Salmon has cemented its position as the UK’s most popular fish, with sales rising by 9.1 per cent in the year to June 2024, according to the latest industry data.
Total sales reached £1.2 billion, accounting for 28 per cent of all fish purchased in the UK and outpacing the broader fish market’s 4.8 per cent growth.
Scottish salmon remained the driving force behind this performance, dominating the chilled seafood sector with a 48 per cent share by value among the top ten species. The fish continues to outsell its nearest competitor, warm water prawns, by a factor of four. Smoked salmon, a seasonal favourite, accounted for 25.2 per cent of total salmon sales, with demand expected to spike further during the festive period.
The figures underscore robust consumer confidence in salmon produced in Scotland’s Highlands and islands, said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland.
“Salmon is by far the most popular fish in the UK, accounting for more than a quarter of all seafood sales. This highlights not only its nutritional value but also its vital economic role in supporting jobs across Scotland’s coastal communities,” he said.
International demand has also soared. Exports in the third quarter of 2024 rose by 11 per cent year-on-year to £191 million, bringing the year-to-date total to £622 million and surpassing 2019’s record annual figure of £618 million. Key export markets such as France, the US, and China led the growth, with Taiwan and Singapore emerging as significant buyers.
Each quarter of 2024 has seen growth in both volume and value, with the April-to-June period posting the sharpest increase. Scottish salmon, farmed along Scotland’s west coast and northern islands, remains the UK’s largest food export.
The salmon industry contributes over £760 million annually to Scotland’s economy and supports more than 2,500 direct jobs, with 10,000 roles dependent on the sector. Salmon farming’s supply chain spans 3,600 Scottish businesses, underlining its critical importance to rural communities.
Scott described the outlook as promising: “The popularity of Scottish salmon continues to soar, reflecting the strong confidence consumers have in this world-class product, both at home and abroad. We are well on track for a record-breaking year.”
As festive preparations drive additional demand, the industry anticipates continued robust performance through the holiday season.
