Exports of Label Rouge Scottish Salmon increase by 15% in first half of 2004

The exports of Label Rouge Scottish salmon to France increased by 15% during the first half of 2004, compared with the same period for the previous year.

The new figures, released by Scottish Quality Salmon, show that a total of 2730 tonnes have been exported to France during January - June 2004, compared with 2364 tonnes for the same period in 2003.

Commenting on the continued success of Label Rouge Scottish salmon, Brian Simpson, Chief Executive of Scottish Quality Salmon said: “This further demonstrates the confidence that the French consumers have in the quality of Label Rouge Scottish salmon.

“The first half of 2004 mirrors the growth of previous years. I have previously explained that I consider this to be because Label Rouge Scottish salmon is top of the range, superior quality, and I believe this more than ever now.

“French consumers are enjoying more Label Rouge Scottish salmon than ever before and this is despite the negative publicity at the start of the year. They clearly trust the very real standard of excellence guaranteed by Label Rouge status.

“Earlier this year I enthused about our new promotional material and this has undoubtedly helped to reassure those consumers that had their confidence dented at the beginning of the year.

“Label Rouge and the Scottish label has great resonance with French consumers. Adding the recently acquired Protected Geographical Index (PGI) status to this combination should help boost Label Rouge Scottish salmon sales even further and in doing so further improve the nation’s health,” he concluded.

Notes to Editors:

1 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.
2 The 2003 exports of Label Rouge Scottish salmon to France increased by 5.5%, bringing the total to 5837 tonnes.
3 Exports of Label Rouge Scottish salmon have increased for six consecutive years, from 2493 tonnes in 1997 to 5837 tonnes in 2003.
4 Exports of Scottish farmed salmon increased by a massive 48% in 2003 across all major markets. 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%.
5 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.

END 6rd September 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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