Plea to support Cornish fishermen as Fish and Chip shops struggle
There were 36.6 million less fish and chips meal servings served in Great Britain last year
People are encouraged to support fishermen in Cornwall as figures reveal a fall in fish and chip servings by 21%.
Research shows fish and chip shops are struggling due to rising costs and supply chain disruptions predicted to worsen as a result of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Recent figures reveal the UK imported over a million tonnes of seafood in 2023, with cod remaining among the top five most imported and consumed species.
There were 36.6 million less fish and chips meal servings served in Great Britain last year, down 21% from 2023. Fish and chips servings are struggling across all food service and particularly in Fish and Chip Shops where 60% of the servings were lost, according to Seafish market research.
Supply chain disruptions, predicted to worsen as a result of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, have put a strain on the fish and chip shop trade.
In response, the National Federation of Fish Friers has partnered with Seafood Cornwall to launch a national campaign Choose Cornish at the Chippy.
From January 31st, fish and chip shops across the country will be serving Cornish Rock Salmon to prove to customers there’s more fish to love than just cod and haddock.
Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said:
"During both World Wars, fish and chips were considered so essential to the British spirit they were kept off ration. Today, with global supply challenges driving up the cost of imported fish, this campaign reminds us of the importance of celebrating what we have at home.
"With Cod availability being the lowest it has been since 1991 it is important we look at alternative species to ease pressure. By trying British-caught species like Cornish Rock Salmon, we’re supporting our local fishermen, reducing our reliance on imports, and ensuring fish and chips continue to bring people together for generations to come."
Fish friers nationwide are grappling with a dilemma - absorb rising costs or pass them onto customers.
The average price for a portion of fish and chips has risen by more than 50% to nearly £10 in the five years to July 2024. It has risen in price more than any other It has risen in price more than any other UK takeaway options.
"An unsettling time"
Co-owner of Cornwall Fish Direct, Antony Hosking, emphasised the importance of the partnership for a secure food future for the UK: “It is a brilliant idea, who better to promote just how good home caught fish is than our own chippies.
"It’s an unsettling time with the rising costs of doing business but there are affordable local fresh fish options available. As a nation, we just need to be better at eating and promoting them.”
Cornish Rock Salmon is a mild, sweet, and meaty white fish that has a pink hue before frying.
A bycatch fishery that is caught when fishermen are targeting other species, the fish is under-loved in the UK and mostly exported to Europe.
Thanks to effective fisheries management and a partnership project with fishermen and scientists, its population has been increasing in the Celtic Sea, and there’s now a growing effort to make the most of these abundant but underappreciated fish.
Chris Ranford, Chief Executive of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation said: “Cornish fishermen have long been at the forefront of sustainable fishing and our aim is to build a competitive market while boosting domestic consumption.
"Cornish fishermen at the forefront of sustainable fishing"
"Despite the abundance of fish in our waters, around two thirds of what we catch in the UK is exported. Through initiatives like Seafood Cornwall’s 'Choose Cornish at the Chippy' campaign, we’re working across sectors to provide options with lower food miles that are potentially more affordable and make the most of the species on our doorstep.”