Scottish salmon celebrated at Whitehall reception
Scottish salmon has been celebrated at a UK Government reception in London.
Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of industry body Salmon Scotland, joined Scotland Office Minister John Lamont and Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer at Dover House, Whitehall for a cross-party event with MPs and officials on Tuesday this week.
Guests included Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, and SNP parliamentarians and farm-raised salmon sector representatives.
John Lamont, UK Government Minister for Scotland, said: “Scottish salmon is a great British export success story, rightly renowned around the globe. “It’s also of huge importance for many of our coastal communities and supports thousands of jobs all over Scotland.
“The UK Government is determined to ensure it continues to enjoy a sustainable and profitable future.
“As we strike new international trade deals this will create more worldwide opportunities for Scottish salmon.”
Mark Spencer, UK Government Fisheries Minister, said: “As our biggest food export, we recognise the great opportunities that Scottish salmon brings to the Scottish and UK economy, which is why the UK Government is committed to supporting the sector and growth of our coastal communities.
“Nearly £20m from our UK Seafood Fund has been invested already to support infrastructure projects in the sector, including the expansion of processing facilities for Scottish salmon, and ensure the UK fishing and seafood industry remains sustainable in the long run.”
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “We have an excellent relationship with the Scotland Office, the wider UK Government, and MPs who acknowledge the vital importance of international trade for Scottish salmon… I am confident that, by working together, Scottish salmon will successfully navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”
Scottish salmon is the UK’s biggest food export, ahead of bread and pastries, chocolate, cereals, and cheese.
Recent HMRC figures show that exports to Asia have more than doubled to £24m in the first three months of this year, driven by strong demand from China, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea.
Salmon Scotland believes that there are further opportunities for growth in North America and Asia due to rising consumer demand and ongoing efforts to reduce trade barriers.
The organisation also recently unveiled an ambitious growth plan for Scotland’s premium “Label Rouge” salmon to target European markets, aiming to increase its share to 15% by 2026.
