The UK fish and chip industry is navigating an unprecedented period of financial strain, as thousands of businesses are reportedly on the verge of collapse. This critical situation is driven by a combination of rapidly escalating costs across energy, cooking oil, and key ingredients such as fish, exacerbated by volatile global markets.
The fishing sector, a foundational element of the supply chain, is particularly impacted by surging fuel expenses.
The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has been vocal about the industry’s precarious position. Andrew Crook, President of the NFFF, criticised Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s Net Zero initiative, describing it as “lacking common sense.” He has urged Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider reductions in fuel duty, especially given the ongoing impact of disruptions in vital maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz on global fuel and distribution costs. “We’re in danger of throwing our economy away to try to meet the arbitrary Net Zero goal,” Mr Crook cautioned, adding, “The price of cod has doubled and it’s very difficult to turn a profit.”
Independent fish and chip shop proprietors are experiencing the sharp end of these economic pressures. Scott Davie, 51, owner of the Dunkeld Fish Bar in Perthshire for 18 years, labelled the rising costs as “mental.” He revealed the arduous commitment required to sustain his business: “I’m putting in 87 hours, doing the job of three people, just to break even.”
Jimmy Buchan, CEO of the Scottish Seafood Association, clarified that the challenges stem from cost inflation rather than a shortage of supply. “There isn’t a shortage of fish in Scotland. The real pressure comes from the rising costs across the supply chain – fuel, energy, labour, packaging, and imported ingredients,” he explained.
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The compounded effect of increased operating expenses, including business rates and utility bills, alongside a downturn in customer spending, is proving detrimental. Industry data suggests a concerning trend of approximately 500 fish and chip shops closing each year, reducing the total number across the UK to around 9,000 establishments. This dynamic is transforming the traditional, affordable British meal into an emerging luxury, with the average cost of cod and chips reportedly reaching or exceeding £10-£12 in numerous locations.
Political figures have also commented on the crisis, with Tory Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith remarking: “Instead of supporting British fish and chips, ministers are all at sea when it comes to the challenges.” In response, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed it is undertaking “detailed work to assess the food sector’s exposure to rising fuel prices.”
This intricate web of domestic economic pressures and international instability poses an unprecedented threat to the long-standing tradition of fish and chips in the UK, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions to secure the industry’s future.
