Scottish salmon gains EU protected status as exports approach £1bn.
Scottish salmon has secured protected geographical indication (PGI) status across the European Union, giving legal protection to the term “Scottish salmon” in one of the sector’s most important export markets.
The European Commission decision, which aligns with a UK PGI introduced after Brexit, means only salmon raised in defined areas of Scotland can be marketed as Scottish in the bloc. The geographical designation covers the coastal region of mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.
The move replaces a previous EU protection for “Scottish farmed salmon”. Packaging will continue to indicate that the fish are farmed, and the change has no impact on Scottish wild salmon, which is no longer commercially available.
The protection prevents producers in EU member states from describing fish from other origins as Scottish salmon.
Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export. International sales are expected to reach £1 billion in 2025, after exports rose 33 per cent to £941 million in the 12 months to the end of June. France is the largest overseas market, accounting for more than half of all export sales, with Scottish salmon worth £462 million in 2024. Around a third of exports to France carry the Label Rouge quality mark.
At home, salmon is the UK’s most popular fish, with retail sales reaching £1.5 billion in the 12 months to August amid rising consumer demand.
“Scottish salmon is a premium product, so this decision ensures that European consumers know they are eating the best salmon in the world when they purchase our fish,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland. “The EU PGI will boost consumer confidence across the continent and help us further grow our export market, delivering jobs and investment for rural communities in Scotland. Our salmon farmers work hard to rear their fish, and this recognition by the European Commission is testament to the commitment of all those who continue to meet the growing demand for Scottish salmon at home and abroad.”
UK Government Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said: “Salmon is one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland’s world-class produce and this move will help maintain its hard-earned global reputation for unrivalled quality. As part of our Plan for the Change, the UK Government’s Brand Scotland initiative is fully backing Scotland’s world-class food and drink sector, including securing a trade deal with the EU that will remove red tape for businesses such as Scottish salmon producers to export to the continent.”
According to Salmon Scotland, the sector contributes around £1 billion a year to the UK economy and spends £370 million with 3,600 Scottish suppliers, supporting about 11,000 jobs in total, including 2,500 direct roles in farming. Production around the west coast, Highlands and islands of Scotland provides an estimated 850 million salmon meals a year.
