Welcoming the change in fortunes, Sid Patten, Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) said: It is encouraging that the 2006 salmon exports are to increase, albeit marginally.
Farmed salmon is a high growth sector of the food industry, however over the last few years the progress in Scotland has not matched the expanding global market. We must continue to improve the competitiveness of our industry, so that we achieve growth in-line with market demand and compete with other salmon producing countries, Patten said.
The 2006 exports figure is expected to show a marginal increase on the 2005 total of 57,246 tonnes.
Exports facts & figures
- Scotland exported more than 12 million whole salmon in 2006
- Nearly half a billion (475,000,000) Scottish farmed salmon meals were enjoyed worldwide in 2006
- 60 countries imported Scottish farmed salmon in 2006
- Europe remains the major market for Scottish farmed salmon, with France by far the largest importer
- Scottish farmed salmon was the first non-French product and the first fish to be honoured with the prestigious Label Rouge accolade from the French Government