Scottish Salmon Hits Chinese Markets

An agreement between the Scottish and Chinese governments will allow Scottish salmon exports into China for the first time. Scotland's fish farming industry already supports 6,000 jobs in Scotland worth UK£500 million to the economy, with exports worth nearly UK£300 million. Figures to October 2010 show that exports of Scottish farmed salmon have increased by almost 10 percent when compared with the same period the previous year. Exports have risen from 55,231 tonnes (Jan-Oct 2009) to 60,599 tonnes (Jan-Oct 2010) as the demand for high quality Scottish farmed salmon continues to increase.

Chinese demand for salmon and salmon products is already large - more than 150 percent of total Scottish output. Demand for Atlantic salmon is expanding fast, up by 42 percent in 2009 to 8,000 tonnes. China is one of the world's largest seafood markets. A range of Scottish fisheries products are now to be granted the certificate by AQSIQ, the Chinese ministerial administrative department in charge of import-export food safety, certification and accreditation and standardisation.

Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "This is a very welcome announcement from China that will boost sales of top quality and sought after Scottish seafood products. It provides a major boost for a crucial Scottish industry, strengthening efforts both to increase exports in a key market and to secure jobs across Scotland.

"It will further strengthen an already successful business sector which has positively weathered the economic downturn. Last year alone, 234 new jobs were created in the salmon industry and UK£29.5million pounds of capital was invested in 2009. The Scottish salmon industry is committed to nurturing a responsible, sustainable and environmentally aware future based on strong fishing heritage and traditions. Read more...

This blog is written by Martin Little The Aquaculturists, published and supported by the International Aquafeed Magazine from Perendale Publishers.