The first half of 2023 was positive for Scottish salmon export sales, which increased by 9% and were worth GBP 306 million (EUR 357 million/USD 390 million), with growth in two markets particularly strong: Asia and the United States.
A detailed analysis of the results shows interesting figures that explain the performance of the markets for the UK's largest food exporter.
France remains by far the leading international destination for Scottish salmon. Although sales to the country fell by 5% in the first half of the year, this was more than offset by increased global demand.
However, it remains a recognized quality product, so much so that the premium salmon is "Label Rouge," the French quality mark for being the best in the world. One currently represents around 12% of exports, and there is a vision to increase this to 15% by 2026 by tapping into markets in Germany, Spain, and Italy, where the quality mark is increasingly renowned.
This year, the markets that have chosen Scottish salmon most strongly have been the USA, with a 10% increase, China (57%), Poland (48%), and Taiwan (174%). These statistics encompassed substantial percentage growth in markets like the Netherlands, Singapore, Japan, and Spain.
"Grown sustainably in the waters off our west coast, with animal welfare a top priority for farmers and vets, the quality of Scottish salmon is recognised worldwide which is why it is the UK's top food export," said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland.
Overall, exports outside the EU increased significantly by 19% in the first half of 2023 to GDP 132 million (EUR 154 million/USD 168 million), and EU export sales increased by 3% to GDP 173 million (EUR 202 million/USD 220 million).
Furthermore, this report has presented new figures for the January-June financial period within the European Union. Poland and the Netherlands have become the world's fourth and sixth-largest markets. In addition, other markets, such as Spain, have also grown. Figures that reflect growth in additional core and redistribution markets in the EU.
In the calendar year 2022, the industry reported export sales of fresh whole Scottish salmon, reaching GDP 578 million (EUR 674 million/USD 737 million). This surpassed the previous record of GDP 617 million (EUR 720 million/USD 786 million) set in 2019. The new figures suggest that Scottish salmon is ready for another year of remarkable success.
The current geopolitical and economic situation has also dampened these figures. Thus, although the volume of fish transported abroad fell marginally, this reflected the shortage of world supplies, and increased international demand is driving prices up.
"While we face the same challenges as many sectors – including too much red tape, labour shortages, housing supply issues and the impact of climate change – the extraordinary success of our sector is something to be incredibly proud of," said Scott.
