Salmon sales soar to £1.5bn amid continued demand for Scottish fish

Salmon sales soared to £1.5bn in 2024 as strong demand for the UK’s favourite fish continues.

Trade body Salmon Scotland said sales increased by 5.5% in the 12 months to December 2024, accounting for nearly a third of all fish sales in the UK.

Salmon maintained its leading position in the seafood sector, holding 31% of the value share and selling nearly three times more than cod, its closest competitor.

The volume of salmon sold also rose by 5.8%, reaching more than 73,000 tonnes, the highest of any fish in the UK.

The year-on-year growth for salmon outpaced the 2.9% rise recorded across the wider fish category.

Salmon now accounts for nearly one in five tonnes of fish sold nationwide, which Salmon Scotland says reflects a “demand and consumer confidence” in Scottish salmon.

Separately, Scottish salmon farmed in five areas across Scotland’s west coast and northern islands, remains the UK’s largest food export.

Exports for Scottish salmon reached a record £844m in 2024, a 45% increase.

Growth of more than 60% was recorded in Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan.

The trade body said the sector “remains confident” in international demand, despite the 10% import tariff on UK goods announced by US President Donald Trump.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “Scottish salmon continues to be a key player in the UK’s seafood market, both as the leading food export and a preferred choice for British shoppers.

“With salmon now accounting for nearly a third of all fish sales in the UK, it’s clear that people are choosing it for its health benefits and sustainability,” he said.

“This demand is great news for the nation’s health and the economy, supporting thousands of jobs across Scotland’s rural and coastal communities.”