Last updated: 3 July, 2024 @ 18:15
High-quality Scottish mackerel is proving popular in Japan with sales surging and more demand expected.
According to figures obtained by the Scottish Pelagic Processors’ Association (SPPA) – which represent all the major Scottish pelagic processors – export sales of frozen whole Scottish mackerel to Japan have soared from 1,074t in 2020 to 15,316t in 2023, with a value of around £25m.
‘Premium quality’
Robert Duthie, chairman of the SPPA said growing sales were a ‘direct reflection of the premium quality of Scottish caught fish, which has been increasingly recognised by Japanese buyers in recent years’.
“We are delighted that the superb quality of Scottish caught mackerel is being recognised by discerning buyers in Japan, and as we build relationships with key customers, we anticipate that market growth will continue.
‘Best possible quality’
“North-east Atlantic mackerel is in its best condition in terms of quality when the shoals enter UK northern waters in October, which lie close to the main mackerel processing centres in the north-east of Scotland and Shetland,” said Robert Duthie.
“This means Scottish boats can land their fish a very short time after catching, ensuring the best possible quality.”
‘High quality, delicious and nutritious’
With investment planned across a number of pelagic processors in Scotland the SPPA said that demand for Scottish mackerel is expected to grow.
“Scottish caught and processed mackerel is a high quality, delicious and nutritious product and we are working hard to forge new and trusted relationships with customers all over the world,” said Robert Duthie.
“With significant new investment by both the processing and catching sectors, Scottish mackerel looks set to become a real export success story.”