's coastal communities, where salmon farming supports jobs, investment, and economic growth," Tavish Scott concluded.