International sales of Scottish salmon have hit a record high of £844 million, soaring by 45% in a year to remain the UK’s top food export.
Massive growth of more than 60% was recorded in Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan, with Scottish salmon globally recognised for its superior quality.
Exports were sent to 48 countries in 2024.
New HMRC figures published today show Scottish salmon remains the top UK food export, ahead of Cheddar cheese and other popular British products like lamb and beef.
The 2024 export total smashes the previous record of £618 million set in 2019.
Scottish salmon is the largest export by volume that goes through Heathrow Airport, where it travels on scheduled flights to multiple international destinations and maintains its freshness.
France remains the top market, accounting for 55 per cent of total value of all Scottish salmon exports, followed by the United States (27 per cent).
The new figures come after survival rates on salmon farms in Scotland – where fish
spent up to two years at sea – reached a four-year high of 82.3 per cent in 2024
following multi-million pound tech investments to enhance animal welfare.
This improvement in survival has led to more food being available to export to meet international demand. At the same time, Salmon is also the UK’s most popular fish.
The sector directly employs around 2,500 people in coastal communities, with the supply chain adding another 10,000 jobs – generating hundreds of millions of pounds for the Scottish and UK economies.
Scottish salmon exports hit record high
13 February 2025
