Argyll and Bute salmon a major Scottish export success – Fishupdate.com

“Farmed salmon from Argyll and Bute was one of the biggest food success stories in 2010”, according to the new boss of Scotland’s food and drink industry body.

James Withers, chief eExecutive of Scotland Food and Drink, said: “Salmon from Lochs Creran, Linnhe, Spelve, Tuath and Melfort, to name but a few, is in high demand in current and emerging markets such as the France, USA, Ireland and China.”   Whilst visiting Scottish Sea Farms’ processing facility in South Shian and a farm near Shuna, Withers announced the top destinations for Scottish food exports in 2010.  The top markets for Scottish food were: France £275.7 million; Irish Republic £98.2 million; Spain £86.8 million; Germany £72.9 million; Italy £68.6 million, and; USA £61.5m.  “France, renowned around the world as the home of great food, is Scotland’s biggest food export destination.  Salmon accounts for the majority of exports to France; much of that comes from local farms like Shuna.” 

Scott Landsburgh, chief executive Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, said: “The year 2010 was a record year for salmon exports. The sector has continued to defy global economic uncertainty in the first half of this year as demand continues to be high. Local farmers can be proud of their success as salmon is playing a major role in strengthening the Scottish economy.”   Rory Conn, sales and commercial manager for Scottish Sea Farms, said: “The quality of our salmon is second to none and it’s great news that it is cultivating an enviable international reputation. France is one of our number one overseas markets. Export growth is a good thing for our employees, our business, our suppliers and the local and national economies as a whole.”