Scotland seeks share of expanding global seafood market
New global report boosts confidence ahead of world’s largest
seafood show

Seventeen companies exhibiting on the Scottish Pavilion at the
world’s largest seafood show this week (Tuesday 27th April –
Thursday 29th April) are in confident mood following the publication
of an official report showing that global demand continues to rise.

Global seafood consumption grew from 137 million metric tons in
2006 to 140 million metric tons in 2007 and is expected to increase
again to 143 million metric tons in 2008, according to a report from
the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN FAO)
published last week (Tuesday 20th April).

More than 200 representatives from the pelagic, whitefish, shellfish
and salmon sectors have travelled to the European Seafood
Exposition (ESE) in Brussels, undeterred by travel disruptions
following the volcano eruption in Iceland.

Scottish seafood exports are estimated to be worth around £500
million, representing more than 62% by value of total Scottish food
exports (£805 million). Scottish vessels account for approximately
66% of the UK fleet, land roughly 70% of the UK catch, and
capture the bulk of the world's langoustine supplies. Scotland is
the world's second biggest producer of farmed salmon, exporting
to more than 60 international markets.

Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead, who will visit the show, said:

“Our delicious, healthy seafood is playing a pivotal role in
enhancing Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink. ESE
offers companies an excellent opportunity to target international
buyers. Our finest chefs are serving delicious crab, langoustine and
monkfish - the same dishes that have been selected for the
prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition next year. I hope that buyers
will grab the bait!”

Libby Woodhatch, chief executive of Seafood Scotland, which is
hosting the Seafood Bar at ESE said:

“Scottish seafood has a key role to play in leading sustainable
economic growth in the food and drink sector and we anticipate a
lot of interest from overseas buyers in the top quality seafood our
chefs will be sampling.”

Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers'
Organisation (SSPO) and Scottish Quality Salmon (SQS), which is
exhibiting for the first time in six years to promote Label Rouge
Scottish salmon, said:

“The seafood sector is Scotland’s largest food export and a major
supplier to global markets. Scotland is the only significant producer
of farmed salmon within the European Union where it holds a
reputation for high quality, in particular for Label Rouge Scottish
salmon.”

David Smith, interim chief executive of Scottish Development
International, said:

"With the welcome news that there is growing global demand for
seafood, it's more important than ever for Scottish seafood
suppliers to attend exhibitions like ESE.

"Thanks to similar SDI support last year, Scottish seafood
companies secured