Scottish salmon will be flying the flag for the Highlands as First Minister John Swinney heads to India on a trade mission aimed at opening new markets and bringing investment and jobs to Scotland.
The First Minister will visit Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, meeting businesses and industry representatives as Scotland looks to strengthen economic and cultural connections with one of the world’s largest economies.
Ahead of his visit, Swinney is highlighting Scottish salmon as an example of the opportunities available to businesses that can reach customers beyond their traditional markets.
Around £300 million worth of Scottish salmon is exported through Heathrow Airport to international destinations each year, supporting producers, suppliers and thousands of jobs.
For salmon farming communities across the Highlands and Islands, access to overseas markets is particularly important, with international demand helping sustain employment in some of Scotland’s most remote areas.
The First Minister is visiting Heathrow’s cold storage facilities to see how Scottish salmon is prepared for journeys to customers around the world.
The planned mission comes as Scotland’s food and drink industry looks to take advantage of growing opportunities in India, including changes to trading arrangements that could make Scottish exports more competitive.
Swinney believes stronger connections could benefit far more than food producers, with higher education, tourism and inward investment also featuring in the programme.
He said:
“India is a growing market, offering a golden opportunity for Scotland’s food and drink businesses, higher education sector, tourism and more.
“We must strengthen our economic and cultural ties with India for the benefit of jobs, investment and growth in every part of the country.
“This trade mission to Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai will support Scottish businesses to build connections and seize opportunities that could support jobs and prosperity in all parts of Scotland.
“Supported by a delegation of representatives from different businesses and sectors, including Salmon Scotland, this programme will promote Scotland on the global stage as an attractive place to trade with, invest in, study in and visit.
“As the top food export for the whole of the United Kingdom, Scottish salmon is true success story for Scottish food and drink and is a shining example of what Scottish businesses can achieve when international connections are deepened and opportunities are harnessed.”
Heathrow plays an important role in transporting fresh Scottish seafood to international customers, with air freight allowing perishable products to reach distant markets quickly.
Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow’s Chief Executive, said:
“Whether it’s Scottish salmon reaching customers in India and beyond, or Scottish businesses securing new opportunities in global markets, Heathrow plays a vital role in connecting Scotland to the world.
“As Scottish airports go from strength to strength, Heathrow is proud to complement their success by connecting more Scottish businesses and exporters to global markets driving trade, investment and growth across Scotland.”
Salmon Scotland has welcomed the prospect of greater access to India, particularly as tariffs are removed under new trading arrangements.
Its Chief Executive, Tavish Scott, said:
“I am pleased that the First Minister has taken time to view the impressive air freight logistics operation at London Heathrow.
“This is an important element in how salmon from Scotland reaches customers in 50 countries around the globe.
“The opening of the Indian market as tariffs are removed is a welcome step reinforced by the number of Indian cities that are connected to Heathrow by direct air services.
“Salmon Scotland are grateful for the First Minister and Scottish Government’s recognition of this and we look forward to serving the Indian customers needs for salmon for many years to come.”
The mission is intended to turn those opportunities into stronger commercial relationships, although any additional export sales, investment or employment will depend on agreements reached and demand from Indian customers.
For the Highlands and Islands, the potential significance lies in ensuring that the international success of Scottish produce continues to support the coastal communities where it begins.
