Scottish salmon exports are on track for a record-breaking year, with France, the US and China leading the growth in demand.
The nine-month total to the end of September has hit £622m, passing the £618m for the whole of 2019 which was the highest ever.
Each quarter of 2024 has seen rises in both volume and sales, with April-to-June recording the largest growth.
The figures confirm Scottish salmon, farmed in five areas across the west coast and northern islands, as the UK’s largest food export.
Salmon is the UK’s most popular fish, with the latest figures showing sales up 9.1% in a year, outpacing the 4.8% growth for all fish.
Salmon sales hit more than £1.2 billion in the 12 months to June, accounting for over a quarter (28%) of all fish bought in the UK.
Trade body Salmon Scotland said the figures reflect strong demand and consumer confidence in Scottish salmon, raised in the waters off the Highlands and islands.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “While this is fantastic news for the health of the nation, it also highlights how vital salmon is for our economy, supporting thousands of jobs – both in remote coastal communities and across Scotland.”
