Top 10 Salmon Origins in the World

Introduction

Salmon is a nutritious and delicious ingredient, and its origin directly affects its quality and taste. So, which country produces the best salmon in the world? We will introduce premium salmon-producing regions such as Norwegian salmon, Chilean salmon, British salmon, New Zealand King Salmon, Russian salmon, Alaskan salmon, Canadian salmon, Australian salmon, Icelandic salmon, and Japanese salmon. Below, take a look at the top 10 global rankings of the best salmon brought to you by our editors, and learn more about famous salmon origins and related details.

Top 10 Salmon Origins in the World

1. ​​Norwegian Salmon​​ – Annual production of 1.5 million metric tons
2. ​​Chilean Salmon​​ – Annual production of 760,000 metric tons
3. ​​British Salmon​​ – Annual production of 200,000 metric tons
4. ​​New Zealand King Salmon​​ – Annual production of 16,000 metric tons
5. ​​Russian Salmon​​ – Annual production of 600,000 metric tons
6. ​​Alaskan Salmon (USA)​​ – Annual production of approximately 280,000 metric tons
7. ​​Canadian Salmon​​ – Annual production of 145,000 metric tons
8. ​​Australian Salmon​​ – Annual production of approximately 100,000 metric tons
9. ​​Icelandic Salmon​​ – Annual production of 51,000 metric tons
10. ​​Japanese Salmon​​ – Combined wild and farmed production

 An Overview​

1. Norwegian Salmon – Annual production of 1.5 million metric tons / Accounts for half of the global total production. The world’s largest salmon producer and exporter.​​

Norway is the world’s largest salmon producer, accounting for approximately half of the global total production. With a coastline stretching 60,000 kilometers and an excellent marine ecological environment, Norway provides ideal conditions for year-round farming of high-quality salmon. As the first country to initiate Atlantic salmon farming and currently the largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon globally, Norway contributed about 1.5 million metric tons to the total global farmed salmon production of 2.8 million metric tons in 2022. Norwegian salmon farming technology is mature and standardized, primarily focusing on Atlantic salmon. Raised in Norway’s cold, pristine waters following natural growth patterns, the salmon boasts pure freshness, even fat marbling, firm texture, and delicious taste.​​

2. Chilean Salmon – Annual production of 760,000 metric tons. The largest salmon producer in South America.​​

What are the main salmon-producing regions? Chile is one of the largest salmon producers in South America, with gradually increasing production in recent years. Chilean salmon production reached 757,000 metric tons in 2022 and 764,700 metric tons in 2023. Located on the western coast of South America, Chile enjoys unique geographical advantages. Chilean salmon is primarily sourced from the cold waters of the South Pacific off northern Chile, where moderate temperatures and clear waters provide an excellent environment for salmon growth. Chilean salmon is beloved by consumers for its tender and flavorful meat. Additionally, the Chilean salmon industry adheres to high standards to ensure product hygiene and nutritional value, making it competitive in the international market.​​

3. British Salmon – Annual production of 200,000 metric tons. The third-largest salmon-producing region globally.​​

Salmon production in the UK is mainly distributed across England and Scotland, with stable annual output around 200,000 metric tons in recent years, ranking it among the top three farmed salmon producers globally. Scottish salmon was the highest-value food export from the UK in 2023. Scottish salmon is primarily sourced from the nearby North Sea, including Atlantic waters, lakes, and rivers, providing rich natural habitats. Internationally, Scottish salmon is particularly popular in France and has been awarded the Label Rouge certification. Salmon from English waters also boasts high quality and is often used for premium sushi and sashimi.​​

4. New Zealand King Salmon – Annual production of only 16,000 metric tons. A premium salmon variety with the highest price.​​

New Zealand is a world-class salmon origin, and New Zealand King Salmon is the most expensive salmon variety, considered a rare type accounting for less than 1% of global salmon production. New Zealand King Salmon is raised in the deep waters of the Marlborough Sounds in southern New Zealand, where pristine, unpolluted seawater, low temperatures, and tidal-driven salinity variations contribute to its rich, delicate texture and exceptional nutritional value. Recognized as the world’s most delicious salmon, it is aptly named “King Salmon.” It is reported that New Zealand harvests approximately 16,000 metric tons of King Salmon annually, exporting to 37 countries worldwide.​​

5. Russian Salmon – Annual production of 600,000 metric tons.​​

Russia is one of the world’s top ten salmon-producing regions. The origin of salmon is the Bering Sea in the North Pacific, with the Bering Strait—located between Russia and Alaska, USA—being the longest strait in the world. Salmon first appeared in these waters, hence the name “Bering Salmon.” Russia’s primary salmon production base is the port of Murmansk within the Arctic Circle, where the turbulent, cold waters of the northern Barents Sea (part of the Arctic Ocean) yield Russia’s highest-quality salmon, specifically Atlantic salmon. Although Russia’s salmon farming industry developed later, it has expanded rapidly. In 2023, Russia became the world’s largest salmon producer with an output of 600,000 metric tons.​​

6. Alaskan Salmon (USA) – Annual production of approximately 280,000 metric tons. The world’s largest wild salmon origin.​​

Alaska is one of the world’s largest fishing hubs, producing about 90% of commercial Pacific salmon in North America, making it the largest wild salmon origin globally. Five species of Pacific salmon—Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, and Sockeye—spawn in Alaskan waters. Due to their high quality and excellent taste, Alaskan salmon varieties are becoming increasingly popular. In 2023, wild salmon production in Alaska reached 279,804 metric tons, including 110,005 metric tons of Pink salmon, 121,600 metric tons of Sockeye, 45,145 metric tons of Chum, 2,311 metric tons of Coho, and 743 metric tons of King salmon.​​

7. Canadian Salmon – Annual production of 145,000 metric tons.​​

Canadian salmon, also known as Canadian wild red salmon, is renowned for its delicious taste and high-quality products. Canada, located in northern North America, boasts vast marine resources. Canadian salmon is primarily produced along the western coastal regions, including Vancouver Island on the east coast and inland lake areas. With an annual production of about 145,000 metric tons, Canada is one of the top ten farmed salmon countries globally. The Canadian salmon industry emphasizes environmental sustainability, employing modern farming techniques and management models to ensure quality and safety, making it popular in the global market.​​

8. Australian Salmon – Annual production of approximately 100,000 metric tons.​​

Which countries are notable salmon producers? Australia is also an important salmon-producing region. As an island nation, Australia boasts rich marine resources, with salmon being a local specialty alongside Australian lobster. Australia primarily produces wild salmon but also engages in salmon farming projects. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia has abundant cold-water marine resources, yielding high-quality salmon with rich fat content and nutritional value. Australian salmon is mainly produced in Tasmania and South Australia, where clear, unpolluted waters provide an ideal environment for salmon growth and reproduction.​​

9. Icelandic Salmon – Annual production of 51,000 metric tons. The fastest-growing salmon farming industry globally.​​

Iceland, a major fishing nation in Northern Europe, is also a world-renowned salmon origin. Between 2018 and 2021, Iceland’s farmed salmon production increased from 13,500 metric tons to 46,000 metric tons, making it the fastest-growing salmon farming industry globally. By 2023, Iceland’s Atlantic salmon production reached 51,000 metric tons. Iceland’s cold, clear waters, stable temperatures, strong currents, and deep fjords provide unique conditions ideal for salmon farming.​​

10. Japanese Salmon – Wild and farmed.​​

Japan, rich in fishery resources, produces a variety of seafood, including salmon. In Japan, salmon is known as “Sake” and is an important aquatic resource. Japanese salmon includes both wild and farmed types. Wild salmon mainly come from surrounding waters, including Hokkaido and the North Pacific. Farmed salmon also constitutes a significant portion of Japan’s production. Through controlled farming environments, including feed, water quality, and conditions, farmed salmon achieves rapid growth. However, due to the impact of Japan’s nuclear wastewater discharge in 2023, the popularity of Japanese salmon and other seafood products in the international market has declined sharply.