French taste for Label Rouge Scottish salmon increased in 2003

The exports of Label Rouge Scottish salmon to France increased by 5.5% during 2003, bringing the total to 5837 tonnes.

Commenting on the increase in volume and therefore value to his membership, Brian Simpson, Chief Executive of Scottish Quality Salmon said: “Scottish Quality Salmon has led the way in making its members’ salmon the fish of choice. This is the sixth consecutive year that exports of Label Rouge Scottish salmon have risen.

“The continued growth marks a huge vote of confidence from French consumers in the quality of salmon farmed by Scottish Quality Salmon members. It is clear to me that the French recognise the very real standard of excellence guaranteed by Label Rouge status, a standard which our members are proud to uphold,” he added.

Scottish Quality Salmon was the first fish and first non-French product to obtain the prestigious Label Rouge back in 1992. Twelve years later it remains the only non-French food to meet the quality scheme’s rigorous standards.

Exports of Label Rouge Scottish salmon have increased for six consecutive years, from 2493 tonnes in 1997 to 5837 tonnes in 2003. The total exports of Scottish farmed salmon to France in 2003 were 34,610 tonnes.

Notes to Editors:

Scottish Quality Salmon is dedicated to improving the quality and sustainability of salmon farming in Scotland – from feed companies through to salmon smokers and processors – the whole production chain. Membership now represents 65% of the tonnage produced by the Scottish salmon farming industry.

The Scottish Salmon Development Project, a joint venture with Highlands & Islands Enterprise, has assisted the promotion of Label Rouge Scottish Salmon.

END 4th May 2004
For further information contact either: Ken Hughes, Communications Executive, Scottish Quality Salmon, +44 (0)1738 587000 / 07974 173739 or Julie Edgar, Communications Director, Scottish Quality Salmon, +44 (0)1738 587000 or 07899 875151

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