The premium product was granted Protected Geographical Indication in 2004, in recognition of Scotland’s unique marine environment – putting it in the same class as Scotch Whisky, Champagne and Parma Ham.
Exports of Scottish farmed salmon that year were valued at £140 million, soaring to an estimated £454 million a decade later, according to the most recent figures available for 2013.
This week the Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead is attending the Seafood Global Expo in Brussels. Last year Scottish exhibitors who attended the expo reported an additional international turnover for the next three years of over £60 million.
This year Scottish companies are looking to build on this outstanding return with more than 25,000 seafood buyers from across the world attending along with exhibitors from 75 countries. Nineteen companies are exhibiting at the popular Scottish Pavilion.
Mr Lochhead said: “Scotland is rightly hailed as a land of food and drink across the world and this year Scottish farmed salmon is celebrating 10 years as a PGI. During this time it has been named as the best farmed salmon in the world by international seafood buyers and continues to be in huge demand worldwide.
“Scottish salmon is already our largest food export and earlier this year I launched a new food export plan designed to allow all the sector to realise its huge potential. A key part of this ambitious plan involves appointing food and drink specialists in 16 key markets worldwide to champion Scottish produce. I am pleased the first appointments are already in hand in Japan, China and Canada.
“This week’s Seafood Global Expo is the world’s largest seafood show with buyers from across the globe, including key markets for Scotland such as the US and France and the emerging markets in Asia. This is a fantastic event where Scottish seafood sector can showcase it’s wonderful range of seafood products and celebrate its position as a global player.”
Scott Lansburgh, Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, said: “Producing high quality, healthy and delicious farmed salmon is the key to our success. In addition provenance has become as important to our customers. The designation of Protected Geographic Indication provides an international guarantee of origin for the salmon we produce. We are delighted to celebrate 10 years of PGI at this key event at the world's largest seafood show in Brussels.
“To be able to enjoy the same status as Scotch Beef and other notable European foods has helped us develop our reputation in over 60 countries worldwide."
