£130 million opportunity: First major Scottish salmon shipment reaches India
“India has phenomenal potential as a growing market for premium and sustainable Scottish salmon” – Tavish Scott, Salmon Scotland
What is being billed as the first significant shipment of Scottish salmon has arrived in India after a free trade deal with the South Asian powerhouse.
The salmon - freshly harvested from Scotland’s west coast by producer Bakkafrost Scotland - arrived at Sashimi Foods in Bengaluru on Friday.
Sent via Heathrow Airport, the delivery arrived less than two weeks after the UK government’s trade deal with India came into force, which has led to a 33 per cent tariff being lifted.
Estimates indicate the agreement could be worth up to £130 million to Scotland’s salmon farmers in the next decade. Scottish salmon is the UK’s biggest food export category with international sales topping some £828m in 2025.
Ian Laister, managing director at Bakkafrost Scotland, said: “The removal of the tariffs is a huge opportunity for us, and we look forward to continuing to grow our business there.
“The timing is particularly significant with Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games before handing the baton to India, and this deal symbolises the enduring connections between our nations, built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to sustainable economic growth.”
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, added: “India has phenomenal potential as a growing market for premium and sustainable Scottish salmon.
“We have been working hard with the UK government and business partners in India to make the most of this opportunity for all our farming companies and the wider economy.
“With the first shipment having arrived in India, this is the start of a close relationship that could unlock tens of millions of pounds in exports each year, supporting well-paid jobs, investment, and growth here at home.”
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