SALMON SALES HIT £1.6 BILLION AHEAD OF WORLD CUP SUMMER

Salmon sales hit £1.6 billion ahead of World Cup summer. Sales of salmon have surged to almost £1.6 billion as demand for the UK’s favourite fish continues to grow.

New figures show more than 81,000 tonnes of salmon were sold in the 12 months to April, with volumes up 8.5 per cent and sales value up 7.3 per cent. While sales of fish overall have remained largely unchanged, salmon continues to grow strongly. The figures come as families turn to lighter, healthier meals over the summer, with salmon well suited to barbecues, salads, simple dinners, and World Cup match-day platters. Salmon accounted for almost a third of all fish sales in the UK and one fifth of total fish volumes, underlining its position as the nation’s most popular seafood choice.

It remains the leading fish category in UK retail, with sales worth more than three times cod or tuna, its nearest competitors, and almost twice the volume of cod. Trade body Salmon Scotland said the results reflect strong consumer demand for Scottish salmon, raised in the waters off the Highlands and islands. Fresh salmon accounted for £1.47 billion of total sales, including £481 million worth of smoked salmon. Scottish salmon also remains the UK’s largest food export, generating more than £1 billion annually for the economy and supporting jobs and investment in coastal and rural communities. Expert dietitians recommend that adults and children should eat two portions of fish every week, including one portion of oily fish such as Scottish farm-raised salmon. A single portion of Scottish salmon provides more than 70 per cent of daily vitamin D requirements, as well as high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said:

“These figures show salmon’s popularity continues to grow with shoppers across the UK. At a time when overall fish sales are flat, salmon is bucking the trend, with more people choosing it for everyday meals, summer gatherings, and special occasions. Whether it’s a healthy midweek dinner, a barbecue with friends, or a World Cup get-together, salmon is nutritious, versatile, and easy to enjoy. That demand is being seen at home and overseas, with Scottish salmon remaining the UK’s largest food export. That is good news for consumers and good news for Scotland’s coastal communities, where salmon farming supports jobs, investment, and economic growth.”

Value sales, 52 weeks ending 18 April 2026:

Fish: £4.93bn – up 4.3%

Total salmon: £1.59bn – up 7.3%
Tuna: £0.50bn – up 4.4%
Cod: £0.50bn – down 2.0%
Warm water prawns: £0.49bn – up 6.2%
Pollock: £0.24bn – up 4.0%
Haddock: £0.24bn – down 1.1%
Mixed seafood: £0.23bn – up 1.3%
Cold water prawns: £0.20bn – down 2.0%
Mackerel: £0.18bn – up 14.8%

Volume sales, 52 weeks ending 18 April 2026:

Fish: 410,771 tonnes – down 0.1%

Total salmon: 81,448 tonnes – up 8.5%
Tuna: 72,420 tonnes – up 4.0%
Cod: 43,078 tonnes – down 10.2%
Pollock: 38,525 tonnes – up 2.8%
Warm water prawns: 28,126 tonnes – up 3.9%
Haddock: 19,789 tonnes – down 8.6%
Mixed seafood: 18,393 tonnes – down 4.8%
Mackerel: 16,608 tonnes – up 2.6%
Cold water prawns: 12,737 tonnes – down 5.9%

Images: Salmon Scotland

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