UK Fish and Chip Prices Soar Past £11 a Portion Amid Rising Costs

The average price of cod and chips in the United Kingdom has surpassed £11 for the first time, reaching £11.41, according to a report by industry body Seafish. A portion of haddock and chips now averages £10.29.

Rising costs for essential ingredients like fish and potatoes, as well as escalating oil and energy prices, are placing significant pressure on the approximately 7,210 fish and chip shops operating across the UK. In response, many shop owners are diversifying their offerings to include items such as kebabs, pizzas, burgers, and chicken wings, or reducing menu options to improve efficiency.

Staff shortages and recruitment challenges have also been identified as significant issues impacting business owners. The report highlights the risk of closures, which could affect local high streets and seafood supply chains.

The Seafish report, the first of its kind to gather such data, identified cod, haddock, scampi, and fishcakes as the most common seafood items on fish and chip shop menus. Haddock is more prevalent in Scotland, Yorkshire, and the Midlands, while cod remains the most popular choice in other parts of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Regional price variations were noted, with the average price for a fish supper being £9.53 in Scotland, £10.42 in England, £12.16 in Northern Ireland, and £12.91 in Wales.

Jennifer Robson, the report's author from Seafish, emphasized that fish and chips remain an iconic and recognizable meal enjoyed by millions, playing a vital role in local economies and communities. The research also aims to better connect consumers with a wider variety of seafood beyond traditional cod and haddock, including lesser-known species that offer excellent eating quality and greater choice.

Nearly all fish and chip shops now offer a combined menu, featuring items beyond seafood, such as pies, kebabs, burgers, and chicken wings. Traditional accompaniments like mushy peas, gravy, curry sauce, pickled onions, and pickled eggs remain popular. The report also noted the increasing presence of dishes like masala fish, originating from South Asian cuisine, particularly in the Midlands, and fish pakoras, especially in areas where fish and chip shops are combined with Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani restaurants. Grilled fish options, sometimes featuring peri peri seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs as an alternative to traditional batter are also appearing on menus. Yorkshire fishcakes, calamari, and cod roe are also common offerings.

The analysis also found that many establishments list 'old age pensioner' (OAP) fish and chips, which are typically smaller portions. The average price for these smaller portions was £8.58. The report identified the over-60 demographic as a key consumer group for the sector.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), an organization that assisted with the report, stated that the findings help benchmark the sector and calculate its economic value. He also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of fish and chip businesses in evolving to meet changing consumer preferences and operating conditions.

Seafish conducted the analysis using data from various sources, including the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (Fasfa), NFFF, Food Standards Agency records, food delivery platforms, and online menu information. The menu analysis was based on a sample of approximately 10 percent of independent fish and chip takeaways in the UK in March, excluding full-service restaurants. Seafish plans to conduct this research annually with a larger sample size, including restaurants, to provide a more comprehensive overview.