International sales of Scottish salmon hit a record high of £844 million in 2024, soaring by 45% in a year to remain the UK’s top food export.

Growth of more than 60% was recorded in Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan.

Total volume of salmon exports rose 59% to 101,466 tonnes.

Farmed in Scottish waters off the north west Highlands, Argyll and Bute, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland, exports were sent to 48 countries in 2024.

UK HMRC figures published on Thursday confirmed that Scottish salmon remains the top UK food export, ahead of cheddar cheese, lamb, sauces and seasonings, and beef.

The 2024 salmon export total smashed the previous record of £618 million set in 2019.

Scottish salmon is the largest export by volume that goes through Heathrow Airport, where it travels on scheduled flights to multiple international destinations and maintains its freshness.

France remains the top market, accounting for 55% of total value of all Scottish salmon exports, followed by the United States on 27%.

The new figures come after survival rates on salmon farms in Scotland — where fish spent up to two years — reached a four-year high of 82.3% in 2024 following multi-million pound tech investments to enhance animal welfare.

This improvement in survival has led to more food being available to export to meet international demand. At the same time, Salmon is also the UK’s most popular fish.

The salmon sector directly employs around 2,500 people in coastal communities, with the supply chain adding another 10,000 jobs – generating hundreds of millions of pounds for the Scottish and UK economies.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, said:  “Today’s record exports demonstrate the increasing global demand for Scottish salmon, which is rightly recognised as the best in the world and increasingly sought after by discerning consumers.

“Salmon farmers in our rural and coastal communities go out every day to raise healthy fish which end up on plates in dozens of countries.

“Producers have also invested hundreds of millions of pounds to further boost already world-leading welfare standards. And, here at home, nutritious salmon is the UK’s most popular fish – helping to improve people’s diets.

“Scotland’s salmon sector is heavily regulated by government – we need better, not less regulation. That is the task for government and if that is delivered that then we can create more jobs and economic growth.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:  “These exceptional figures clearly demonstrate the surging global demand for Scottish salmon, which is rightly recognised as a premium high-quality product.

“The farmed salmon sector is very important to our economy, providing well paid, high skilled jobs in Scotland’s rural and island communities.

“The Scottish Government is fully committed to working with industry to aid sector growth in overseas markets, whilst solidifying their premier status in domestic markets. In doing so, we will continue to drive sustainable growth, which will have significant economic benefits.”