Scottish salmon targets growth in Middle East

As part of its effort to increase Scottish salmon’s share in the Middle East, promotional body Scottish Quality Salmon will bring Label Rouge Scottish Salmon to a major food competition in Dubai.

Organized by the Emirates Culinary Guild, the Gulfood food and hospitality event runs from 19 to 22 February and includes the Emirates Salmon Culinaire competition. Open to professional chefs from the Middle East region, the competition is expected to attract an estimated 1,300 young chefs from around the region who will compete to become the culinary stars of the future. Up to 200 chefs are expected to compete in the seafood class of the competition. 

In the first half of 2011, the value of Scottish salmon exports to the Middle East was up 46 percent year-on-year, rising from GBP 3.45 million to GBP 5.05 million.  Exports of all salmon products to the Middle East have increased year-on-year since 2008, increasing from 974 metric tons in 2008 to 1,927 metric tons in 2010. Last year is forecast to have seen another rise as higher-value, premium salmon has become increasingly popular in the UAE, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Jordan.

Although originally dedicated to the French market, Label Rouge Scottish Salmon has acquired international recognition for its superior quality and taste. Exports of the premium salmon have increased year-on-year since 2008, reaching a record 7,743 metric tons in 2010. The Middle East is an emerging market for Label Rouge Scottish Salmon, with producers attending Gulfood for the first time last year.

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