May 3, 2023

 

Scotland's Label Rouge salmon eyes Europe with ambitious growth plans

 

Scotland's premium Label Rouge salmon is set to target European markets with an ambitious growth plan to boost its rural economy and enhance Scotland's reputation for food and drink, Fish Information & Services reported.

 

The quality mark for Scottish salmon was the first non-French product to be awarded the accolade 30 years ago and currently accounts for 12% of Scottish salmon exports.

 

The aim is to increase this to 15% by 2026 with plans to tap into countries such as Germany, Spain, and Italy where the quality mark is increasingly being recognised.

 

French authorities set strict quality control standards for farmers to be certified by the Label Rouge assurance scheme, providing their fish with a natural protein-heavy diet that helps further enhance taste and texture.

 

The plan was unveiled in Spain by trade bodies Salmon Scotland and Scottish Quality Salmon at the global Seafood Expo, the world's largest seafood trade event, attended by buyers, suppliers, media, and other seafood professionals from more than 160 countries.

 

Scottish salmon is the UK's biggest food export with over 72,000 tonnes of fish worth GBP 578 million (~US$723 million; GBP 1 = US$1.25) sent to international markets last year. France accounted for 53% of exports, but sales were recorded to a total of 54 countries.

 

Salmon Scotland and Scottish Quality Salmon's growth plan has been welcomed by both the Scottish and UK governments.

 

Su Cox, chair of Scottish Quality Salmon, said Label Rouge Scottish salmon is considered to be one of the finest salmon available globally, adding that their fish are grown under strict quality control standards and certified by an exacting quality assurance scheme that is recognised worldwide and guaranteed provenance.

 

Mairi Gougeon MSP, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said they are committed to encouraging investment in research, development and innovation in Scotland's aquaculture sector and will continue to work closely with the Scottish salmon industry to further improve export opportunities and see more consumers enjoying Label Rouge salmon as a result.

 

-      Fish Information & Services