Chinese Appetite for Scottish Salmon as Exports Soar

Just six months after the first direct exports were agreed, China has become the largest export destination for Scottish salmon in the Far East.

In January this year, the Scottish and Chinese governments reached an agreement to allow seafood exports directly from Scotland to the People's Republic of China.

New data from HM Revenue & Customs reveal that between January and June this year, 2347 tonnes of Scottish salmon were exported to the most populous country in the world.

The value of all salmon exports to Far East markets, which include China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, increased from £2.1 million between January and June 2010 to more than £16 million for the same period in 2011.

Opening up this new Far East market has boosted international exports by £12 million, up 600 per cent, with Scottish producers making up almost a quarter of the Atlantic salmon market after just six months of trading in China.

Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, said: "From a standing start earlier this year China has become the fifth-largest export destination for Scottish salmon.

"With a significant number of discerning customers who appreciate premium quality salmon, China is a welcome addition to the other 70 global markets in which our sector operates. The value of exports to the whole of the Far East region has increased eightfold in 12 months."

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "This is huge vote of confidence in Scottish salmon and yet another boost for Scottish food exports.

"If this is what can be achieved in the first six months, then the sky could be the limit for exports to China.

"The high quality of Scottish salmon is perfect for the increasing popularity of sashimi and sushi and the vast majority of our salmon is exported fresh to meet the growing appetite for Japanese-style premium raw fish in China."

Scottish Development International chief executive, Anne MacColl, said: "Today's announcement is a true reflection of Scotland's reputation as a world-leading producer of high-quality seafood produce.

"Our strategy focuses on maximising Scotland's international trade opportunities and we will continue to work alongside industry partners, like the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, to support ambitious Scottish companies as they access new markets."

Between January and June this year, 3036 tonnes (whole fish equivalent) of Scottish salmon, fresh, frozen and smoked products were exported to the Far East. The total value was £16 million.

China is one of the largest global markets for seafood. The supply of fresh Atlantic salmon to the Chinese market has doubled in the last five years, increasing from 9130 tonnes in 2006 to 18,040 tonnes in 2010 (whole fish equivalent). China also imported some 221,500 tonnes of frozen Pacific salmon from North America, Japan and Russia in 2010. (Source: Kontali Analyse, a leading independent provider of analyses and information on aquaculture, fisheries, seafood trade and markets).

The agreement between the Scottish and Chinese governments was confirmed in January 2011 when First Minister Alex Salmond met with Vice-Premier Li during a visit to Scotland.

Earlier this year (May 2011) Scottish salmon was named best farmed salmon in the worldin a poll of international seafood buyers from leading retail and foodservice companies.

One of the world's leading seafood publications, Seafood International, asked 20 international seafood buyers from 10 countries to pick the best farmed salmon based on superior taste, quality and appearance.

Buyers were asked to rate farmed salmon from Norway, Chile, Scotland, Canada, Faroe Islands, United States of America, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania. Scottish salmon topped the poll with seven votes.

It is expected to be confirmed soon that Scottish salmon production increased to over 150,000 tonnes in 2010, which would be a third successive annual increase.

In 2010, salmon farming provided 1813 direct jobs in Scotland, an increase of around 15 per cent on the previous year (while many more jobs are supported indirectly and employment in rural areas).

The top five export markets for Scottish salmon are: USA, France, Poland, Irish Republic and China.

Strong export trade for Scottish farmed salmon has been built on Scottish provenance, the product's PGI status awarded by the European Commission and its premium taste, quality and character.

As part of its policy to increase sustainable economic growth, the Scottish Government has identified food and drink as key economic areas for development. The Scottish Government is supporting the industry target to increase the value of the food and drink sector to £12.5 billion by 2017.

Looking to explore new overseas markets and export opportunities? You'll find free help and advice in Scotland Food & Drink's 'How Do I...' Guides.

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