The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Showcase is opportunity to increase fish exports
DEMAND: Market growth pushed seafood exports to £759 million last year
Dozens of Scottish seafood producers will land in Brussels today for the start of a three-day trade mission.
A total of 46 Scottish firms will be present when Seafood Expo Global, the world’s largest seafood show, kicks off.
The Scottish delegation is 40% larger than in 2016 and sector chiefs are hoping to haul in a series of new supply deals to increase export orders to more than the £759 million achieved in 2016.
Dawnfresh, the major fish and seafood processor that owns Arbroath-based RR Spink & Sons, was one of the major winners last year after securing a significant contract to export Harasu trout bellies to Japan.
The latest mission follows last month’s visit to Seafood Expo North America in Boston in which a number of Scottish companies secured new supply contracts.
Natalie Bell, Seafood Scotland trade marketing manager for Europe, Middle East and Asia, said the expo was a chance for producers to book a significant rise in orders.
“Seafood now accounts for the biggest rise (26% year on year) in food exports from Scotland – and there is no sign that demand is doing anything but increasing,” she said.
“The seafood industry has worked hard over the last 10 years to attract more business to Scotland by showcasing our sustainable, world-class products – resulting in a thriving international marketplace for our seafood.
“With buyers wielding global purchasing power present in Brussels, we’re putting our best foot forward and aiming high on the order front.”
Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of the Perth-based Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, said the salmon sector had been resilient in the face of market challenges.
“Despite a rise in market prices last year resulting from growing international demand for the UK’s favourite fish, and Scotland’s number one food export, consumer demand has not been affected,” Mr Landsburgh said.
“It’s clear that high quality and taste remain firmly on the agenda. This is great news for our producers as they head out to the world’s largest seafood event to secure new business and build on trade links for the coming years.”
Susan Beattie, head of food and drink at Scottish Development International, said: “This is a key show for our industry, attracting buyers from all eight top prospect markets in the Scotland Food & Drink Export Plan.”