The average price of a portion of cod and chips across the UK has reached £11.41, while haddock and chips now costs an average of £10.29, according to a new report from industry body Seafish. The report, the first of its kind by Seafish, found that approximately 7,210 fish and chip shops operate across the UK.
Rising Costs Pressure Fish and Chip Shops
Rising costs for fish, potatoes, oil, and energy are putting significant pressure on shop owners, many of whom are adapting by diversifying their menus with items such as kebabs, pizzas, or masala fish, or by cutting options to improve efficiency. The report highlights the challenges facing the sector, but also underscores its resilience.
Cod, haddock, scampi, and fishcakes are the most common seafood products on menus. Haddock dominates in Scotland and parts of Yorkshire and the Midlands, while cod remains the preferred choice elsewhere in the UK.
Sector Plays Vital Role in Local Economies
Report author Jennifer Robson from Seafish said: “Our report confirms that fish and chips is very much alive and kicking in the UK – it remains one of the nation’s most iconic and recognisable meals, enjoyed by millions of people every year. We embarked on this research to better understand a sector that plays a very important role in local economies and communities across the UK and provides a vital route through which consumers can enjoy seafood.”
Robson added that fish and chip shops also connect the public with a wide range of seafood beyond traditional cod and haddock, including lesser-known species such as plaice, skate, and pollock, which offer excellent eating quality and greater choice.
Industry Leaders Highlight Resilience
National Federation of Fish Friers president Andrew Crook commented: “This is a very welcome report – its findings help us not only to benchmark the fish and chip sector, but also start to calculate its value to the economy. The findings also highlight the resilience and adaptability of fish and chip businesses. While the sector faces challenges, businesses continue to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and operating conditions while maintaining a food tradition that remains an important part of British culture.”
