BC salmon exports hit record levels in Asia

BRITISH Columbia salmon has a rapidly growing market in Asia, according to export figures released at the end of July.

Data from Stats Canada (January to May 2016) shows exports of farmed salmon to key Asian markets is on a record setting pace this year, with many markets already eclipsing previous annual volumes.

Exports to Japan are on track to double in 2016, with farmers already reaching 97 per cent of the total export volume for 2015. Exports to Taiwan for 2016 have already exceeded the 2015 total.

Meanwhile, exports to South Korea are up tenfold over 2015 numbers, with more than 29,000 kg exported so far this year.

BC exported a record 54.4 million kg of farmed salmon to 11 countries in 2015. The US and China - the biggest and second biggest markets - are on-par or ahead of 2015 exports.

‘Boosting BC exports to Asia is a point of pride for communities and First Nations that work in and support the salmon farm industry,’ said Jeremy Dunn, executive director of BC Salmon Farmers Association.

‘We recently hosted 30 international buyers at the BC Seafood Festival in June, so it’s great to see our sustainable, healthy product on more plates in Asia.’

The fastest growing markets for BC farmed salmon include Taiwan and South Korea.

‘Overall, our sales to Asia are doing very well, thanks in part to excellent quality and BC’s strategic location, which allows us to get fresh salmon to market in half the time than any other major salmon producing country,’ said Nick DiCarlo, sales manager for Cermaq Canada.

‘There is a strong global demand for salmon and we can boost BC’s exports further if provided the opportunity to carefully grow the industry.’

Dave Mergle, managing director of Ocean Quality North America, said: ‘As a global producer we have the advantage of having our own sales team living in the region and this, along with excellent air logistics, has helped us to quickly reach the right customers.

‘Our customers really like farmed salmon from British Columbia and we see much future growth ahead.’

Salmon farming has a total economic impact of $1.1 billion in British Columbia and accounts for more than 5,000 jobs.

Salmon farmers work closely with coastal First Nations and have 20 economic impact benefit agreements in place, accounting for 78 per cent of all salmon raised in the province.