The annual sales value of Scottish salmon is closing in on GBP 1.6 billion (USD 2.14 billion, EUR 1.85 billion) as volumes continue to grow.
Salmon Scotland reported the country sold 81,000 metric tons (MT) of salmon in the 12 months ending in April 2026, an increase of 8.5 percent year over year. Sales value reached GBP 1.59 billion (USD 2.12 billion, EUR 1.84 billion) in the period, up 7.3 percent over the same period of the prior year.
“These figures show salmon’s popularity continues to grow with shoppers across the UK,” Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said in a release. “At a time when overall fish sales are flat, salmon is bucking the trend, with more people choosing it for everyday meals, summer gatherings, and special occasions.”
For the 52-weeks ending 18 April, 2026, total fish and seafood sales were basically flat, with a small decrease of 0.1 percent. Of the 410,771 MT of total fish and seafood sales, salmon made up 81,448 MT – the largest share – though that total also includes some non-Scottish salmon sold in the U.K., according to Salmon Scotland.
By value, salmon dominates all other seafood species and is more than triple the sales value of tuna or cod. The number two, three, and four species by value – tuna, cod, and warm water prawns – combined make up GBP 1.49 billion (USD 1.99 billion, EUR 1.73 billion) in sales, coming in behind salmon on its own.
Salmon Scotland said those figures are positive ahead of the World Cup this summer, with the trade body saying salmon is “well suited to barbecues, salads, simple dinners, and World Cup match-day platters.”
“Whether it’s a healthy midweek dinner, a barbecue with friends, or a World Cup get-together, salmon is nutritious, versatile, and easy to enjoy,” Scott said. “That demand is being seen at home and overseas, with Scottish salmon remaining the UK’s largest food export.”
Scottish salmon is the U.K.’s top food export by value, with international sales of the product worth GBP 828 million (USD 1.1 billion, EUR 959 million) in 2025. Salmon Scotland said the continued success of the product is a reflection of the consumer demand for Scottish salmon.
“That is good news for consumers and good news for Scotland’s coastal communities, where salmon farming supports jobs, investment, and economic growth,” Scott said.
