Scottish salmon has secured protected legal status across the EU, joining the ranks of parmigiano reggiano and scotch whisky.
The official protected geographical indication is designed to give European consumers confidence that they are eating Scottish salmon.
This aligns with a new UK PGI already in place following Brexit, and is designed to recognise the Scottish product as premium.
The strict geographical designation will include “the coastal region of mainland Scotland, Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland Isles” and only salmon raised in these areas can be called Scottish salmon across the channel.
The EU has also decided to amend the previously protected name of “Scottish farmed salmon” although packaging will still make it clear the salmon are farm-raised.
“Scottish salmon is a premium product, so this decision ensures European consumers know they are eating the best salmon in the world when they purchase our fish,” said Tavish Scott, CEO of Salmon Scotland. “The EU PGI will boost consumer confidence across the continent and help us further grow our export market, delivering jobs and investment for rural communities in Scotland.”
Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export, with international sales in 2025 expected to hit £1bn for the first time.
“Salmon is one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland’s world-class produce and this move will help maintain its hard-earned global reputation for unrivalled quality,” said UK government Scotland office minister Kirsty McNeill. “As part of our Plan for Change, the UK government’s Brand Scotland initiative is fully backing Scotland’s world-class food and drink sector, including securing a trade deal with the EU that will remove red tape for businesses such as Scottish salmon producers to export to the continent.”
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