The wholesale market for fresh food is one of the largest in Europe and one of Scotland’s key export destinations for its premium seafood. Spain imported £91 million worth of Scottish seafood in 2022, including langoustines, scallops and live shellfish. It remains a top 20 destination for Scottish salmon.
According to official Mercabarna figures, Scottish salmon sales increased by 18.46% between 2023 and 2024, from 8,280 to 9,809 tonnes. Frozen langoustine volumes grew by 6.76% over the same period.
The agreement will help Scottish exporters better understand shifting consumer preferences, ensuring products are tailored to meet local demand and capitalise on Spain’s growing appetite for premium seafood.
A key element of the collaboration is education. Seafood Scotland has become a sponsor of Mercabarna’s Interactive Fish Centre, which welcomes up to 5,000 schoolchildren each year through its Grow with Fish programme. Since 2010, more than 100,000 pupils have taken part in this initiative, which promotes seafood, sustainability and healthy eating.
Marie-Anne Omnes, head of trade marketing for Europe at Seafood Scotland, said: “Mercabarna is at the heart of Europe’s seafood trade, and this partnership opens valuable doors for Scotland. It will help our producers strengthen relationships with buyers, gain insight into emerging trends and ensure Scottish seafood continues to meet the needs of a changing market.
“Together, we can champion sustainability, education and shared growth, demonstrating why Scottish seafood remains among the most trusted and sought-after in the world.”