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November 24th 2020

Scottish salmon is back on the menu for consumers in Saudi Arabia after a change in the Kingdom's seafood regulations had seen such exports to the country from the UK cease in mid-2019.

Scottish Development International have worked hard over the last year and a half to resolve the trade barrier and this week saw the first consignment of fresh salmon arrive in Saudi Arabia.

It means Scottish salmon producers can once again directly access the Saudi Arabian market with weekly orders expected to follow.

Welcoming the news Tavish Scott, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation said: "This is excellent news. This year has been one of upheaval and uncertainty in the export markets due to Covid and the success in overcoming the barriers to trade in Saudi Arabia is a welcome signal for Scottish salmon exports."

Mowi Scotland supplied the first order and believes it will add to their regular schedule of exports to the Middle East.

Jamie McAldine of Mowi said: "Saudi Arabia is the largest market in the Middle East and it is great to be able to meet the demand for our high quality Scottish salmon. Health is high on the agenda in Saudi Arabia and the well-known health benefits of Atlantic salmon fit perfectly with this agenda. We are grateful to SDI, Seafood Scotland, Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation and our full supply chain within Mowi Scotland for their support in making this market re-entry possible."

Clare MacDougall, Head of Trade Marketing for Middle East, at Seafood Scotland said: "It's welcome news that Scottish Salmon is again being exported to Saudi Arabia. Across the Scottish seafood industry exporting has been challenging recently and it's great to see the support from multiple agencies in assisting trade in this market."

Prior to the regulatory change Scotland's salmon farmers had been annually exporting around 40 tonnes of fresh fish to the country.

READ MORE: Scottish Salmon Sector's Sustainability Charter