The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) said figures released by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show that Scotland’s salmon producers achieved a significant boost in exports during the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period last year.

“Exports were valued at around £152 million, that’s around 22,500 tonnes of fresh, chilled Scottish salmon,” said the SSPO.

“It represents an increase of £32 million (27%) on the first quarter of 2018 and is close to 2017 figures, which proved a record year overall for Scottish salmon exports.”

The EU remains the largest single regional market, accounting for more than 45% of Scotland’s salmon exports by value at around £69 million.

France maintains its position as Scottish salmon’s biggest importer followed by the United States, where there has been particularly strong growth, and China.

Sales to Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa fell. 

Scotland’s salmon farming industry has now reached a turnover of more than £1 billion, according to a recent economic impact report carried out for the SSPO by 4-consulting.