SEAFOOD SCOTLAND AND CONSUL GENERAL OF JAPAN MEET AHEAD OF TOKYO SEAFOOD EXPO

Seafood Scotland and Consul General of Japan meet ahead of Tokyo Seafood Expo.

• The importance of Scottish seafood to Japanese markets is discussed ahead of international event in Japan
• Seafood Scotland supports Scottish businesses to promote to the Japanese market which was valued at £16mill pre pandemic

Just weeks before the International Seafood & Technology Expo takes place in Tokyo, Seafood Scotland and diplomats from the Japanese Consulate met in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday 25 July) to discuss the importance of the Japanese market to the Scottish seafood sector, and how products are perceived by Japanese consumers.

Mr Adam Wing, Head of Trade Marketing – UK, Middle East & Asia at Seafood Scotland invited Mr Tadashi Fujiwara, the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh, and Japan’s cultural diplomat Mr Sora Sato, to sample Scottish seafood prepared in Japanese styles.

Featuring species such as mackerel, salmon, langoustines, brown crab and lobster, the dishes included nigiri, gunkan and sushi rolls. All were prepared by renowned Edinburgh restaurant, Harajuku Kitchen.

Japan is a key market for Scottish seafood suppliers, who prior to the pandemic exported more than 2,000 tonnes of product – valued at over £16 million – to the country each year. Seafood Scotland is continuing to support Scottish companies to recover this premium export market and make the most of the trade opportunities presented.

Mr Wing said:

“Scotland and Japan have historically enjoyed a great relationship, with the two countries collaborating across a range of sectors. When it comes to seafood, Japanese consumers demand only the best, requiring high quality and traceability. Their appreciation of Scottish seafood products is a real testament to the work our seafood sector has put in to ensure excellence in quality, freshness, and flavour.”

Scottish farmed salmon already enjoys Geographic Indicator status in Japan, ensuring consumers can always be certain they’re eating the real thing.

Mr Fujiwara said:

“Scotland’s reputation for producing high quality sustainable seafood is one of the key reasons that demand for Scottish seafood continues to increase in Japan. I am confident that with support from Seafood Scotland, Scottish exporters will enjoy greater access to the discerning Japanese market”.

The meeting took place at the Edinburgh HQ of Bakkafrost Scotland, the third-largest fish farming company in the world which acquired The Scottish Salmon Company in 2019.

The Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo will take place in Tokyo on 23-25 August. Seafood Scotland will host seven Scottish exporters on its pavilion which will be delivered in partnership with Scottish Development International, the Department for Business & Trade, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and Seafish.

Companies will be supported throughout the expo with trade expertise, on-stand promotional activity, and sampling demonstrations. Seafood Scotland and Scottish Development International will also host around 100 trade buyers for a Celebration of Scottish Seafood at the British Embassy, Tokyo; the evening reception will be hosted by the British Ambassador to Japan, Ms Julia Longbottom CMG.

Mr Wing added:

“Visiting Japan is always a highlight for me, but I’m especially looking forward to my visit next month for the International Seafood & Technology Expo. It will be a great opportunity to remind everyone of why Scotland’s reputation for quality, sustainable seafood is second to none.”