Exports of Scottish salmon have reached a record high of £844 million in 2024, marking a 45% increase from the previous year and solidifying the product’s position as the UK’s top food export. The new figure surpasses the previous record of £618 million set in 2019.
Sales growth was particularly strong in Asian markets, with exports to China and Taiwan rising by over 60%. In total, Scottish salmon was sent to 48 countries last year. France remains the largest market, accounting for 55% of total exports, followed by the United States with 27%.
Heathrow Airport continues to be a major hub for salmon exports, with the fish remaining the largest export by volume through the airport. The success follows a four-year high in survival rates on Scottish salmon farms, which reached 82.3% in 2024, aided by multi-million-pound investments in technology to improve animal welfare.
The salmon industry is a significant contributor to the Scottish and UK economies, employing around 12,500 people across the supply chain. Tavish Scott, CEO of trade body Salmon Scotland, highlighted the growing global demand for Scottish salmon and emphasized the importance of continued investment in welfare standards and regulation to foster further economic growth.
