Suppliers are hailing brisk demand for salmon, especially premium lines, as the Christmas period approaches.
Sales are particularly strong for smaller gutted fish used for smoking and for the fresh portion market.
Allan Miller, sales director at major supplier Marine Harvest, said:“The market for salmon this year has grown strongly in line with the trend towards healthy food, and our sales too are very buoyant.
“Because salmon is becoming more popular all year round you might expect to see less of a rise during the festive season but people still want salmon, be it smoked or a side of fresh salmon for a buffet.
“And the availability of a wide range of innovative salmon-based ready meals, convenience foods and added value products has helped to widen its appeal.”
Scottish Sea Farms said sales were particularly strong in the UK and to France.
And demand for January and the first quarter of 2005 was already looking good.
Emma Campbell of Macrae Food Group said: “This is shaping up to be our busiest Christmas ever, with consumers recognising the versatility of seafood, particularly ready-to-eat products, for the festive menu.
“We have put a considerable amount of emphasis in the last year on developing new ranges of smoked salmon and party food packs.
“Innovations this year include asparagus hand-wrapped in smoked salmon, and mini bagels filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese.”