The ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip industry have launched today (Tuesday 3 May), marking the start of a nine month hunt to find the UK’s best fish and chip businesses.
Casting the net further than ever before, The 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards are calling on major city centre fish and chip businesses to get their entries in – hoping to hoping to ‘hook’ some from Cardiff.
Now in their 29th year, The National Fish & Chip Awards organised by Seafish are recognised as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK – aptly known as the frying ‘Oscars’.
Celebrating the great British tradition of fish and chips, they showcase the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses across the UK through 13 award categories.
Mel Groundsell, Corporate Relations Director of Seafish, said: “With a fast and simple entry process, getting a bite of the action has never been easier. From traditional coastal resorts to buzzing city centres, entries are open to any fish and chip business, big or small, with a passion for frying and providing fantastic customer service.
“With an incredible level of talent in the UK fish and chip industry, it’s important we recognise businesses and individuals for their dedication and expertise. The awards provide an excellent opportunity to put skills and knowledge to the test, while continually setting high standards for the industry to aspire to.”
The flagship Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award is one of the highest industry honours and is undoubtedly the most hotly contested category with businesses vying for the national crown. Previous finalists have reported sales increases averaging 50% – and more!
Reigning champions James and Bonny Ritchie of Simpsons Fish & Chips in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, added: “Winning the 2016 National Fish & Chip Awards was a life changing experience and a moment we’ll treasure forever. It meant so much to us as a family – I genuinely can’t put it into words.
“Taking home the overall title was the ultimate seal of approval from an industry that we’re so honoured to be part of. It’s a true privilege to be regarded as champions and ambassadors in our field and we have grasped any opportunity with both hands to promote the nation’s favourite takeaway. A personal highlight definitely was joining Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield on ITV’s This Morning television programme, to celebrate our success – it doesn’t get much better than that!
“From the moment we were crowned the winners we saw a dramatic increase in business across both our takeaway and restaurant – this continues to grow as the word of our success spreads across the country and even further afield. The award has given us real recognition and respect, and has opened many doors we wouldn’t even have dreamed were possible before. We encourage all fish and chip business who are passionate about what they do to enter – speaking from experience it is truly worth it!”
The award categories for the 2017 awards are:
- Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award
Open to all independent fish and chip businesses with a takeaway facility.
- Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award
Open to all independent fish and chip restaurants.
- Best Mobile Fish and Chip Operator Award
Open to mobile fish and chip businesses.
- Best Multiple Operator Award
Open to fish and chip operators with three or more outlets (including franchises).
- Best Foodservice Operator Award
Open to all general foodservice operators that serve fish and chips, eg., pubs, cafes, department stores, hotels, travel and leisure.
- Best Newcomer Award
Open to fish and chip operators who are new to the industry.
- Staff Training and Development Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses and rewarding excellence in staff training and
development practices and policies.
- From Field to Frier Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses and rewarding knowledge of potato sourcing and chip preparation processes.
- Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award
Open to all applicants who are aged 25 years or younger.
- Marketing Innovation Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses and rewarding excellence in marketing and
promotional activity.
- Good Catch – The Sustainable Seafood Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses, this award rewards knowledge and the promotion of responsible seafood sourcing and sustainability practices.
- NFFF Quality Award Champion Award
Open to all current holders of the National Federation of Fish Friers Quality Award.
- Healthy Eating ‘Fish and Chips’ Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses that are excelling in educating and informing their customers on healthy choices and the nutritional values of fish and chips.
The Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award is one of the highest industry honours to receive as a fish and chip business and previous winners have gone on to great success, reporting sales increases of up to 100%.
For further information on The National Fish & Chip Awards please visit www.fishandchipawards.com or follow @FishnChipAwards.
