Initial figures for the festive season in Scotland show that Inverawe organic smoked salmon increased by a dramatic 500 per cent on normal weekly sales at Waitrose over the season.
Giguha Halibut, which accounts for all sales of Scottish halibut, reported a 42 per cent increasing in turnover during December.
Salmon products had increased by £2 million over the festive period compared with the same period the previous year to £44.4 million.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "These record breaking figures show that Scots are really getting behind local producers and choosing Scottish brands during the festive period.
"It has been a sparkling festive period for Scottish salmon as sales have leapt in response to bumper demand. Both the volume and value have significantly increased as people continued to seek healthy, affordable and convenient foods at Christmas time.
"Retailers with salmon sourced exclusively from Scotland reported particularly strong growth, recording, on average, a nine per cent increase in value and a six per cent increase in volume as demand for quality Scottish salmon continues to outstrip supply."
Did you know the following facts about one of Scotland's major food producers:
- Scotland's salmon farmers injected in excess of £500 million into the economy in 2008;
- Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation members have invested over £84 million in capital projects over the last three years;
- The Highlands and Islands continue to be the most significant beneficiaries
- 1 million fresh salmon meals are eaten in the UK every day;
- Salmon exports have increased by over 500 per cent in the last twenty years;
- In 1980 only nine per cent of fish consumed by people came from aquaculture, now it is approaching 50 per cent;
