Families are being encouraged to support local fish and chip shops by opting for British-sourced seafood amid rising prices of cod and haddock. The escalating costs of these popular fish choices have put significant strain on shop owners, leading to the closure of approximately 1,500 fish and chip establishments over the past three years, with concerns that more could follow suit.
To shield takeaways from the fluctuations in imported fish prices, particularly from Norway and Iceland, industry leaders are advocating for the inclusion of “Britfish” on menus. This move aims to promote UK-caught species like hake, coley, monkfish, rock salmon, and sea bass. While some of these options were once considered expensive, the substantial increase in cod prices by 200% in the last two years has made them more competitive. This call to action coincides with National Fish and Chip Day.
Ryan Harrison, the proprietor of Harrison’s fish and chip shop in Oxford, highlights the affordability of Cornish rock salmon at £10.95, just a pound more than cod. He emphasizes the strategic advantage of offering a variety of battered UK-caught species, catering to diverse customer preferences and ensuring a sustainable supply for the future.
John Molnar, who owns four shops in Nottingham, underscores the evolving tastes of UK consumers, especially the younger demographic, who are keen to explore new seafood options. Incorporating Britfish into their menu has proven successful, with offerings like Brixham monkfish goujons and innovative seafood-loaded fries gaining popularity.
Gavin O’Donnell, a spokesperson from Discover Seafood, underscores the potential benefits of prioritizing UK-caught seafood, aligning with the national food strategy to enhance food sustainability and support local fisheries. By promoting domestic seafood consumption, there is an opportunity to bolster the UK fishing industry and create employment opportunities both at sea and on land.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, emphasizes the significance of collaboration between industry players to navigate supply challenges and capitalize on the commercial viability of British-sourced seafood. While imported fish will remain essential, leveraging domestic catches can offer resilience to the sector, benefiting fish and chip shop owners, fishermen, and coastal communities alike.
