Exports of Scottish Farmed Salmon up 48% in 2003

The exports of Scottish farmed salmon increased by a massive 48% in 2003 across all major markets, according to Scottish Quality Salmon.

The French market continued to be very strong with exports increasing to over 34,000 tonnes, while more modest markets such as Germany and Japan both increased significantly. The largest increase was recorded in the USA where exports climbed dramatically by 217%.

The increase can be put in context by considering the following:

• Scottish salmon exports increased by a massive 48%, from 58,302 tonnes in 2002 to 86,356 tonnes in 2003;
• France increased from 27,659 tonnes in 2002 to 34,610 tonnes in 2003, an increase of 25%;
• USA increased from 7,170 tonnes in 2002 to 22,739 in 2003, an increase of 217%;
• Germany increased from 5,104 tonnes in 2002 to 7,235 in 2003, an increase of 41%, and;
• Japan increased from 1,123 tonnes in 2002 to 3,236 tonnes in 2003, an increase of 53%.

“Clearly the Scottish label has great resonance with consumers around the globe. When people see the word Scottish, they know they are getting a great tasting product from a reputable source,” commented Brian Simpson, Chief Executive of Scottish Quality Salmon.

“In addition to this, when customers purchase from members of Scottish Quality Salmon, they know they are getting great tasting salmon packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids which has been produced to the highest standards of production in the world,” he added.

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.

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.

The statistics were gathered by Business & Trade Statistics Ltd and include fresh, frozen and smoked salmon.

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 or 07974 173739
Julie Edgar, Communications Director, Scottish Quality Salmon, +44 (0)1738 587000 or 07899 875151

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