Scottish salmon export sales jumped by 9% in the first half of 2023, with major growth in the Asian and American markets, Salmon Scotland reported. New figures show that salmon from Scotland, which is the UK’s largest food export, recorded a value of £306 million between January and June.

The largest increases by value were in the USA, China, Poland and Taiwan, while there was also huge percentage growth in the Netherlands, Singapore, Japanese and Spanish markets. France remains by far the top international destination for Scottish salmon, and although sales to the country dipped 5% in the first half of the year, this was more than offset by wider global demand. Overall, non-EU exports rose significantly by 19% in the first half of 2023 to £132 million, with EU export sales up by 3% to £173 million.

In the 2022 calendar year, fresh, whole Scottish salmon export sales of £578 million were recorded, while the record figure was £617 million in 2019, and the new figures indicate that Scottish salmon is heading for another very successful year.

“The first half of the year has been another period of incredible success for Scottish salmon, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our farmers and the growing demand internationally for our nutritious fish,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland. “While we face the same challenges as many sectors – including too much red tape, labor shortages, housing supply issues and the impact of climate change – the extraordinary success of our sector is something to be incredibly proud of.”