Seafood Scotland event strengthens links with Japan

Japan’s Consul General in Edinburgh has formally opened Seafood Scotland’s new office in Ingliston, ahead of a major trade event in Japan later this month.

Seafood Scotland, the national trade and marketing body for Scottish seafood, will be co-hosting a delegation of eight Scottish seafood companies at the Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo which takes place in Tokyo from 21-23 August 2024.

The Japanese market has become an increasingly important target for Scottish seafood exports, with sales of Scottish mackerel increasing rapidly. Exports have grown exponentially since 2019, with volume sales rising from around 1.5m kg to more than 15m kgs in that timeframe (figures are from the Japanese government statistics portal e-stat). This has led to Scotland accounting for almost 20% of the total market share of mackerel in Japan.

Tadashi Fujiwara, the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh, was the guest of honour at the opening of Seafood Scotland’s new office this week (pictured, above are, from left: Adam Wing, Head of Trade Marketing UK, Middle East & Asia, Tadashi Fujiwara, Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh and Donna Fordyce, Chief Executive of Seafood Scotlan).

Platters of sushi created from Scottish seafood were served during discussions on the soaring popularity of Scottish mackerel amid hopes that the species will act as a driver to accelerate export opportunities across a range of Scottish species.

Adam Wing, head of trade marketing for the UK Middle East and Asia, believes there is a real opportunity to build on Scotland’s seafood trade with Japan.

He said: “The growth in mackerel sales is a testament to the quality of species in Scotland’s waters and reinforces Japan’s desire to import the very best quality products – something that Scotland has in abundance.

“We have proven, trusted relationships with Japanese seafood importers and buyers all of whom understand and appreciate the premium quality and provenance of Scottish seafood.  By working in partnership with the UK government and Seafish at the Expo we are aiming to showcase the very best of what Scotland has to offer.”

The companies attending the Expo are: Ace Aquatec, Associated Seafoods, Denholm Seafoods, Hebridean Smokehouse, Lunar Freezing, Macduff, Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation and Wester Ross Farming.

Seafood Scotland said: “[They] exemplify the diversity and quality of Scottish seafood.  As well as mackerel, salmon, lobster, langoustines, and crab will also feature at the show.

“Companies will be supported throughout the expo with trade expertise, on-stand promotional activity, and sampling demonstrations.”

This is Seafood Scotland’s ninth year supporting seafood companies at the Tokyo expo.