Sales of Scottish seafood to Japan have increased fourfold in just a year.
In a press release, Seafood Scotland notes that Scottish seafood exports to the East grew to 2,630 tonnes last year. Of that 760 tonnes was fresh salmon – now a hit on Japanese sushi conveyor belt restaurants.
A delegation including Scottish Salmon Company, Hebridean Smokehouse, Associated Seafoods and Mowi is currently in Japan to represent Scottish salmon at this year’s Japan Seafood Expo 2019.
Seafood Scotland is a non-political organisation that works throughout the supply chain with fishermen, fish/shellfish farmers, processors, retailers, food service companies, caterers, NGOs and consumers.
Seafood Scotland Head of Trade Marketing Asia, Europe and Middle East Natalie Bell said: “Asia, and in particular Japan, is one of the largest consumers of seafood in the world. Their desire for Scottish seafood is on the increase, mirroring their appetite for high quality, sustainable and traceable products. The Japanese culture values prestige, reputation and respect above all else, with consumers aligning themselves with products and organisations that embody these values – the Scottish seafood story is the perfect fit. It is a traditional market, so our continued work here is imperative. Our aim is to continue to help Scotland grow in Japan, and the Japan Seafood Show provides a fantastic platform for this. It offers our most ambitious exporters the opportunity to take advantage of and make the all-important connections with buyers across the region.”
Associated Seafoods Commercial Director Neil Greig said: “We see Japan as a new and exciting opportunity for Associated Seafoods. We know the Japanese consumer values high quality seafood and we believe our authentic, premium Scottish smoked salmon is ideally placed to be well received by arguably the world’s most discerning seafood consumer.
“We already have a track record of delivering excellent quality and service to a number of leading global retailers and believe Japan represents a major opportunity. The support and guidance we have received from Seafood Scotland in the past in opening new markets has been invaluable and we see them playing an important role as we move forward in Japan.”
