Seafood sales soar as f ish mussels in on meat market
SALES of fresh fish have soared in the past year as growing numbers of Scots opt for a healthier diet.
Fish was the fastest selling protein choice as more people than ever before opt for it rather than the more traditional meat and poultry.
Sales of fish grew by more than 7 per cent, a rise that eclipsed both game and poultry.
The move comes as Scotland’s seafood suppliers increase their efforts to target lucrative new overseas markets in China and the Far east. Last week, a delegation looked to secure money-spinning export deals at a major exhibition in Shanghai.
Scottish seafood exports have risen from £448million in 2007 to £552million last year.
Graham Young, head of Seafood Scotland, is optimistic this can be increased further. He said exports to China alone had grown by 548 per cent to £22.5million over the past six years.
As sales of Scots salmon in the US are expected to smash £200million for the first time this year, Mr Young now expects a similar surge in the Chinese market.
But it is in the home market that Scotland’s hard-pressed fishing industry will take extra comfort.
Sales grew by 7.4 per cent to £1.3billion, while the demand for fresh meat and poultry rose by only 2.3 per cent and 1.3 per cent respectively, jointly earning £9billion, according to the Grocer magazine.
Although the growth in the fish market was partly due to price rises, volumes have risen compared to a decline in fresh meat.
Yvonne Adam, marketing director at Young’s Seafood, said more emphasis was being placed by retailers on fish counters.
She added: ‘Fishmonger services help shoppers to select seafood, giving them more confidence and inspiring them with new ideas on how to cook fish.
‘we believe the fish counter revolution will have a positive impact on the market as a whole over the long term.’
The Scottish Government has given a firm commitment that it will work with the industry to ensure it can flourish and prosper. richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Fisheries and Food, believes the country must grasp the latest opportunities offered by the growing markets.
He said: ‘Global demand for Scottish seafood is booming. we want
‘Emerging markets, premium products’
to make sure that all parts of the supply chain can benefit from the phenomenal success of our food and drink industry, which has seen exports increase by 50 per cent since 2007 and turnover rise to almost £14billion.
‘One of our priorities – which has been given extra impetus in the wake of the russian trade embargo – is to explore new and emerging markets for our pr e mium products.
‘The Scotland food and drink export plan sets out how we aim to increase overseas sales in key markets such as the Far east, where there is a great and growing demand for Scottish seafood.’
earlier this month, tourism bosses confirmed that they hoped to place special emphasis on Scottish produce in a year-long campaign aimed at boosting food and drink sales.
Having enjoyed huge exposure in the wake of the Commonwealth Games and the ryder Cup, visit Scotland hopes to keep the international spotlight on homegrown products.