Salmon industry in Scotland

Scottish salmon is famous the world-over for its fine quality and flavour. Like champagne or Parma ham, Scottish farmed salmon is protected from imitations by European law.

Scotland is the third largest salmon producer in the world. Salmon is of such importance to the Scottish economy that the industry deserves to be considered individually, separate from the wider seafood sector.

Since 2005 the ex-farm value of Scottish salmon has increased by 33 percent to around £400 million per annum. Like the rest of Scotland’s food and drink industry, it is expected to keep growing.

The scale of the salmon industry in Scotland

The following statistics show the scale of the industry in Scotland:

• Exports of salmon represent some 40 percent of all Scottish food exports
• Scotland produces around 75 percent of EU salmon and large trout output per annum
• Nearly half a billion meals featuring Scottish farmed salmon were enjoyed worldwide in 2006
• More than 12 million fish are exported to over 60 countries annually
• The salmon industry in Scotland supports 8500 jobs in total, of which 4500 are in remote rural communities