Salmon exports leap to new record
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
EXPORTS of fresh Scottish salmon have leapt to record levels for the second consecutive year, according to new official figures.
Emerging and well-established markets helped boost exports by 22 per cent, rising to 95,638 tonnes in 2011 from 78,611 tonnes the previous year.
Deals with China and the Far East in particular have hauled in healthy fresh orders for the industry.
The news is significant in Ross-shire which has a major interest in the sector.
Merinvest, the French parent company of MerAlliance, a key player in the European salmon processing industry, is the new owner of the Edinburgh Salmon Company (ESCo), which is based in Dingwall. The company predicts a growth in jobs and orders in the coming months.
The new stats meanwhile show that of the top ten markets have grown in volume and fresh Scottish salmon now reaches 64 countries worldwide.
North America has taken over as the main export market for the first time, rising 35 per cent during the last year to 44,454 tonnes.
Despite the continuing economic uncertainty, Europe has performed strongly as it imported almost the identical volume as the previous year (39,979 tonnes).
Emerging markets have seen the most striking increases; the Far East has risen from 682 tonnes to 6,779 tonnes, a leap of 894 per cent; the Middle East has risen from 1,340 tonnes to 1,562 tonnes, a jump of 17 per cent.
The new figures are revealed as the sector targets further export growth at the world’s largest seafood show this week.
Held in Brussels, the European Seafood Exposition (ESE) is forecast to attract over 24,000 visitors from 80 countries.
Seventeen seafood companies are to exhibit on the 705 square metre Scottish Pavilion, which is organised by Scottish Development International (SDI) and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to promote the vision of Scotland as a ‘Land of Food and Drink’.
A host of other Scottish-based companies will exhibit at the show independently.
Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive, Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), said: “Exports of fresh Scottish salmon have increased five out of the last six years and have almost doubled over the last decade. With both Scottish salmon exports and global demand for Atlantic salmon at an all-time high, the sector is a major player in the export-led recovery.
"We have worked with the Scottish Government to ensure the sustainable development of production over recent years and the early results are demonstrated in these encouraging figures. We must continue to work collaboratively to ensure continued confidence and avoid any unintended consequences in the proposed Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill as this would jeopardise further investment and job creation,” he added.
