Fresh Salmon market leaps 22%

The popularity of fresh salmon in the UK is leaping with an additional 40 million meals being enjoyed over the last two years. As shoppers feel the effects of the credit crunch, new figures from TNS Worldpanel report that the consumption of fresh salmon meals in UK homes has jumped from 179 million in 2006 to 219 million in 2008, an increase of 22%.

With consumers continuing to cut costs, the leading market researchers report that health remains a prime concern for salmon buyers in the UK.

“We welcome the growth in the UK fresh salmon market,” said Scott Landsburgh, the new Chief Executive of Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) during a visit to Scotland’s oldest, independent salmon farming company. “As people are reportedly spending less on eating-out, it is extremely encouraging to see one in five UK households purchasing fresh salmon over the last year.

Mark Thomson, Strategic Insight Director of TNS Worldpanel, added: “One of the key priorities in the current economic climate is health – it is an even bigger influence on consumers. The popularity of fresh salmon continues to leap as its health benefits are increasingly recognised.

“2008 has been a period of change for the grocery environment in Scotland and the rest of the UK. However, food and drink are still priorities for shoppers. As we approach the festive period, shopping baskets appear to be as full as ever,” he added.

News of the increasing demand was welcomed by Ullapool-based, Wester Ross Fisheries, producers of farmed salmon to RSPCA Freedom Food welfare standard.

Gilpin Bradley, Managing Director, said: “We have experienced strong growth in demand, particularly in the local market and specialist retailers. Sales within the Highlands and Islands have increased from 25% to 35% of turnover during the last year as local people enjoy eating locally-grown salmon. We also supply Highland salmon smokers who provide much-needed full-time employment in remote communities.”

Published this week, the latest annual survey anticipates modest growth for Scottish salmon production, from 129,930 tonnes in 2007 to approximately 136,000 tonnes in 2008.

Responding to the Scottish Government’s ‘A Fresh Start: Consultation on a Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture’ which closed for comments on 5th November, the new Chief Executive of the salmon farming representative body welcomed Ministers’ intentions to create an “industry that is ambitious, thriving, growing, diverse and profitable.”

“The global demand for seafood continues to increase and Scotland’s salmon farmers are keen to play their part, contributing to the development of local and national economies,” said Landsburgh. “We will continue to work with government to deliver our joint aspirations for economic, social and environmental sustainability,” he added.