Exports of Label Rouge Scottish salmon increased 7 percent from 7,251 metric tons in 2009 to 7,743 metric tons in 2010, the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organization (SSPO) announced on Friday. The previous year, it had increased an impressive 19 percent.
The Label Rouge accolade is awarded by the French government to products of superior quality, particularly in relation to taste. Scottish salmon was the first non-French food item to receive the distinction in 1992, and since then more than 22 million Label Rouge Scottish salmon have been exported.
The SSPO also noted that demand for Label Rouge Scottish salmon is growing beyond its traditional French market, particularly in Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. And, for the first time, Label Rouge Scottish salmon is being promoted in the Middle East, on display at the Gulfood trade show in Dubai from 27 February to 2 March. The product will also be exhibited at the International Boston Seafood Show in March and European Seafood Exposition in May.
“France is the established market for Label Rouge products. However, we are receiving increasing interest from emerging European and Asian markets. Gulfood is the region’s No. 1 food and drink event, and Dubai is one of the world’s richest cities. We hope to identify niche opportunities for Label Rouge Scottish salmon in the region,” said Scott Landsburgh, CEO of Scottish Quality Salmon, the product’s promotional and management arm.
Label Rouge Scottish salmon represents 5 percent of total Scottish salmon production.
