Europe declares Scottish farmed salmon a “top 10” food in unique trade agreement with China

Scottish farmed salmon has been included in a prestigious “top 10” of quality food products in a unique trade agreement between the Europe and China.

After over a year’s consultation, the initial stage of a trade agreement to recognise and protect quality products with geographical indications has been concluded.

Scottish farmed salmon joins cheeses, ham, olive oil and plums from France, Italy, Spain and the UK in a list of 10 European quality products, which has been selected from the 750 food and drink products recognised by the European Commission's Protected Food Names Scheme.  A list of 10 Chinese products has also been presented for registration in Europe.

Welcoming the news, Sid Patten, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, said: “This is fantastic news as it is further recognition of a quality product that is in demand at home and around the world.

“The unique trade agreement may be the first step in developing an exciting, new market,” he added.

Notes to editors:

1. There are over 750 food and drink products recognised by the European Commission (EC) in the EU's Protected Food Names Scheme.
2. The EC's Protected Food Names Scheme highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. Under this system a named food or drink registered at a European level will be given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU.
3. Scottish farmed salmon was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the EC in 2004.
   

For further information, contact Ken Hughes on 01738 587 006 or 07974 173739.

back to media releases and website news