© Salmon Scotland
The official protected geographical indication (PGI) gives European consumers confidence that they are eating Scottish salmon, which is recognised as a premium product across the continent. This designation prevents attempts to describe fish from elsewhere in EU countries as Scottish.
France is the biggest international market for the fish, accounting for more than half of all exports, with sales of £462 million in 2024.
The European Commission’s labelling decision means that the term ‘Scottish salmon’ has a protected geographical indication which aligns with a new UK PGI already in place following Brexit. The strict geographical designation will be ‘the coastal region of mainland Scotland, Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland Isles’. Only salmon raised in these areas can be sold as ‘Scottish salmon’ in the bloc.
“Scottish salmon is a premium product, so this decision ensures that European consumers know they are eating the best salmon in the world when they purchase our fish,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, in a press release. “The EU PGI will boost consumer confidence across the continent and help us further grow our export market, delivering jobs and investment for rural communities in Scotland.
The EU has decided to amend a previously protected name of ‘Scottish farmed salmon’ although packaging will still make it clear that the salmon are farm-raised – and there is no impact on Scottish wild salmon, which is no longer commercially available for consumption.
Scottish salmon is the United Kingdoms’s largest food export, with international sales in 2025 poised to hit £1 billion for the first time. Salmon exports from Scotland rose by 33 percent to £941 million in the rolling 12 months to the end of June.
About a third of Scottish salmon exports to France carry the prestigious Label Rouge mark, awarded more than 30 years ago for superior quality. Salmon is also the United Kingdom’s favourite fish, with sales soaring to £1.5 billion in the 12 months to August, amid rising demand.
“As part of our Plan for the Change, the UK Government's Brand Scotland initiative is fully backing Scotland’s world-class food and drink sector, including securing a trade deal with the EU that will remove red tape for businesses such as Scottish salmon producers to export to the continent," said UK Government Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill.
