January 13, 2011

 

China permits entry of Scotland's salmon

China allows direct shipments of Scottish salmon exports for the first time following a new agreement.

 

The deal was described as "a major boost" for the seafood industry by Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead.

 

A range of fish products are covered by the new export health certificate, granted by the Chinese ministerial department in charge of import-export food safety.

 

The country is one of the largest and growing markets for salmon in the world, the Scottish Government said.

 

Supplies of fresh, frozen and smoked products totalled more than 217,000 tonnes in 2009 - equivalent to 150% of the total Scottish production.

 

Fresh Atlantic salmon supplies to the Chinese market grew by 42% that year, with further growth expected.

 

New figures to October 2010 show that exports of Scottish farmed salmon increased by almost 10% when compared with the same period the previous year.

 

Mr Lochhead said, "This is a very welcome announcement from China that will boost sales of a top quality and sought after Scottish seafood product. 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."

 

He said the industry has "weathered" the economic downturn, with 234 new jobs created last year.

 

Professor Phil Thomas, chairman of industry representative body Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, said, "Scottish farmed salmon is in high demand at home and overseas because it is a healthy, nutritious and sustainable protein. We have seen major investment in salmon farming in Scotland and this will help to ensure a bright future for a sector that is vital to the Scottish economy."

 

Jim Gallagher, managing director of Scottish Sea Farms Ltd, said, "The People's Republic of China is a major potential market with a significant number of discerning customers who I believe will appreciate the premium quality of our Scottish salmon. This new export opportunity is a welcome addition to the global markets in which we operate and I am confident it will contribute to the continued, sustainable growth of our business."

 

Among the 55 countries importing Scottish farmed salmon, the main market is the UK, followed by other European countries and the USA.

 

The Scottish Government wants to increase the value of the food and drink sectors from GBP10 billion (US$15.75 billion) to GBP12.5 billion (US$19.69 billion) by 2017.