Scottish salmon was the UK’s best meals export in 2022, new HMRC figures have revealed.

Product sales of the nutritious fish grown in chilly waters off the Highlands and islands reached £578 million throughout the calendar 12 months, with France important the worldwide demand.

European areas dominated as a result of the sector continued to bounce once more from Brexit. Scottish salmon was exported to 54 nations, with North America and Asia reporting sturdy demand.

Overseas Scottish salmon product sales outperformed the entire UK’s completely different principal meals exports along with bakery objects, chocolate, cheese, cereals and lamb.

Farm-raised salmon immediately employs 2,500 of us in Scotland and a further 10,000 jobs are relying on the sector.

Modern, total Scottish salmon export product sales of £578 million have been down merely six per cent on 2021 (£614 million) and an similar cost beneath the file £617 million in 2019.

The EU accounted for practically 64 per cent of product sales, with the US and Chinese language language markets remaining widespread.

The quantity of fish transported overseas fell by 26 per cent, reflecting tight supplies globally and additional Scottish salmon being provided throughout the UK house market – which is valued at spherical £1.2 billion-a-year.

All through 2022, Scottish salmon celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of holding France’s prestigious ‘Label Rouge’ certification on the British embassy in Paris, whereas commerce physique Salmon Scotland was moreover welcomed into the worldwide important physique for cooks, Worldchefs.

A university analysis moreover found that Scottish salmon is rather more nutritious than thought – providing better than 70 per cent of every day vitamin D desires in a single portion.

Tavish Scott, chief authorities of Salmon Scotland, said: “Scottish salmon is a uncommon world success story that we’re capable of all be immensely happy with, supporting a whole bunch of jobs and contributing tons of of tens of thousands and thousands of kilos to the UK monetary system.

“With such stress on public suppliers by way of the cost-of-living catastrophe, the revenue generated by our farmers has under no circumstances been further mandatory.

“Scottish salmon, grown sustainably throughout the chilly waters off our west coast, is recognised as the perfect on the planet – which is why it is in such extreme worldwide demand.

“Via accountable progress of the blue monetary system we’ll assist feed the world, rearing a few of the nutritious meals that we’re capable of eat.

“Because of everyone involved from egg to plate for delivering such a worthwhile 12 months for Scottish salmon.”

Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “It is unbelievable to see sturdy product sales of Scottish salmon in 2022 and I must congratulate everyone throughout the sector on one different worthwhile 12 months.

“Scottish salmon is a world-renowned mannequin and its success is testament to the usual of Scottish salmon as a product.

“That is the explanation we’re devoted to our ongoing work to encourage funding in evaluation, enchancment and innovation in Scotland’s aquaculture sector alongside sturdy administration measures, in order that patrons can proceed to have religion throughout the sustainability of Scottish seafood.

“Meals and drinks is one amongst our priority export sectors and the continued progress in world markets means further jobs and funding all through Scotland.

“We’ll proceed to work together with and be all ears to the Scottish salmon enterprise to understand how we’re capable of improve export options and take away limitations to commerce.”