SCOTLAND’S £1 BILLION-PLUS SALMON INDUSTRY NEARING RECORD YEAR

Scotland’s £1 billion-plus salmon industry nearing record year. Scottish salmon is poised to achieve a record-breaking year, with strong growth in both domestic and international markets.

According to Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland:

“The popularity of Scottish salmon continues to soar at home and abroad, and we are heading for a record-breaking year of success.”

Export Growth Fuels Record Year

New industry figures reveal that salmon exports—Scotland’s largest food export—reached £191 million between July and September 2024, an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Total export sales for the first nine months of the year now stand at £622 million, a 30% year-on-year rise from £478 million.

Key markets driving this growth include France, which serves as the main entry point for sales across Europe, and Asia, with China, Taiwan, and Singapore emerging as prominent destinations. Each quarter in 2024 has seen increases in both sales and volumes, with the April-to-June period marking the highest growth.

Industry Investment Bolsters Success

Scottish salmon is farm-raised along the west coast and northern islands of Scotland. Although production volumes dipped in 2023 due to environmental challenges, including warming seawater and micro-jellyfish blooms, the sector has invested nearly £1 billion since 2018. These investments focus on:

• Freshwater treatment vessels,
• Scientific research,
• Reducing the time salmon spend at sea,
• Enhanced monitoring systems to address environmental challenges.

These efforts have improved survival rates, with a monthly average of 98.7% in the first nine months of 2024. The industry’s resilience ensures that it can meet the rising global demand for Scottish salmon.

Domestic Market and Economic Impact

In the UK, the domestic salmon market is valued at £1.2 billion annually, while the sector contributes £766 million in gross value added (GVA) to the Scottish and UK economies. Scott highlighted the pivotal role of innovation in achieving these results, noting:

“Capital investment by Scotland’s salmon-producing companies has delivered these outstanding results. Through scientific innovation and research, salmon farmers have significantly increased output.”

Ongoing Environmental Scrutiny

Despite the sector’s success, environmental concerns remain under review. In September, members of the Scottish Parliament’s rural affairs committee visited the Dunstaffnage fish farm near Oban. While some critics, such as Animal Equality UK, accused the operator of presenting a misleading image of the industry, Scottish Sea Farms defended the practices as routine. The Fish Health Inspectorate acknowledged that dead fish removal is a standard aspect of animal husbandry.

A follow-up inquiry is assessing changes in the sector since a 2018 report raised concerns about environmental impacts. Government inspectors reported no issues with fish mortality rates shortly before the committee’s visit.

Looking Ahead

Final quarter figures for 2024 will be released early next year, with industry leaders optimistic that the positive trends will continue, cementing a historic year for Scotland’s salmon industry.