SCOTTISH SALMON LEVELS NEAR RECORD
Scottish salmon exports recovered to near record levels, with sales increasing by 36% last year.
It remains one of the UK’s biggest food exports, with sales overseas increasing to £614m, compared to 2020 and marginally below the record level at £618m in 2019.
The HM Revenue & Customs also showed that the industry directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland and supports more than 3,600 suppliers, with around 10,000 jobs dependent on the sector.
Exports were shipped to 52 different markets last year, with growth across 10 of the top 20 markets.
France led the recovery – up £119m to £304m – followed by the US as the second main market – up £47m to £152m – and China – up £31m to £45m. The EU accounted for 61% of the volume of global Scottish salmon exports.
Tavish Scott (pictured above), chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “These incredibly encouraging figures demonstrate the global demand for our unrivalled farm-raised Scottish salmon and the resilience of our industry.
For exports to recover to near record-levels after such a difficult economic period during the pandemic is testament to the hard work and dedication of farmers to sustainable growth in the face of increased costs.”
However he added: “We must also be aware that our Scandinavian counterparts are growing faster and selling more salmon, so it is imperative that the government enables a regulatory framework that is both transparent and efficient to ensure that Scottish salmon retains its place as the key flag-bearer for quality exports from Scotland.”
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Exports returning to levels close to pre-pandemic in spite of the disastrous impact of Brexit don’t happen on their own – this is testament to our resilient and hard-working aquaculture sector.
We will continue to support businesses in the aquaculture sector as well as safeguard our marine environment as part of our green recovery and transition to net zero for future generations to enjoy and make a living from.”
