The European Commission has confirmed that “Scottish salmon” is now a protected geographical indication, meaning only fish raised in defined Scottish coastal regions can carry the name within the EU. The decision replaces the previous protection for “Scottish farmed salmon” and brings the EU label into line with the UK PGI introduced after Brexit.
Under the strict geographical designation, only salmon reared in the coastal region of mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland may be sold as Scottish in EU markets. The protection also blocks attempts by producers elsewhere in Europe to market their fish as Scottish salmon, closing potential loopholes around origin labelling.
Trade body Salmon Scotland says the PGI will give European shoppers added confidence that they are buying genuine Scottish fish, reinforcing the sector’s reputation for quality and traceability. The EU is already a crucial market, with France alone accounting for around half of all Scottish salmon exports and sales to that country worth hundreds of millions of pounds a year.
The new protection lands as international demand continues to rise, with global salmon exports from Scotland approaching £1 billion on a rolling annual basis. Industry leaders argue that a clearer, legally protected label will support further growth, particularly in premium segments such as France’s Label Rouge market, which already covers about a third of Scottish salmon exports to the country.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, welcomed the ruling as formal recognition of the sector’s high standards and export importance. He said the EU decision would “boost consumer confidence across the continent and help us further grow our export market, delivering jobs and investment for rural communities in Scotland,” highlighting the role of salmon farming in fragile coastal economies.
Scott also praised the farmers behind the product, stressing that “our salmon farmers work hard to rear their fish, and this recognition by the European Commission is testament to the commitment of all those who continue to meet the growing demand for Scottish salmon at home and abroad.” Industry representatives emphasise that the change will not affect wild Scottish salmon, which is no longer commercially available, and that packaging will continue to make clear that fish are farm-raised.
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The UK Government’s Scotland Office has framed the EU decision as a win for Brand Scotland and for the wider food and drink sector. Minister Kirsty McNeill described salmon as “one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland’s world-class produce” and said the move would help protect its global reputation for quality while supporting efforts to remove export red tape.
Officials point out that the updated PGI sits alongside existing quality marks and promotional campaigns aimed at growing high‑value European sales. Earlier this year, Salmon Scotland and the Scottish Government jointly funded a £100,000 push to raise the profile of Label Rouge Scottish salmon in France and other key EU markets, underlining the importance of protected status in the sector’s growth strategy.
