Scottish salmon exports have soared during 2017 according to the latest figures released today.
Over the first nine months of this year, salmon sales were valued at £483million – a 56% increase in export value on the same period last year.
And in the past three months alone, 21,000 tonnes of fresh salmon were exported worth £136million, up 29% in value and 25% in volume over the same period last year.
France overtook the USA as the largest market with sales worth nearly £45million. This year, Scottish salmon celebrated the 25th anniversary of being awarded the French government’s prestigious Label Rouge for taste and quality.
While the USA was pipped to the post for top export market, it still recorded sales of just over £37million while China was worth £14million.
James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink said: “These phenomenal figures show the growing demand for Scotland’s high quality, premium food and drink products across the world.
“Scotland is now home to the UK’s biggest drink export in Scotch Whisky and the biggest food export in Scottish salmon. They continue to lead the way.
“The growth in overseas markets is testament to the hard work of our trade specialists based across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Far East.”