It is estimated that Scotland’s salmon farmers will produce 217,000 metric tons (MT) of fish in 2021, an increase of 4.5 percent, or 9,300 MT, in 2020.
The increase in production comes despite the sector facing domestic and international challenges, including many key outlets and routes to market for products remaining closed or below capacity through the third quarter of the year.
According to new figures from representative body Salmon Scotland (formerly the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organization), almost GBP 192 million (USD 256 million, EUR 225.6 million) worth of salmon was exported from Scotland in the last quarter, down slightly from GBP 202 million (USD 269.4 million, EUR 237.3 million) in Q2 2021.
However, overall Q1 to Q3 exports in 2021 have eclipsed the whole of 2020 during the pandemic, with almost 80,000 MT of salmon, valued at over GBP 485 million (USD 646.8 million, EUR 569.8 million) sold.
Meanwhile, Atlantic salmon farmgate prices experienced a seasonal decline during the initial stages of Q3 2021 before rallying at the end of the period. However, they remain some way behind the returns recorded pre-pandemic at the end of 2019.
Salmon Scotland’s analysis confirmed the sector’s output during the first three quarters of this year has been challenging due to market access still being restricted in many regions, with passenger flight numbers greatly reduced and increased checks, paperwork, and time in accessing the European market.
Regionally, the north coast and west highlands area produced the most fish – 26 percent of the Q3 total, or 15,900 MT. It was followed by Argyll and Clyde with 14,000 MT, Shetland with 12,400 MT, the Outer Hebrides with 11,700 MT, and Orkney’s 6,700 MT. There are more than 200 active farms across Scotland.
Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said he was optimistic about the sector’s future.
“As more businesses return to full capacity, the outlook for domestic consumption in the restaurant and hospitality sector should remain positive. This is because consumers will take the opportunity to eat out more often while at the same time cooking and enjoying salmon in their own homes. The sector is proving just how robust and agile it is in challenging market conditions. This is clearly very good news for Scotland’s rural and island communities and all who live and work in them,” he said. “As a sector, we will remain a major employer as we consolidate our market position and grow and prosper in the future.”
In recent years, salmon farming has contributed around GBP 640 million (USD 853.5 million, EUR 751.9 million) to the U.K. economy every year and directly employs over 2,500 people. The sector also spends GBP 370 million (USD 493.5 million, EUR 434.7 million) with more than over 3,600 suppliers across Scotland.
Photo courtesy of Salmon Scotland
