Scottish salmon exports down 20 per cent

SCOTTISH salmon exports were down by 20.1 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, according to figures released by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) in December.

While food and drink exports increased by 1.8 per cent to £16.4 billion from January to September 2018, when compared to the same period in 2017, salmon saw a drop of 16,600 tonnes, equivalent to £94.3 million.

All of the top 10 export products reported growth in January to September, apart from beer and salmon.

The decline was primarily a result of a fall in sales to France (-19 per cent) and the US (-36.2 per cent).

Although Scotland recorded record production figures in 2017 of 189,707 tonnes, there has been a decrease in harvest volumes this year, and the total production for 2018 is expected to total 151,000 tonnes.

Ian Wright, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said: ‘Despite the tumultuous times, UK food and drink exports continue to grow.

‘These results record a very creditable performance across many product categories and destination markets.

‘However, it is clear that businesses must work ever harder to deliver. Access to high quality market insight, advice and practical support is increasingly vital for success.’

He added that the FDF is collaborating with government departments to ‘take on our rivals in the highly competitive global food marketplace’.