• Scottish Salmon is the UK’s largest food export, with international sales in 2025 poised to hit USD 1.32 billion for the first time.
• France is the biggest international market for their fish, accounting for more than half of all exports, with sales of USD 611.50 million in 2024
Scottish Salmon has secured protected legal status across the European Union (EU) in recognition of its world-beating quality. The official protected geographical indication (PGI) gives European consumers confidence that they are eating Scottish Salmon, which is recognized as a premium product across the continent. The strict geographical designation will be “the coastal region of mainland Scotland, Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland Isles”.
“Scottish Salmon is a premium product, so this decision ensures that European consumers know they are eating the best salmon in the world when they purchase our fish,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland. “The EU PGI will boost consumer confidence across the continent and help us further grow our export market, delivering jobs and investment for rural communities in Scotland,” he added.
“Our salmon farmers work hard to rear their fish, and this recognition by the European Commission is testament to the commitment of all those who continue to meet the growing demand for Scottish Salmon at home and abroad.”
The protection prevents any attempts in EU countries to describe fish from elsewhere as Scottish. Only salmon raised in those areas can be sold as Scottish Salmon in the bloc. The European Commission’s labelling decision means that the term Scottish Salmon has a protected geographical indication which aligns with a new UK PGI already in place following Brexit.
The EU has decided to amend a previously protected name of ‘Scottish farmed salmon’ although packaging will still make it clear that the salmon are farm-raised – and there is no impact on Scottish wild salmon, which is no longer commercially available for consumption.
Excellent Numbers
Scottish Salmon is the UK’s largest food export, with international sales in 2025 poised to hit USD 1.32 billion for the first time. Salmon exports from Scotland rose by 33 per cent to USD 1,245.51 million in the rolling 12 months to the end of June. Salmon is also the UK’s favorite fish, with sales soaring to USD 1.99 billion in the 12 months to August, amid rising demand.
About a third of Scottish Salmon exports to France carry the prestigious Label Rouge mark, awarded more than 30 years ago for superior quality.
A Recognition That Bears Witness to the Commitment of the Entire Supply Chain
According to the chief executive of Salmon Scotland: “Our salmon farmers work hard to rear their fish, and this recognition by the European Commission is testament to the commitment of all those who continue to meet the growing demand for Scottish Salmon at home and abroad.”
For his part, For Kirsty McNeill, UK Government Scotland Office Minister: “Salmon is one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland’s world-class produce and this move will help maintain its hard-earned global reputation for unrivalled quality.
“As part of our Plan for the Change, the UK Government’s Brand Scotland initiative is fully backing Scotland’s world-class food and drink sector, including securing a trade deal with the EU that will remove red tape for businesses such as Scottish Salmon producers to export to the continent.»
Representing Every Company
As an organization, Scottish Salmon represents every company involved in salmon farming in Scotland, as well as other key players along the Scottish salmon supply chain. “We are committed to championing the sector’s interests. By collaborating with our members, the UK and Scottish governments, and regulators, we actively contribute to shaping a regulatory environment that allows both Scotland and our members to prosper,” they assure.
It is true that Salmon Scotland is the trusted voice of the Scottish salmon sector. For them, its relevance lies on the importance of Scottish salmon to the economy -they generate USD 1,1013.88 million every year- and employment -2,500 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs-, for its country.
